By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) on Tuesday confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa and officers at his Phala Phala farm are tax compliant.
This follows Ramaphosa consenting to Sars making his tax status public.
The revelation followed a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request by DA leader John Steenhuisen.
Sudanese businessman, Hazim Mustafa brought a large amount of money into the country in December 2019, and later paid $580 000 in cash to Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala farm as a payment for cattle.
In a statement on Tuesday, the tax authority stated that it continues to treat every taxpayer with the confidentiality granted in law.
“To date, audits have been concluded without any adverse tax findings. SARS wishes to confirm that the taxpayers are compliant with their tax obligations to date.
Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said while he has never been approached by the president about any requests related to his personal business entities, the decision to disclose his tax status is an “exceptional step”.
“In taking this exceptional step to disclose the tax status of the president, with his written consent, Sars would also encourage other high profile political office bearers and leaders in society to consider taking this proactive step as part of their commitment to transparency,” he said.
This would go a long way towards building confidence in our country’s institutions,” Kieswetter added.
In terms of the TAA, Sars said it may select a person for inspection, verification, or audit, it clarified. This would be based on any consideration relevant for the proper administration of a tax act, which may also include a random or a risk assessment basis.