Johnstone Makhubu Appointed as SARS Commissioner

ActionSA believes this continuity is critical at a time when SARS has demonstrated its value to the fiscus, including achieving a historic milestone of collecting more than R2 trillion in revenue. Sustaining and expanding this performance will require consistent leadership, ongoing investment, and a clear focus on closing South Africa’s substantial tax gap.

ActionSA also reiterates its appreciation to outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his leadership in rebuilding SARS into a credible and capable institution following the damage inflicted during the years of State Capture. The smooth transition to Mr Makhubu reflects the strength of SARS’s current leadership bench.

While welcoming this appointment, ActionSA emphasises that safeguarding SARS’s independence and operational integrity remains paramount. The Commissioner must be empowered to act without political interference and supported with the necessary resources to enhance revenue collection, combat illicit trade, and improve voluntary compliance.

ActionSA will continue to advocate for sustained investment in SARS as a proven alternative to increasing the tax burden on South Africans. A capable and well-resourced SARS remains central to fiscal sustainability, economic growth, and restoring public trust in the state.