Magashula quits SARS after report

Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan announced last week that the man who had replaced him as commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 2009‚ Oupa Magashula‚ has resigned after an investigation into his conduct.

By Evan Pickworth

16 Jul 2013

Pravin Gordhan (Image: GCIS)

The Minister initiated a fact-finding investigation in March after allegations emerged in the media that Magashula had offered a woman a job at SARS after being asked to do so by a convicted drug dealer‚ Timothy Marimuthu.

Media reports alleged Marimuthu had influence over Magashula‚ raising concerns of a growing trend by criminals to either blackmail or befriend revenue officials to get tax favours.

Retired Constitutional Court judge‚ Justice Zak Yacoob and Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane submitted their report to the Minister on 8 July.

The committee found Magashula had placed the reputation and credibility of SARS at risk.

Magashula was given a copy of the report on 9 July and‚ according to a statement from the Treasury‚ admitted the following day to the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Finance that his actions "constituted failure to promote and maintain a high standard of professionalism and ethical behaviour that is expected of the Commissioner of SARS".

Gordhan said the Deputy SARS commissioner Ivan Pillay will take over from Magashula in an acting capacity.

Magashula was not present when the announcement was made. His resignation is effective immediately.

Source: Business Day via I-Net Bridge

Source: I-Net Bridge

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