President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the extension of Edward Kieswetter’s term as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner for an additional two years. The decision was made in agreement with Kieswetter to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition within the organisation, according to a statement from the presidency.
Kieswetter was initially appointed as SARS commissioner in March 2019 and officially assumed his five-year term in May of the same year. With the extension, he will continue to lead the execution of the current strategic direction of the revenue service while facilitating a seamless transition of leadership.
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This decision aligns with a previous statement in February, where the president and Kieswetter discussed the importance of an “orderly transition.” To lay the groundwork for succession, Kieswetter appointed three deputy commissioners in June 2019, as recommended by the Nugent Commission’s investigation into state capture at SARS.
However, as Kieswetter’s initial term was set to end in April, none of the deputy commissioners would have completed a year in their roles. This raised concerns among government insiders who emphasized the need for a longer transition period, considering the complexity and demands associated with the position.
The extension of Kieswetter’s term provides stability and continuity for SARS during this critical period. It allows for a seamless handover of responsibilities and ensures that the revenue service can effectively fulfill its mandate in serving the South African public.
With this decision, President Ramaphosa demonstrates his confidence in Kieswetter’s leadership and his commitment to strengthening the administration of SARS. The extended term will enable Kieswetter to continue implementing the organization’s strategic objectives while facilitating a smooth leadership transition for the benefit of the country’s tax administration.
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