President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed Dr. Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
The appointment was announced on 2 April 2026, marks the conclusion of a rigorous succession planning process aimed at ensuring stability within the country's tax authority.
Dr. Makhubu will assume his new role on 1 May 2026, serving a five-year term. He succeeds outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, who has led the organisation through a significant period of institutional rebuilding following the era of state capture.
A smooth succession
The appointment follows the recommendations of an independent interview panel chaired by former Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene. The panel unanimously found Dr. Makhubu “fit and properly qualified” to lead the revenue service.
The move is seen as a victory for long-term institutional planning, aligning with the recommendations of the Nugent Commission of Inquiry, which emphasised the need for robust governance and internal leadership development at SARS.
Outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter expressed strong support for his successor, stating that President Ramaphosa “could not have tasked a more eminently qualified individual to take over.”
“Dr. Makhubu has comprehensive knowledge of SARS and has been intimately involved in developments at SARS,”Kieswetter said. “I have personally worked with the Commissioner-designate and can confidently say that he will deliver on the important assignment of helping to build a capable state.”
Distinguished background
Dr. Makhubu is no stranger to the inner workings of the revenue service. He has served as the Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Engagement and Operations since May 2023 and has been a key figure in the implementation of the “Vision 2024” strategy, which focused on modernisation and improving voluntary compliance.
His academic and professional credentials are extensive, including:
- PhD in Leadership
- Master's in Business Leadership
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor's degree in Economics
The road ahead
As the new Commissioner, Dr. Makhubu will be tasked with navigating SARS through an increasingly complex and digital global financial environment. His primary mandate remains the collection of all revenue due to the state to fund essential social services and infrastructure for South Africans.
The transition comes at a time when SARS is leaning heavily into “Modernisation 3.0,” a digital-first initiative utilising biometric security and advanced data analytics to streamline tax administration.
Dr. Makhubu's appointment has been widely welcomed by industry bodies and the Presidency as a sign of maturity within the state's fiscal institutions, signaling a era of continuity and technological advancement for South African tax collection.