SARS probe ‘urgent’

The inquiry into governance at the SA Revenue Service is urgent‚ with the commission identifying some disconcerting things about the morale of employees at the tax agency.

This is according to retired Supreme Court Judge Robert Nugent, who is chairing the inquiry appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Nugent was speaking at the SARS headquarters ahead of the commencement of the inquiry yesterday.

He confirmed that the bulk of the sessions this week would look into the exodus of senior or experienced staff at SARS in recent years.

Nugent said he regarded the inquiry as urgent‚ as did the president.

The R50-billion hole in revenue collection was critical to address for the country and the economy, he said.

Nugent said some blamed the shortfall on the economy but others attributed it to governance issues at SARS.

“If it emerges that governance is the cause‚ it is urgent to rectify this,” he said.

While taxpayer information might be disclosed to the commission‚ the information would remain confidential.

The inquiry would be held through a combination of public hearings and the provision of affidavits as well as documents.

Nugent said he might also provide provisional reports to the president if urgent matters which had to be addressed immediately emerged during the inquiry. –