Statement on Sars reaching an agreement with former officials
The Ministry of Finance welcomes the announcement that the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Mr. Ivan Pillay (former Deputy Commissioner) and Peter Richer (former Group Executive for Strategy and Planning) have agreed to part ways. The Ministry would like to commend all parties for successfully reaching this agreement.
It is the Ministry’s view that the parting of ways is in the mutual interest of both SARS the parties. As a result of this agreement, all pending disciplinary actions and investigations that were initiated by SARS against Mr Pillay and Mr Richer will be withdrawn.
This agreement will end the public speculation that has dominated media reports about the developments at SARS in the past few months. These unfortunate reports have been unhelpful and threatened to take focus away from the work that SARS has been doing.
The success of SARS in meeting its mandate of collecting revenue over the years has been a crucial block in building a sound fiscus which has enabled South Africa to increase the depth and breadth of public services. It is crucial that this fiscal institution be stable, effective and efficient and conducts its work without fear or favour.
It is for this reason that the Minister of Finance appointed the advisory committee chaired by retired Judge Frank Kroon to advise him and the SARS Commissioner on a number of strategic and governance matters relating to SARS with the view to maintain the strength of the institution.
Enquiries:
Communications Unit
Tel: 012 315 5944
E-mail: media@treasury.gov.za
