'I'm here to be a blessing.' - Getting to know SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter
Kieswetter's term, which he's held since 1 May 2019, was recently extended by another two years.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter 702
Clement Manyathela sits down with South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter.
(Click below to listen to the full interview)
"I hope my boss doesn't mind that I'm hanging out with you in the middle of the work day," jokes Kieswetter.
But jesting aside, time away from the office could be concerning for the man holding one of the most important jobs in the country's administrative structure, heading up the revenue service of the South African government.
Having previously held the positions of SARS Chief Operating Officer, as well as Deputy Commissioner, Kieswetter returned to the service on 1 May 2019, tasked with rebuilding SARS after it fell victim to state capture.
Kieswetter's term was due to end this month, but has been extended for a further two years.
The wine lover, bookworm and trained bishop, sat down with Manyathela for an intimate conversation about his life and humble beginnings.
"We were materially deprived, we had very little. Often we would go to bed with a slice of dry bread and some meilie pap. But one thing we were blessed with, with two humble parents, was a clear sense of identity. We knew who we were."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
"The most precious gifts I received as a boy growing up in the dusty township of Kensington was, from my dad, the gift of the ethic of hard, honest work, which I use to this day. And from my mum, I learnt the purpose of my life - I'm here to be a blessing."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
Kieswetter explains how he was a curious child, but was subjected to psychological assessments.
"I was myopic, I couldn't see, and I was shy. And I sat in the class and my work retarded. And it was only the careful observation of my mother, who took me for eye tests."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
Kieswetter details the weekly trips he and his mother took to the Mental Health Society, where he was given 'all kinds of tests'.
The final report concluded nothing was 'wrong' with Kieswetter, and confirmed he was actually a smart kid.
Then they said "if he's smart, but still falling behind, he must have a bad mother", recalls Kieswetter.
"We were subjected to random visits, to see if we were at school, to see if my mother was taking care of us."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
These days, Kieswetter says, it's a blessing to have a life which inspires others.
"It's wonderful to hear that one's humble and simple life has the ability to awaken and inspire, especially the young people."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
He spends much of his spare time writing, and he hopes to pen and publish a memoir. But in the meantime, he has plenty of non-published personal writing to draw from.
"When my parents grew older, I wanted to express my deep appreciation for their contribution to my life, and I wrote a book, and the title of the book is 'Parents Perfect For Me'."
Edward Kieswetter, SARS Commissioner
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