Sars boss: I will be knocking on your door

Pretoria - New SA Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner Thomas Moyane has issued a warning to those in default of paying their taxes.

Moyane, who would officially take up the position on Saturday, said he looked forward to working with the Sars team and learning Sars's business, including understanding the complexities of revenue collecting.

He said he hoped to build on the trust taxpayers and citizens placed in the revenue service.

"I hope I can make a small but positive contribution.

"We should be duty bound to pay our taxes timeously and those in default, certainly, I will be knocking at their door," he said.

"This organisation has been in good hands and I want to thank you," he said to Pillay, who had been acting in the position.

Nene confident about Moyane

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene expressed confidence on Thursday in the new Sars commissioner chosen by President Jacob Zuma.

Asked about Moyane's suitability for the role given the fact that he did not have tax experience, Nene defended Zuma's choice for the appointment.

"I don't think it is inappropriate we have someone from outside Sars. If the president feels he needs a candidate from outside, I would imagine it is within his authority to do that."

Nene said Moyane had qualifications and experience, both in the private and public sector, that made him suited to the position.

"There are other criteria that made me feel comfortable [Zuma] made the right choice."

Moyane had served as national commissioner at the department of correctional services, as chief executive officer for the Government Printing Works, and as managing director for Engen Mozambique.

Nothing out of the ordinary

Nene said that internationally it was "nothing out of the ordinary" for such a position to be filled by someone without tax experience.

"We have confidence in this selection."

"It is the right person at the right time."

Moyane was appointed for a five-year term, which was renewable.

Pillay welcomed Moyane, and said he had already met the Sars executive on Thursday morning.

Thank you

He also thanked Sars staff for their support during his tenure as acting commissioner.

Moyane's qualifications include a bachelor of science in economics from the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, and a diploma in small business consulting from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Moyane also holds certificates in strategic management, managing markets from Henley, micro-economics from London School of Economics and Mastering Finance from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

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