The head of South Africa’s Revenue Service (SARS), Edward Kieswetter, has started discussions about leaving the organisation as his current term draws to an end. Preparations are now underway to ensure a smooth leadership change.
Kieswetter was first appointed as SARS Commissioner in 2019. In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his term by another two years. His appointment came during a difficult period for SARS, which was struggling after a turbulent era under his predecessor, Tom Moyane, who was linked to issues of state capture.
Since taking over, Kieswetter has led SARS on a journey of recovery. Under his leadership, the organisation has made significant improvements in collecting taxes and restoring public trust. He focused on making SARS more efficient, transparent, and credible in the eyes of the public.
One of his key achievements has been the recovery of billions of rand in unpaid taxes. SARS often exceeded its collection targets in recent years, thanks to the dedicated efforts of its staff and the strategic use of data and technology to boost compliance.
However, the road ahead is not without challenges. The most urgent task now is to find a suitable successor who can continue the ongoing reforms and maintain the momentum of progress. This transition is crucial for keeping investor confidence high and ensuring that tax compliance remains strong.
The National Treasury and the Presidency are expected to play a key role in choosing the next leader for SARS. Although no official candidates have been announced, internal discussions suggest that the process is well underway.
While Kieswetter has not publicly shared his future plans, sources close to the situation say he is committed to making the handover as smooth as possible. He wants to support the organisation during this period of change.
As his extended term comes to an end, all eyes are on how SARS will manage the leadership transition. The organisation’s recent progress in rebuilding its integrity and capabilities makes this an important moment for South Africa’s economy and tax system.