Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has hailed the appointment of Mr Dumisani E. Masilela as the new Executive Secretary of the Southern African Customs Uniona (SACU), describing the development as a proud moment for the nation and a significant milestone for regional economic cooperation.
Masilela is set to assume the role on 1 March 2026.
In its official congratulatory statement, the Government emphasised that Masilela’s track record speaks for itself. It praised his 35-year career in public finance, economic governance and revenue administration, noting that his leadership has helped shape Eswatini’s fiscal landscape and contributed to global economic governance initiatives. The Government added that his new role reflects both his personal excellence and Eswatini’s growing influence in regional economic affairs.
“Masilela’s appointment is a testament to his expertise and a recognition of Eswatini’s standing in the regional economic landscape,” the statement read. “His deep experience in policy reform, revenue modernisation and strategic leadership will greatly benefit SACU’s mandate.”
As SACU Executive Secretary, Masilela will be based in Namibia, where the organisation’s Secretariat is headquartered. His responsibilities will include implementing decisions of SACU’s governing structures, providing strategic direction, facilitating trade negotiations, and strengthening coordination among the five Member States: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. SACU, established in 1910, is the world’s oldest customs union and plays a central role in regional trade integration, revenue sharing and policy harmonisation.
The Government concluded by reaffirming its commitment to supporting Masilela in his new role. “We are confident that his leadership will help advance SACU’s vision for shared prosperity among member states.”
Masilela’s announcement was first made by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, who confirmed that Masilela emerged as the top candidate following rigorous interviews conducted by Finance Ministers from all SACU Member States in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rijkenberg said Masilela had accepted the appointment and would be supported by all SACU countries as he takes on the region’s most influential trade and customs role.
According to the Minister, Eswatini has every reason to celebrate. “Masilela came first in the interviews, and all Member States supported his appointment. His leadership journey places him among the region’s finest talents, and we are proud that he will now lead SACU,” he said. Rijkenberg highlighted Masilela’s extensive expertise, including his successful tenure as the first Commissioner General of the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS), formerly the Swaziland Revenue Authority when it began operations in 2011.
Mr Masilela led the ERS for 12 years, overseeing major institutional reforms, significantly improving tax compliance, and driving consistent domestic revenue growth. He left the organisation in January 2022 to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he has since served as a Technical Assistance Advisor, first in the regional office in Tanzania and later at the IMF Headquarters in Washington D.C. There, he has worked with developing countries on implementing Medium-Term Revenue Strategies aimed at strengthening domestic resource mobilisation.
For Eswatini, Masilela’s appointment is not only a personal triumph but a national honour — a reflection of the country’s capacity to produce leaders who make a meaningful impact on the regional and global stage.
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