Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu Appointed as New SARS Commissioner
In a landmark move for South Africa’s tax administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), effective 1 May 2026. Dr Makhubu succeeds outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose tenure is widely credited with restoring SARS’s operational strength and reputation after a period of turbulence.
With a distinguished career in tax administration, Dr Makhubu previously served as Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations since May 2023. Known for championing digital transformation and compliance initiatives, Dr Makhubu has played a pivotal role in expanding SARS’s auto-assessment program and enhancing taxpayer engagement through innovative digital platforms.
The appointment comes at a time when SARS has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing R2 trillion in net revenue collection for the 2025/26 financial year. This achievement, the highest in South Africa’s democratic history, reflects improved compliance, administrative efficiency, and resilience amid economic challenges. The tax-to-GDP ratio now stands at 25.9%, underscoring SARS’s critical role in national fiscal stability.
President Ramaphosa’s selection of Dr Makhubu signals a commitment to continuity and innovation. The new Commissioner is expected to intensify efforts to disrupt the illicit economy, prioritize anti-corruption measures, and further modernize SARS’s operations. Stakeholders anticipate that Dr Makhubu will build on the foundation laid by Kieswetter, ensuring SARS remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic recovery and growth.
As Dr Makhubu steps into this leadership role, the nation looks forward to a new era of tax administration marked by transparency, efficiency, and robust compliance.
