Farewell to a finance giant: Ramaphosa mourns Oupa Magashula

Oupa Magashula

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences following the passing of former South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Oupa Magashula at the age of 63.

In a statement released by the Presidency on Thursday, Ramaphosa extended his thoughts to Magashula’s family, friends, and colleagues. Magashula served as SARS Commissioner from July 2009 to July 2013, overseeing the institution during a critical period marked by the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“Oupa Magashula devoted his life to the development of our economy and the stimulation of entrepreneurship among a new business generation,” President Ramaphosa said.

“He led SARS at a critical period during which our economy was affected by the global downturn of 2008 but during which we also relied on fiscal resources to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”

Magashula passed away after an extended illness and hospitalisation.

Early in his career, he worked as a trade unionist before transitioning into the corporate sector and eventually joining the public service through SARS. After his tenure at SARS, he held several leadership positions in business, contributing to economic growth and mentorship through his roles as chair or director of various organisations.

Ramaphosa described Magashula as “an astute, compassionate leader whose mission at SARS was driven by the needs of the most vulnerable South Africans and the requirements for economic growth.”

“May his soul rest in peace,” Ramaphosa said.

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