SARS sets sights on Zuma after Nkandla report

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has said it will look into President Jacob Zuma's tax affairs following renovations to his Nkandla homestead.

4 Apr 2014

President Jacob Zuma's tax affairs will be investigated by SARS. Image: GCIS

In a written response to DA MP Tim Harris, acting SARS commissioner Ivan Pillay said that although it would look into Zuma's tax liability over the Nkandla upgrades, the Tax and Administration Act prohibited it from disclosing taxpayers' details - including those of the President - to the public.

The DA claimed last month that Zuma owed the taxman more than R16m in fringe benefits after the public protector found Zuma and his family had ''benefited unduly'' over Nkandla.

The official opposition asked SARS to establish how much tax Zuma should pay in connection with the upgrades at Nkandla.

"The matter will be dealt with in the normal course of duties and functions assigned to SARS for the purpose of the administration of the tax laws," said Pillay.

Meanwhile, DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko said National Assembly speaker Max Sisulu was now obliged to set up an ad hoc committee to consider impeachment proceedings against Zuma.

Image: The Times via I-Net Bridge