Edward Kieswetter has been the Sars Commissioner for seven uninterrupted years since 1 May 2019.
Image: File
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has confirmed that a new Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (Sars) will be appointed imminently, signalling the final stage in a leadership transition at the tax authority.
The imminent appointment of a new commissioner is expected to mark the next phase in Sars’ evolution, as the institution seeks to build on recent gains and further strengthen its capacity.
Speaking during the announcement of preliminary revenue collection results for the 2025/26 financial year on Wednesday, Godongwana sought to reassure the public and markets that the process to appoint a successor to outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter is complete and awaiting only a formal announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Kieswetter has been the Sars Commissioner for seven uninterrupted years since 1 May 2019.
“The new Commissioner is going to be appointed soon,” Godongwana said, adding that the timing could be “any time from tomorrow to next week.”
He indicated that the incoming head of Sars is expected to officially assume the role from 1 May.
In a candid moment, the minister revealed that the decision has already been made at the highest level. However, he stopped short of disclosing the identity of the incoming commissioner, leaving that responsibility to the presidency.
“I know that the President has made the decision. Whoever is appointed, the only benefit I have is that I have on my desk a Presidential Note, which tells me who is going to take the job from the 1st of May,” Godongwana said
Godongwana also moved to calm speculation and concern around the leadership transition, dismissing suggestions of uncertainty or instability at the revenue service.
“There is this notion of people panicking,” he said. “That work is done, it’s being handled properly. What’s left now is for the President to make an announcement.”
The comments come as Sars crossed the historic R2 trillion in net revenue collection for the first time in history.
Sars announced a record tax revenue collection of R2.010 trillion for the for 2025/26 financial year, which ended 31 March 2026, an 8.4% growth from the previous fiscal year.
The revenue collector continues to play a critical role in supporting government finances, with revenue collection remaining a key pillar of fiscal stability.
Godongwana used the platform to commend Kieswetter and his leadership team for their efforts in rebuilding the institution in recent years.
He praised the outgoing commissioner for helping to restore Sars’s credibility and operational effectiveness, describing the work as essential to the country’s broader economic recovery.
“We owe the Commissioner and his leadership our deepest gratitude,” he said, highlighting the organisation’s modernisation and renewed sense of purpose.
The minister also acknowledged the contribution of Sars employees, noting that their efforts extend beyond revenue figures and send a “powerful message of hope and progress” for the country.
He further thanked taxpayers for their compliance, emphasising the importance of public participation in sustaining government resources.
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