President Ramaphosa Mourns Passing of Former SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula at 63
Pretoria, 4 December 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed profound sadness at the death of former South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Oupa Magashula, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt statement released on Wednesday, the President extended his deepest condolences to Magashula’s family, friends and former colleagues.
Magashula served as SARS Commissioner from July 2009 to July 2013 – a turbulent period that saw the country navigate the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis while successfully mobilising billions in revenue to stage the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“Oupa Magashula was an astute, compassionate leader, whose mission at SARS was driven by the needs of the most vulnerable South Africans and the requirements for economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
“He led SARS at a critical period during which our economy was affected by the global downturn of 2008 but during which we also relied on fiscal resources to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.”
Before joining SARS, Magashula cut his teeth as a trade unionist, later moving into senior corporate roles and public service. After leaving the revenue service in 2013, he served as chairperson and director of several companies, where he continued to champion entrepreneurship and black economic empowerment.
President Ramaphosa praised Magashula’s lifelong dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive economy:
“He devoted his life to the development of the economy and the stimulation of entrepreneurship among a new generation of business leaders. He went on to contribute to growth through his roles as chair or director of diverse businesses that benefited from his intellect, varied professional experience and commitment to a better South Africa.”
Concluding his tribute, the President said: “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Tributes have poured in from across the political, business and labour spectrum, remembering Magashula as a principled public servant who combined sharp financial acumen with a deep social conscience.
Funeral details will be announced by the family in due course.
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