Dr Ngubani Johnstone Makhubu will succeed outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose extended two-year contract concludes on 30 April 2026.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (Sars) for a five-year term, effective from 1 May 2026.
The appointment, made in terms of the Sars Act of 1997, follows a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Makhubu will succeed outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose extended two-year contract concludes on 30 April.
Makhubu brings more than 17 years of senior leadership experience across both the public and private sectors. Since 2023, he has served as Sars Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations, playing a central role in strengthening compliance systems and improving taxpayer services.
His career spans multiple industries, including fast-moving consumer goods, mining, power generation and public revenue administration—experience that positions him well to lead one of South Africa’s most critical state institutions.
Makhubu has also been closely involved in shaping Sars’ strategic direction over recent years.
Since 2020, he has contributed to the development and implementation of the organisation’s Vision 2024 strategy alongside Commissioner Kieswetter. The strategy has delivered measurable gains, including a compounded annual revenue growth rate of 7.6% and a 3.4 percentage point increase in voluntary tax compliance.
In announcing the appointment, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of Sars as a cornerstone of the country’s fiscal framework. He noted that the revenue service plays a vital role in enabling government to fund infrastructure, deliver social services, and support economic development.
Ramaphosa congratulated Makhubu on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to build on recent progress and further strengthen the institution’s performance and credibility.
At the same time, Ramaphosa paid tribute to Kieswetter’s leadership, describing his tenure as marked by innovation and a strong focus on rebuilding Sars following a period of institutional challenges.
Under Kieswetter, Sars has re-established itself as a key enabler of fiscal stability, improved trade facilitation, and strengthened investor confidence.
“The leadership transition reflects the strength of succession planning within Sars and its contribution to building a capable and effective state,” Ramaphosa said.
Sars has also achieved a historic milestone, collecting more than R2 trillion in net revenue for the 2025/26 financial year for the first time since the dawn of democracy, marking an 8.4% increase from the previous year and exceeding earlier projections by R24.7 billion.
Makhubu's appointment comes at a time when South Africa faces ongoing fiscal pressures and a need to sustain revenue collection amid a challenging economic environment. Sars remains central to these efforts, not only through tax collection but also through its role in customs administration and enforcement.
As the new Commissioner, Makhubu will be tasked with consolidating recent gains, enhancing compliance, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and taxpayer engagement. His leadership will be closely watched as government continues to rely on Sars to underpin public finances and support broader economic reform.
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