Kieswetter says public trust in SARS continues to improve

South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner Edward Kieswetter said public trust in the tax authority continues to improve after a tough decade of controversies.

Kieswetter was honoured with the “Kathy” award at the annual Ahmed Kathrada Foundation fundraising banquet this past weekend.

Between 2014 and 2019, SARS suffered major setbacks, including a decline in service, trust and performance.

The tax authority was also mired by claims of political interference and allegations of corruption.

Kieswetter told attendees gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre that protecting the institution’s integrity remains foremost.

“SARS is a national treasure that we must protect. It seems unusual to talk about it in this way, but SARS is not merely a collector of revenue. It is a guardian of the fiscal foundation of our democracy and far too often underappreciated.”

He said confidence in SARS has improved from 48% in 2019 to 75% in the latest independent survey.

“Let us commit ourselves to lead with humility, serve with compassion, and protect the institutions that hold our democracy, and ensure that SARS remains a national treasure, jealously protected, wisely invested in.”