Prof Edward Kieswetter highlights how South Africa’s tax authority has become one of the country’s most trusted institutions, with record revenue collections and advanced use of technology.
On 6 August 2025, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Prof Edward Kieswetter, delivered an address at the NTU-SBF Centre for African Studies (CAS) in Singapore. The event, facilitated by the Centre’s Director, Mr Amit Jain, was attended by Commissioner Ow Fook Chuen of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and his team, members of the South African Chamber of Commerce Singapore, Singaporeans with business interests in South Africa, professionals in finance and taxation, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Prof Kieswetter outlined how SARS, established in 1997 from the merger of the Customs and Excise Department with the Department of Inland Revenue, has transformed into a respected and trusted institution. He stressed that effective tax collection is a key indicator of a state’s ability to raise revenue to achieve its development goals.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Commissioner noted that SARS has consistently expanded its tax net, closed compliance loopholes, and leveraged cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science to increase efficiency and productivity. These efforts have resulted in higher levels of taxpayer compliance, improved administrative efficiency, and stronger revenue growth.
As of March 2025, SARS achieved a record gross revenue collection of R2.303 trillion, representing a 6.9% year-on-year increase. After refunds, net revenue stood at R1.855 trillion, exceeding revised estimates by R8.8 billion. Over three decades, SARS has collected R21.5 trillion in net tax revenues, achieving a compounded annual growth rate of 9.9%.
The Commissioner attributed this success to SARS’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and efficient service delivery, alongside clear communication with taxpayers. The South African High Commission in Singapore praised the address as part of its efforts to promote South Africa’s strong institutions and highlight the country’s business-friendly environment.
