By Marcus Moloko
Incoming South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu has pledged that the revenue authority will intensify its fight against the illicit economy, while continuing to strengthen compliance and revenue collection.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently appointed Makhubu to lead SARS for a five-year term, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, who steps down after steering the institution through a period of stabilization and record-breaking performance.
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At a briefing confirming the leadership transition, Kieswetter said SARS was stable, and governance processes had ensured a smooth handover.
“The transition is governed, and Commissioner Makhubu assumes full authority,” he said.
Kieswetter expressed confidence that Makhubu would take the organization “to new heights.”
Makhubu, identified as the finance minister’s preferred candidate, emphasized the importance of protecting SARS’s integrity and role in combating economic crime.
“This character of resonating values between myself and the organization will become quite important. Let me state that SARS is a special organization, one that needs to be treasured and protected,” Makhubu said at the briefing on Saturday morning.
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He highlighted the institution’s recent milestone, with SARS collecting more than R2 trillion in revenue for the 2025-2026 financial year, the highest in its history.
“Behind that result stand 14,500 men and women of SARS working tirelessly to deliver our mandate, which is to collect all revenues that are due, to ensure compliance, and to facilitate legitimate trade. Team SARS is made up of phenomenal people who, especially over the last seven years, have come together to turn this organization around into one that they once again can be proud of.”
Makhubu stressed that SARS’s mission extended beyond revenue collection, linking its work to broader economic and social outcomes.
“Service is special because ultimately our work is about people and at its core it’s about changing lives, especially the lives of the most vulnerable. By collecting all revenue that is due, we enable government to build a capable state that fosters sustainable economic growth and social development that serves the well-being of all South Africans.”
