Fifth executive suspended in Sars clean up

Mmamathe Makhekhe-Mokhuane

Mmamathe Makhekhe-Mokhuane, chief officer: digital: information and technology services brings the number of executives on suspension to five. The others are: Hlengani Mathebula, chief officer: governance, international relations, strategy and communications; Teboho Mokoena, chief officer: human capital & development; Luther Lebelo, group executive: employee relations; and Refiloe Mokoena, chief officer: legal counsel.

The suspension is part of an ongoing comprehensive review of Sars’ leadership by Commissioner Edward Kieswetter in terms of good governance and also in response to the report on the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by Sars, the Nugent Report.

President cyril Ramaphosa appointed the commission on 23 May 2018 following his announcement in the 2018 State of the Nation Address that he would take steps to stabilise Sars, restore the credibility of the institution and strengthen its capacity to meet revenue targets.

The commission was chaired by retired Justice Robert Nugent, with assistance from Michael Katz, Mabongi Masilo and Vuyo Kahla.

“It must be reiterated that these suspensions are precautionary in nature and as such do not amount to findings of any wrong doing on the part of the executives concerned.

“A determination in this regard will only be made on the finalisation of the process,” says Sars.

Sars further requested that the privacy of the individuals concerned and the confidentiality of the employer–employee relationship be respected, adding that it will not comment further on the matter until it is concluded.