PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS NEW SARS COMMISSIONER: DR NGOBANI JOHNSTONE MAKHUBU TAKES THE HELM

Dr Ngubani Johnstone Makhubu, the newly appointed SARS Commissioner, set to succeed Edward Kieswetter on 1 May 2026.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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South Africa - In a move aimed at ensuring continuity and stability, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), effective May 1, 2026.

The appointment, made in terms of section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act of 1997, follows a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

Dr Makhubu, a seasoned public and private sector executive with over 17 years of senior leadership experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. His experience spans tax administration, commercial, finance, and operations management, having worked in complex organisations across multiple industries.

"President Ramaphosa congratulates Dr Makhubu on his appointment to lead the revenue service as the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services," said the Presidency in a statement.

Dr Makhubu succeeds Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose two-year contract ends on April 30, 2026. President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for Kieswetter's leadership, saying it has positioned SARS as a critical enabler of fiscal stability and social delivery.

"The change in leadership shows how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the state," said President Ramaphosa.

With Dr Makhubu's appointment, SARS is poised to continue its vital work in driving revenue collection and supporting South Africa's economic growth.