Pretoria, South Africa | 2 April 2026 – The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) extends its warmest congratulations to Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu on his appointment as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), effective 1 May 2026. This appointment, made at a moment of considerable consequence for Africa’s fiscal landscape, carries significance that extends well beyond South Africa’s borders. Dr Makhubu takes over from Professor Edward Kieswetter, whose transformational leadership at SARS and guidance to ATAF as Council Chair represent both an admirable record and a legacy of note.
In accordance with ATAF’s governance rules, the appointment of the SARS Commissioner confers upon Dr Makhubu the role of Chair of ATAF, a position of profound continental significance. As Chair, Dr Makhubu will help set the strategic direction of Africa’s foremost platform for tax cooperation, knowledge exchange, and domestic resource mobilisation.
“Dr Makhubu assumes the Chairmanship of ATAF at a defining moment. A moment when the stakes of effective African tax governance have never been higher, and the role of continental leadership has never been more important.” – Mary Baine, ATAF Executive Secretary
Africa’s tax administrations are navigating a rapidly shifting environment: evolving global tax norms, intensifying fiscal pressures, rising expectations from citizens, and the urgent need to deepen domestic revenue bases. In this context, the quality of leadership at both SARS and ATAF carries real weight for the continent’s development trajectory.
Dr Makhubu brings to this role a distinguished record spanning more than 17 years at the highest levels of public and private sector leadership. His expertise spans institutional strategy, revenue administration, and organisational transformation; a rare combination of capabilities that positions him well for the demands ahead. Notably, his instrumental role in shaping and executing SARS’ Vision 2024, a landmark initiative that delivered sustained revenue growth and meaningfully strengthened voluntary compliance, demonstrates his capacity to drive systemic change within complex institutions.
ATAF is confident that under Dr Makhubu’s chairmanship, the organisation will deepen its member-driven approach, forge stronger collaborative ties among African tax administrations, and elevate Africa’s voice in the ongoing reshaping of international tax governance. His leadership comes at precisely the right time.
ATAF also takes this moment to deeply honour the exceptional tenure of Professor Edward Kieswetter as Commissioner of SARS and Chair of ATAF. Through his leadership, SARS was transformed into one of the world’s most admired revenue authorities, a model of innovation, and institutional excellence. His role as Chair of ATAF Council has greatly contributed to the broader African tax ecosystem and his legacy will continue to shape the work of ATAF for years to come. ATAF remains grateful for his service and vision.
ATAF looks forward to working alongside Dr Makhubu as we advance a shared mission: building strong, agile, and future-ready tax administrations across every corner of Africa.
