Does greed or incompetence drive Moyane?

He may find himself as an accused in a fraud and corruption trial, writes Nathan Cheiman.

Suspended Sars commissioner Tom Moyane seems ready to defend himself against disciplinary charges brought against him by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Moyane may not have had the qualifications for the job at Sars as commissioner. Previously, he was correctional services commissioner and, doubtless, the two portfolios are vastly different, indeed requiring different levels of wisdom and application.

Apropos the allegations against Moyane, there are only two possible explanations for his conduct.

Firstly, that he was so far out of his depth with economics or, simply, that he was attracted by large sums of money, which tempted him to deviate from his usual common morals and decency and allowed him to “mount the steed of greed”.

Whichever may be the case, he will lose his job, or, in the second instance, may find himself as an accused in a fraud and corruption trial.

Many ministers – and former ministers – currently have the sword of Damocles above their heads.

They may anticipate their day in court as well.

Patience is required.