President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the extension of Edward Kieswetter’s term as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for an additional two years, in a move aimed at facilitating a seamless transition and ensuring stability within the tax administration.
The decision to extend Kieswetter’s tenure comes after a mutual agreement between the President and the Commissioner, underscoring the significance of continuity in leadership for the effective functioning of SARS, a crucial institution in South Africa’s fiscal landscape.
Since his appointment by President Ramaphosa in March 2019, in accordance with Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act, Kieswetter has played a pivotal role in steering the organization towards its strategic objectives. His initial five-year term commenced on 1 May 2019, during which he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing tax compliance, combating illicit financial flows, and modernizing SARS operations to better serve the needs of South African taxpayers.
The extension of Kieswetter’s tenure signifies a commitment to maintaining the momentum of reforms initiated under his leadership, ensuring that SARS continues to adapt to evolving economic and technological landscapes while upholding its mandate to collect revenue efficiently and fairly.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Tuesday, it was emphasized that extending Kieswetter’s term will facilitate an orderly transition in leadership within SARS, allowing for a smooth handover process and continuity in the implementation of key initiatives.
As South Africa navigates through economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of SARS in revenue collection and fiscal management has become even more critical. The extension of Kieswetter’s term reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining stability in tax administration, which is vital for sustaining public finances and supporting socio-economic recovery efforts.
Under Kieswetter’s stewardship, SARS has intensified efforts to combat tax evasion and address issues of non-compliance, contributing to the integrity of the country’s tax system and ensuring that all citizens contribute their fair share towards national development.
Moreover, Kieswetter’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering transparency and accountability within SARS, promoting a culture of professionalism and service excellence among its workforce. His emphasis on building strategic partnerships with stakeholders, including taxpayers, business entities, and other government agencies, has enhanced SARS’ effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
Looking ahead, Kieswetter will continue to focus on driving innovation and leveraging technology to streamline tax administration processes, making it easier for taxpayers to fulfill their obligations while also enhancing SARS’ capacity to detect and deter tax evasion and fraud.
The extension of Kieswetter’s term has been met with widespread support from various quarters, including business leaders, tax experts, and civil society organizations, who have lauded his leadership and vision for SARS. They have expressed confidence that under his continued guidance, SARS will further consolidate its reputation as a trusted and efficient revenue authority, contributing to South Africa’s economic resilience and development goals.
In conclusion, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to extend Edward Kieswetter’s term as SARS Commissioner underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring stability and continuity in tax administration. By providing leadership continuity, facilitating a smooth transition, and sustaining momentum in reforms, the extension of Kieswetter’s tenure will bolster SARS’ capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively and contribute to South Africa’s socio-economic advancement.
This development resonates with South Africans who recognize the importance of strong and capable leadership within key institutions like SARS, particularly in challenging times. As the country strives towards recovery and growth, the extension of Kieswetter’s term represents a positive step towards building resilience and ensuring fiscal sustainability for the benefit of all citizens.
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