Enoch Godongwana’s private criticism of SARS chief accidentally captured on mics

by Staff Bona

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana appeared frustrated with SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s remarks opposing tax hikes, which suggested that South Africa should focus on collecting uncollected taxes rather than increasing tax rates.

During a briefing on the postponed Budget Speech on Wednesday, Enoch gave an unclear response when questioned about Edward’s stance.

However, microphones later captured a private conversation where he was talking to the Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, and National Treasury director-general Duncan Pieterse, and he expressed anger over the commissioner’s comments, calling them “rubbish.”

Duncan was heard telling Enoch: “I’m glad you took the question about the commissioner. You answered it much better than I would have.”

Enoch replied: “Oh no, I was a bit worried. He is making me angry, even here he comes up with this rubbish. I said, how would it help me on the 19th even now on the 12th? He did not know that we’ve made provision for 3.5 in the new arrangement, but that 3.5 now is gone.”

The disagreement reflected a larger policy clash, with Enoch weighing tax increases – such as higher VAT and income tax – as potential solutions to South Africa’s R22 billion revenue gap and escalating government debt.

The leaked conversation also revealed underlying political friction. Khumbudzo was overheard asking, “When is he leaving?” in reference to Edward, hinting at doubts about his tenure.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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