Ramaphosa appoints Dr Ngobani Makhubu as new SARS Commissioner
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Makhubu will take office on the 1st of May for a five‑year term.
BREAKING NEWS | Dr Ngobani Makhubu has been appointed as SARS Commissioner by President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the appointment effective from 1 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/12SBjzPqxd
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 2, 2026
He succeeds Edward Kieswetter, who has been at the helm of SARS for the past seven years. Ramaphosa praised the smooth leadership transition as an example of sound succession planning at SARS. He also commended outgoing Commissioner Kieswetter for strengthening revenue collection and fiscal stability.
BREAKING: Dr. Ngobani Makhubu has been appointed as SARS Commissioner. President Cyril Ramaphosa made the appointment, which comes into effect on 1 May 2026. #sabcnews #UpdateAtNoon pic.twitter.com/Rm6RYHMk7p
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) April 2, 2026
Presidency Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says the incoming commissioner is a seasoned public and private sector executive.
“Makhubu has more than 17 years of senior leadership experience in tax administration, commercial, finance, and operations management. He has worked on the formulation of the SARS strategic direction since 2020 and has actively worked to implement the Vision 2024 strategy together with the current and outgoing Commissioner.”
RELATED VIDEO | SARS could have a new boss by the end of February