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Edward Kieswetter steps in as new SARS boss
Yesterday the country received an announcement from National Treasury about the official appointment of the new SARS boss. Edward Kieswetter will take over as commissioner effective from May 1st. Kieswetter served as SARS’ deputy commissioner between 2004 and 2009, he now returns with high expectations for the role. He joins CNBC Africa for more.
Thu, 28 Mar 2019 15:19:54 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Rebuilding Staff Morale
- Restoring Public Trust
- Addressing Labor Disputes
Edward Kieswetter has stepped into the role of the new South African Revenue Service (SARS) boss, taking on the formidable task of leading an institution that has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Kieswetter's appointment was officially announced by the National Treasury, with his tenure set to begin on May 1st. The incoming commissioner previously served as SARS' deputy commissioner from 2004 to 2009, bringing a wealth of experience and high expectations to the role.
One of the key themes that Kieswetter highlighted in a recent CNBC Africa interview was the need to rebuild trust and confidence within the organization. He acknowledged the erosion of capability and capacity within SARS and emphasized the importance of re-engaging staff to instill a sense of hope and confidence. Kieswetter also emphasized the critical link between public trust in the revenue authority and compliance culture, highlighting the need to restore confidence to enhance revenue collection.
Key Points:
1. Rebuilding Staff Morale: Kieswetter identified re-engaging staff as a top priority, recognizing the impact of negative press and eroded morale within the organization. He emphasized the need to build trust and confidence among employees to ensure their active engagement and commitment to SARS' mission.
2. Restoring Public Trust: The incoming commissioner highlighted the crucial role of public trust in driving compliance culture and revenue collection. Kieswetter emphasized the importance of reaching out to corporate citizens and taxpayers to rebuild confidence and enhance compliance with tax regulations.
3. Addressing Labor Disputes: Kieswetter noted the ongoing labor protests within SARS and expressed confidence in resolving the disputes swiftly. He underscored the need to address the concerns of staff while maintaining the organization's focus on effective tax administration.
In response to political noise and challenges from external parties, Kieswetter remained focused on his commitment to managing SARS effectively. He expressed confidence in the acting commissioner's efforts to address labor disputes and ensure a reasonable resolution. Kieswetter refrained from commenting on political challenges and reiterated his dedication to fulfilling his role as the new SARS boss.
In conclusion, Edward Kieswetter's appointment as the new SARS commissioner comes at a critical juncture for the organization. With a strong emphasis on rebuilding trust, restoring public confidence, and addressing internal challenges, Kieswetter is poised to lead SARS through a period of transformation and renewal. His vision for a more efficient and effective revenue authority signals a new chapter for SARS under his leadership.
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