Editorial

In September this year we bade farewell to two remarkable individuals – Pravin Gordhan and Juha Hintsa - who, over many years, have played a significant role in promoting the academic standing of the customs profession. This edition of the World Customs Journal is dedicated to their memory.

Pravin Gordhan was in many ways a figurehead of the customs community. He was appointed Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 1999 to 2009 during which time he developed what many consider to be the blueprint of a modern tax and customs administration. During this time Pravin also served as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council where he again proved to be an inspirational leader.

A political activist, Pravin was a Member of the South African Parliament from 1994, and a Member of the Executive from 2009. His portfolios in the South African Cabinet included Minister of Public Enterprises, Minister of Finance and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Pravin was also a great supporter of the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) and the World Customs Journal. His contribution to the first edition of the Journal (March 2007) continues to resonate today:

It’s no longer business as usual! The challenges of the 21st Century are placing massive demands on customs administrations. Now, more than ever before, there is a need for customs administrations to be more responsive. An understanding is required of issues such as globalisation, the dynamics of international trade, the technicalities of the trade supply chain, emerging policy directions and the complexities of the global landscape. It is imperative that we encourage and stimulate greater intellectual output and analysis. The new and emerging challenges will impact on our future development and demand a more proactive and action-orientated approach.^[1]

Juha Hintsa was a distinguished figure in the customs and international trade community and one of the most prolific researchers in the field of customs and supply chain security. He was one of the founding partners of the Global Customs Research Network, and the founder of the Cross-border Research Association (CBRA) in Lausanne, where he was involved in over 40 research projects.

Juha served as a member of the World Customs Journal Editorial Board from its inception. He was also a founding member of the INCU and was one of only a handful of academics who helped create the WCO’s Partnership in Customs Academic Research and Development (PICARD) Program and served as a member of the PICARD Advisory Board.

His passion for supply chain security was evident throughout his career, and his first contribution to the Journal (September 2007) was of course on that very subject:

In order to have successful future supply chain security management standards, it must be ensured that the participating companies get tangible benefits for their efforts, with one of the main benefits being preferential treatment at border crossing points, both in normal conditions and in high alert and post disaster situations. How to do this remains a key topic for future supply chain security research as well as governmental policy development work.^[2]

The leadership and contributions of Pravin and Juha have left an indelible mark on the field of border management and international trade. Their unwavering commitment and professionalism have set a standard for all who had the privilege of working alongside them. Their legacy continues to inspire us as we move forward, building upon the foundation they helped to create. Though they are no longer with us, their impact will be felt for years to come.

The World Customs Journal Editorial Board extends its sincere condolences to the families of Pravin and Juha.