NEWSMAKER: Judge Dennis Davis
SARS R50bn hole down to 'lax tax morals'
Corruption in high office gives taxpayers 'excuse' not to pay up
Judge Dennis Davis says Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba's announcement of a judicial commission of inquiry into the South African Revenue Service came as a surprise. Gigaba made his announcement after SARS was rocked by revelations about poor governance and a lack of independence, but before the report of the three-year Davis tax committee was released on Monday. The report contains recommendations about how to strengthen the governance and independence of SARS. Gigaba's announcement "came out of the blue", says Davis. "I wasn't sure how he was going to react to these issues." Davis believes an inquiry into SARS with powers of subpoena, which he never had, is necessary. "If a proper inquiry takes place, it should be welcome." Gigaba spoke to him after seeing his report. "He realises that we have done a lot of this work and has agreed that whoever heads the commission would be well advised to talk to us." Davis feels that "in some ways" he would be the best person to head the inquiry ...
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