President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the appointment of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), with his five-year term set to begin on 1 May 2026.

Dr Makhubu succeeds the outgoing SARS leadership and takes on the pivotal role of overseeing the nation’s tax collection and enforcement operations. The appointment comes at a time when SARS is under increased scrutiny to enhance efficiency, strengthen compliance, and restore public confidence in revenue administration.

As Commissioner, Dr Makhubu will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives aimed at improving tax administration, combating evasion, and ensuring that SARS meets its revenue collection targets critical for funding South Africa’s public services.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of strong leadership at SARS, stating that the organization plays a “central role in supporting the developmental objectives of the state and ensuring equitable contribution from all taxpayers.”

Dr Makhubu brings a wealth of experience in public administration, fiscal policy, and governance, positioning him to lead SARS through its next phase of modernization and reform. Analysts note that his tenure will be closely watched as the agency implements measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.

The appointment of Dr Makhubu marks a new chapter for SARS as it seeks to reinforce its mandate and maintain public trust while navigating an increasingly complex economic and regulatory environment.