South African Revenue Service (SARS)
By Thabo Mosia
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a record preliminary gross revenue collection of R2.3 trillion for the fiscal year ending in March, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.9%. During a media briefing on Tuesday, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter shared this milestone, attributing the success to the hard work of the organisation’s 13,000 employees and underscoring SARS’s vital role in funding South Africa’s democracy.
Record Revenue Collection Figures
The preliminary net revenue, which is the total revenue minus refunds, reached R1.855 trillion, with refunds amounting to R447.7 billion. This figure is R114 billion higher than the previous year, showing a 6.6% growth. It also surpasses the revised estimate by R8.8 billion. Kieswetter called this a “credible outcome” given the challenging economic conditions, highlighting SARS’s ability to exceed expectations.
The Role of SARS Employees
Kieswetter praised the dedication of SARS’s 13,000 workers, stating, “Without the people, we are nothing.” He explained that the organisation has worked hard to improve the workplace environment, introducing employee engagement programmes to boost morale and commitment. These efforts have paid off, with employee engagement levels rising from 61.6% in 2019/20 to 71%. This increase reflects a stronger, more motivated workforce, which has been key to achieving the record revenue results.
Building a Sustainable Institution
Beyond the financial figures, Kieswetter stressed the importance of creating a sustainable institution. He said, “These indicators…don’t speak about money but [about] building an institution that can give confidence about the sustainability of giving effect to the mandate and the confidence with which we can project the revenue.” He views SARS as a cornerstone of South Africa’s future, capable of reliably supporting the nation’s needs.
The Importance of SARS for Democracy
Kieswetter described SARS as a “national treasure” essential for keeping South Africa’s democracy funded. He elaborated, “Whilst we administer laws, our higher purpose is about enabling government to build a capable state that fosters economic growth and social development, serving the wellbeing of all South Africans.” He warned that without SARS, the country’s democracy would lack the financial backbone it needs, adding, “SARS is a national treasure that belongs to all of us and should never be taken for granted.”

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