An open letter to the South African government and taxpayers and my former colleagues at SA Revenue Service (Sars).
Since the news of my resignation broke, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my time at Sars – a time characterised by passion, progress and a culture of team work; loyalty and dedication.
It is a time, I believe, that sets the tone for what is possible: for us as public servants to deliver a world-class service to our stakeholders – our taxpayers and South Africans at large.
I stand steadfast in the knowledge that Justice Zak Yacoob and his team conducted an internal investigation, one that found no evidence of me having compromised any of the established processes at Sars, of a crime being committed or that I have disadvantaged South African taxpayers in any way. I respect Justice Yacoob and have enjoyed our various engagements at previous Sars events.
I would, however, like to state that the decision to resign from my position as the commissioner of Sars was mine and mine alone. It was based on my unwillingness to sacrifice the reputation of an organisation that I have dedicated the last seven and a half years to.
Let this in no way take away from the fact that this has been an incredibly emotional and painful event for me. I am, however, one who believes that through adversity comes opportunity and my resolve to always give my very best, in all future endeavours, stands firm and true.
No introspection would be complete without a note of thanks – after all, few achievements and successes are realised without the involvement of others.
To my president, Jacob Zuma, for his unwavering support in endorsing my appointment as the commissioner and his willingness to allow me and the extended Sars executive team to get on with the job that needed to be done, to transform the organisation into what it is, and represents today.
To my finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, for a working relationship that began long before he appointed me as the commissioner.
To Thaba Mufamadi, the chairman of Parliament’s standing committee on finance. I appreciate every effort you and your committee have made to ensure Sars featured on your agenda and was able to share not only its strategic imperatives, but its progress and achievements.
To my comrades – your calls of support over the last few days, and your steadfast endorsement of the seven and a half years of work delivered at Sars have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated.
Most critically, I would like to thank the South African taxpayers. Your contribution to my success is untold. You have adopted the transformation of Sars and helped us to become the best revenue service in the world.
I urge you to keep pushing the Sars team to exceed your expectations, and most importantly, I encourage you to keep paying your taxes and filing your returns on time.
Finally, to an executive team that has worked tirelessly beside me, to drive our modernisation programme forward, I appreciate your continued support and know that you, out of everyone, would understand the decision I have made to leave Sars.
Yours sincerely,
Oupa Magashula
Former commissioner of Sars