ActionSA welcomes today’s revenue outcome announced by the South African Revenue Service, marking a historic milestone as SARS collected more than R2 trillion for the first time in the 2025/26 financial year — R155 billion more than the previous year and R25 billion above budget.
This demonstrates the tangible returns of sound fiscal policy, particularly targeted investment in revenue collection capacity, and vindicates ActionSA’s consistent call for increased funding and institutional support for SARS. At a time when government has sought to raise additional revenue through higher taxes, today’s results show that a capable SARS can collect more without placing further strain on South Africans.
This performance strengthens the case for closing the remaining funding gap at SARS. Every rand invested in SARS yields a multiple in revenue collection, and failure to fully resource the institution amounts to leaving money on the table. National Treasury must now ensure that SARS is adequately funded to sustain and expand this momentum, rather than reverting to the underfunding that hollowed out SARS during the years of State Capture.
ActionSA also extends its appreciation to outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his leadership in restoring SARS’s credibility and performance. It is now imperative that the appointment of a new Commissioner is finalised without delay. To preserve institutional stability, ActionSA believes this appointment should be made from within SARS’s existing leadership ranks to protect institutional knowledge and maintain momentum.
ActionSA Gauteng Powerhouse: Focused initially on Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
Stacker of Wheat
Oom – older man of authority / Uncle [oo-um] Used in reference to an older uncle or even someone who is not your uncle but in an authority position. Usually expressed with respect.
Saturnalia
Nauru: You have two cows. They probably weigh less than you.