Godongwana looks to future as Makhubu succeeds Kieswetter at SARS

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says he’s looking forward to working with the new Commissioner of the Revenue Service, Johnstone Makhubu, to build on the solid foundation left by incumbent Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

Makhubu was announced as Kieswetter’s successor by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday.

Currently, one of Kieswetter’s three deputies, Godongwana, said Makhubu will be leading SARS at a unique and challenging juncture in the country’s economic landscape.

Meanwhile, Kieswetter said President Ramaphosa could not have selected a more qualified individual to take over from him.

READ: Dr Ngobani Makhubu appointed new SARS Commissioner

On Wednesday, SARS announced a record R2-trillion tax haul following years of state capture at the Revenue Service.

The National Treasury says the appointment process for a new SARS head that began last year, and that was led by former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene, was designed with the recommendations of the Nugent Commission in mind.

The inquiry into tax administration and governance at SARS revealed the deliberate failure of integrity and governance at the institution between 2014 and 2017.

Godongwana said Makhubu will be leading the organisation as the fiscal discipline and steady reforms of the past few years begin to yield the stability needed for faster growth and investment, amid global shocks and uncertainty.

Makhubu has a long history with SARS, joining in 2016 as its Chief Procurement Officer, then becoming its Chief Finance Officer and later Chief Revenue Officer before being appointed as Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement.

Kieswetter said Makhubu has a comprehensive knowledge of SARS, and he’s confident he will deliver on the important assignment of helping to build a capable state.

Makhubu will officially assume his duties on the first of May for a period of five years.