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There was a time, not so long ago, when the very integrity of the country’s revenue service was deeply mired in the murky land of state capture. During the nine wasted years, poisoned tentacles had wrapped themselves around the institution and turned it into a roiling wasteland born of a hurricane of cronyism, abuse, captured management and spineless political complicity – little of it in the service of our country.
Sars has excelled. The complexity of maintaining efficient tax collection and ensuring the fiscus is well funded has been achieved under the excellent leadership of commissioner Edward Kieswetter. Little wonder then that his tenure has been extended by another two years to ensure a smooth leadership transition. This despite his desire to “retire – again”.
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It has paid refunds of R414 billion, while preventing R101 billion in fraudulent claims.
It has increased voluntary tax compliance to 63.9%.
As Kieswetter said: Since its inception, Sars has collected R21.6 trillion in net tax revenues.
“This has funded the South African democracy and touched the lives of millions who would be destitute without government support and services.”
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If only the functioning of government generated just half the growth of revenue collection of Sars, the country would have an entirely different, and much brighter, outlook.
