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President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The rebuilding of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) illustrates the value of commissions of inquiry. This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s weekly letter to the nation.
Last week, the President visited the SARS Head Office to commend its staff and leadership for achieving the highest revenue collection in the tax authority’s history, by collecting R2.3 trillion in the last financial year.
Dear Fellow South African,
Last week I visited the South African Revenue Service (SARS) National Command Centre in Tshwane to commend and congratulate its staff and leadership on their outstanding work.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) February 9, 2026
He says this achievement, following the implementation of the recommendations of the 2018 Nugent Commission, shows what is possible with a clear mission, committed leadership and capable people.
“When the SARS Commission of Inquiry began its work, the institution was crippled by state capture, low staff morale and weak revenue collection. President Cyril Ramaphosa says with nearly all recommendations implemented seven years later, public trust in the institution now stands at around 75 percent compared to just 48 percent five years ago. He says SARS stands as a blueprint in government’s ongoing efforts, including the changing of laws and processes as well as investigations and prosecutions, to build an ethical, capable state.”
President Ramaphosa delivers keynote address at SARS special event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x596eRK93c
