“Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu, a deputy commissioner at the South African Revenue Agency (SARS), has been appointed to replace the outgoing Edward Kieswetter, who steps down at the end of this month after seven years at the helm.”

“He has worked in complex, regulated and large-scale organisations across multiple industries including fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), mining, power generation and public revenue services.”

“Makhubu, who has been deputy commissioner in charge of taxpayer engagement and operations since 2023, is seen as a steady hand well placed to continue Kieswetter’s drive to turn SARS around...”

“He has worked at SARS since 2016, first as its chief procurement officer, then as chief finance officer between 2018 and 2020, and as chief revenue officer up until 2023, when he was appointed deputy commissioner.”

“Makhubu, awarded a PhD in Leadership from the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute at the University of Pretoria in 2024, has helped to craft the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has been part of the team behind the Vision 2024 strategy.”

“That saw revenue collections grow by a compounded annual rate of 7.6%, leading to the R2.01-trillion mark reached in the last financial year.”

“Makhubu’s in-box when he starts in May will include the latest SARS initiative, Modernisation 3.0, unveiled by Kieswetter on 1 April. This will see taxpayers and their representatives provided with a Unique Digital Identity, making use of biometric and two-factor authentication to secure all interactions with SARS.”

“With South African economic growth likely to fall short of current projections this year because of the unfolding conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran – which will already cost SARS R6-billion in lost revenue this month because of the slashing of the fuel levy to cushion the impact of surging pump prices – Makhubu will have his work cut out for him.”