NUGENT COMMISSION
NATASHA MARRIAN: Need is clear: keep politics out of SARS
Tax agency should not be held to ransom by an individual who is playing politics to avoid being held accountable for his actions
The key to restoring the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to the formidable force it once was is to make sure it is kept far away from politics. Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene describes it aptly: SARS should simply stick to its mandate, which is essentially an administrative one. The noise around the tax agency detracts from this objective. The core function of SARS is to collect revenue for the state so that the government can fund education, healthcare, social grants and development. The institution and its role are far more important than the individuals taking centre stage across the political spectrum. The Zuma-era capture of the tax agency marked the first time such an audacious attack on the tax agency succeeded. But it was not the first time it was attacked. Dozens of examples have come before the courts showing how errant taxpayers sought to sidestep the law and evade paying their dues. There have also been more serious attempts by politicians, big business, politically...
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