Pretoria — The South African Revenue Service used Workers’ Day on Friday to pay tribute to the country’s workforce while welcoming its new Commissioner, Johnstone Makhubu, who has pledged to strengthen fairness, trust and institutional integrity at the tax authority.
Makhubu, whose appointment was made by Cyril Ramaphosa on the recommendation of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, said he assumes office at a critical time when South Africa depends on a credible and effective revenue authority.
APPOINTMENT | President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a five-year term, effective 1 May 2026.
The appointment follows a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister… pic.twitter.com/nUbtgF6RtM
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 3, 2026
In his first official statement, Makhubu described Workers’ Day as a reminder of the central role played by labour in sustaining the country’s economy.
“Workers are the bedrock of our economy. Their effort sustains everything we do as a country,” he said, adding that SARS has a responsibility to convert that effort into public value through revenue collection that funds essential services such as education and infrastructure.
He said his leadership would prioritise stewardship over authority, emphasising that trust must be earned through fairness and consistency in applying tax laws.
Makhubu highlighted SARS’s position at the centre of South Africa’s social and economic contract, with a mandate to secure revenue, improve compliance and protect the integrity of the tax system.
He also paid tribute to former commissioner Edward Kieswetter, crediting him with restoring institutional stability and rebuilding public confidence following a period of turbulence within the organisation.
Looking ahead, Makhubu outlined a reform agenda anchored by an internal programme dubbed “Doing Basics Right”, aimed at improving operational efficiency and simplifying compliance processes. He said the goal is to create a system where processes are seamless and intuitive for taxpayers.
Digital transformation
The new commissioner further committed SARS to intensifying efforts against the illicit economy, which continues to erode the country’s tax base. He said a dedicated Illicit Economy Strategy would complement broader national interventions.
Makhubu also announced plans to advance the agency’s digital transformation through a programme referred to as Modernisation 3.0, which will expand the use of data analytics, automation and digital platforms to enhance service delivery and compliance monitoring.
However, he cautioned that technological upgrades must be matched by investment in human capital to maintain SARS’s standing as a globally respected revenue authority.
He assured compliant taxpayers of improved service, while warning that those who deliberately evade tax obligations would face firm enforcement action.
“A tax system only works when everyone contributes fairly,” he said.
SARS said it remains committed to strengthening service delivery, improving compliance systems and safeguarding South Africa’s revenue base as it enters a new phase of leadership and reform.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@GovernmentZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
