The human legacy: Edward Kieswetter prepares to exit a transformed SARS

Outgoing South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says his work at the tax agency is complete, leaving behind an ethical organisation built on the integrity of its staff.

Kieswetter will be honoured on Friday afternoon with an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), in recognition of his significant contributions to society. Reflecting on his seven-year tenure at the revenue service, Kieswetter described the accolade as a full-circle moment as he prepares to vacate his post at the end of the month.

Speaking ahead of the graduation ceremony, Kieswetter paid tribute to the 14,000 employees of SARS. He noted that without their discipline and professional ethics, the successful turnaround of the agency following the era of state capture would have been impossible.

While his leadership saw the introduction of advanced systems and modernised technology, Kieswetter insists these are not his primary legacy.

"The true legacy is the people. And that’s why I’m persuaded my work there is done. And I leave it in good hands—the hands of many people."

As he prepares to pass the reins to his deputy, Johnstone Makhubu, Kieswetter offered a sober reminder that no institution is ever entirely foolproof. He cautioned that structural safeguards have their limits when faced with individual misconduct.

"No regulation, no law, no governance system can ever protect us against corruption, evil intent, and human weaknesses," he warned.

Kieswetter’s departure from public service marks the beginning of a new venture. He expressed excitement about entering the private sector to start his own business, where he plans to pursue his passion for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to improve operational effectiveness.