SARS boss sorry for ‘racist’ remarks

SOUTH African Revenue Service acting commissioner Ivan Pillay has apologised after employees at the agency complained about his “racist” remarks.

He upset some staff members when he spoke at an event meant to explain the circumstances surrounding the departure of former SARS commissioner Oupa Magashula last month.

He reportedly told senior managers: “The real lesson for the previously disadvantaged, especially African people, is keep it simple. If you like too many good things, too many women, if you like good whisky, like to be photographed and to visit where the powerful people are seen, life gets complicated.”

He was quoted by Business Day as saying: “I think so many of us were so desperate that Oupa should do well and that Oupa should succeed. He was the first African head of SARS.

“We gave him the benefit of the doubt. That is not an excuse and I apologise. As the person second in charge, I should have known much earlier. South Africans need role models who will show the way forward, especially African role models who begin to do the right things.”

The comments irked mem- bers of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union, who took him to task.

Pillay is expected to meet union leaders to discuss his comments and other staff grievances on September 6, Nehawu national coordinator Skhumbuzo Mgobhozi said on Friday.

An ANC MP said parliament’s standing committee on finance was warming up to join the furore by getting Pillay or his political boss, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, to explain the remarks.

A member of the committee, speaking to the Sunday Times on condition of anonymity, said Pillay’s com- ments were “offensive to black people”.

In a memo to staff this week, Pillay apologised for the remarks. He said they had been seen to be “stereotyping the previously disadvantaged, especially Africans”.

“This was most certainly not my intention — my sincerest apologies to those whom I may have offended.”

Magashula resigned last month after an inquiry into his conduct recommended he be sanctioned.

Gordhan set up the investigation after reports of Magashula’s involvement with a drug dealer and allegations that he had offered a young chartered accountant a job.