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File Image: The Cape Town headquarters of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is seen in this picture.
Deputy Commissioner at SARS Johnstone Makhubu warns that an ageing workforce is compounding long standing challenges in tax administration.
Speaking at the 12th Annual Tax Indaba in Boksburg, Makhubu says the future of SARS depends on embracing digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI), also in investing in a younger, tech-savvy generation to lead the charge.
SARS Deputy Commissioner Mr Johnstone Makhubu tells #TaxIndaba delegates that South Africa is facing serious challenges with unemployment, inequality and povery. #TaxSeason #eFiling #Profilehijacking #SmartTaxpayers #TaxIndaba2025 pic.twitter.com/TCga9Fzk6U
— Tax Ombud SA (@TaxOmbud) August 11, 2025
He insists these issues are not unique to South Africa but part of a global shift in how revenue authorities must evolve.
“When we speak to our colleagues all over the world, you get the sense that the problems that we are facing in SA context are not only unique to SA. They are telling us that digitalization as well as AI cannot be ignored any longer. It’s going to be very important that we deal with this urgently.”
VIDEO| 12th Annual Tax Indaba:
