Dr Ngubani Johnstone Makhubu will take over as SARS commissioner from May 1.
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Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu has been announced as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
He will take up the role from May 1. A statement released from the presidency on Thursday said the appointment was made in terms of the SARS Act of 1997. It comes after Makhubu was recommended by a selection panel convened by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Makhubu, currently serving as SARS Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations, will succeed outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose contract concludes on April 30.
The presidency said Makhubu is a seasoned executive with over 17 years of leadership experience across both public and private sectors and has played a key role in shaping SARS’ strategic direction since 2020.
It said he was instrumental in implementing the agency’s Vision 2024 strategy, which contributed to steady revenue growth and improved taxpayer compliance.
Ramaphosa said the appointment reflects strong succession planning within the institution and expressed confidence in Makhubu’s ability to lead SARS in maintaining fiscal stability and supporting government priorities.
“Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services,” the presidency said in a statement.
The President also praised Kieswetter for his leadership, crediting him with strengthening SARS as a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic and revenue systems.
ActionSA welcomed the appointment of Makhubu. In a statement Alan Beesley, ActionSA Member of Parliament said Makhubu brings strong institutional experience, having served in senior leadership roles within SARS since 2016, most recently as Deputy Commissioner responsible for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations.
“His tenure as Chief Revenue Officer, as well as prior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Procurement Officer, positions him well to oversee SARS’s complex operational environment, strengthen compliance, and further professionalise taxpayer services. His appointment provides the stability required to build on the significant progress made in restoring SARS’s effectiveness.
“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.”
The party said it also appreciated Kieswetter's leadership in rebuilding SARS into a credible and capable institution following the damage inflicted during the years of state capture.
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