Outgoing SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has reflected on his seven-year tenure, crediting trust-building, system modernisation and taxpayer compliance for the agency's recovery. He noted that SARS exceeded R2 trillion in revenue for the first time this year. However, Kieswetter warned that underfunding continues to hinder optimal performance.
Edward Kieswetter, who has led the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for seven years, spoke to SABC News in Pretoria about efforts to rebuild the institution. He emphasised building trust within the organisation, modernising the tax system and improving taxpayer compliance as central to its recovery.
Kieswetter pointed to improved revenue figures as evidence of success, with SARS surpassing R2 trillion for the first time in its history this year. "The success of SARS’ operational strategy is evidenced by the country improved revenue figures," he said.
Despite these gains, he acknowledged that the agency has not yet reached optimal performance. Speaking on funding challenges, Kieswetter stated: “SARS is still structurally underfunded and so the funds that Treasury made available was a project based funding, not all of that is in our base. So, that plea and arm wrestle with the Finance Minister and Treasury will continue, because until we address the structural underfunding of SARS and treat SARS like an investment centre as opposed to a cost centre, we are always going to be under performing.”
Over his tenure, SARS also worked to reconnect with its employees, according to Kieswetter.