Ramaphosa appoints Dr. Makhubu as new SARS Commissioner

Africa, Business

AFRICA, April 4, 2026 (NPA) — President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr. Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a five-year term, effective May 1, 2026.

The appointment was made in line with Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, following a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

Dr. Makhubu, currently Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations, succeeds Edward Kieswetter, whose contract concludes on April 30, 2026. With over 17 years of senior leadership experience across tax administration, finance, operations, and commercial management, Makhubu has worked in diverse industries including FMCG, mining, power generation, and public revenue services.

He has played a central role in shaping SARS’s strategic direction since 2020, contributing to the implementation of the Vision 2024 strategy. Under this framework, SARS achieved a compounded annual revenue growth rate of 7.6 percent and improved voluntary compliance by 3.4 percentage points.

President Ramaphosa congratulated Makhubu, describing SARS as a vital institution that provides the financial resources necessary for government operations, infrastructure development, and social services. He expressed confidence in Makhubu’s ability to build on the agency’s achievements and strengthen fiscal stability.

The President also paid tribute to outgoing Commissioner Kieswetter, commending his incisive and innovative leadership that positioned SARS as a key enabler of fiscal stability, trade facilitation, and investment.

Ramaphosa noted that the leadership transition at SARS reflects the importance of sound succession planning in strengthening state institutions.