A Tribute to Commissioner Edward Kieswetter 2026

A Tribute to Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, in Service of South Africa and the Global Tax and Customs Community

As the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) concludes his seven-year term, we invite messages of appreciation and reflection from colleagues, partners, and stakeholders—locally and internationally. This tribute space recognises the impact of Edward Kieswetter’s stewardship, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in the journey of SARS and celebrating his lasting legacy in service of South Africa and the international community.

Collectively, these messages will convey gratitude and signify the end of an important period of leadership dedicated to South Africa and the global public finance community.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute.

39 entries.

Mukovhewatshilidzi wrote on 23/04/2026 at 17:23

Remain blessed for the awesome service you rendered with brilliance and dedication. Today we are limitless and passionate because you stirred the zeal. Thank you

Remain blessed for the awesome service you rendered with brilliance and dedication. Today we are limitless and passionate because you stirred the zeal. Thank you... Collapse

Keitumetse Sesana wrote on 20/04/2026 at 09:56

Commissioner Kieswetter, Your tenure at SARS will be remembered inter alia as a period of renewal. You led with clarity in a challenging environment restoring credibility strengthening discipline and laying a firm foundation for the future. The South African Institute of Taxation extends sincere gratitude for your leadership and dedication. We wish you every success in your future endeavours.

Ndivhuho Munyai wrote on 19/04/2026 at 15:58

SARS made giant leaps to greatness under your leadership. As professionals, we are grateful for your exemplary leadership

SARS made giant leaps to greatness under your leadership. As professionals, we are grateful for your exemplary leadership... Collapse

Tholang Petrose TAU wrote on 17/04/2026 at 21:19

Dear Mr kieswetter we thank you.. For taking South Africa to the next level 💪💯💪🙌👑🙏🌍

Dear Mr kieswetter we thank you.. For taking South Africa to the next level 💪💯💪🙌👑🙏🌍... Collapse

Aluwani Makhado wrote on 17/04/2026 at 16:30

Welldone on the good work you did at SARS. Good luck Mr SARS

Welldone on the good work you did at SARS. Good luck Mr SARS... Collapse

Johanna Miles wrote on 17/04/2026 at 11:01

Dear Mr. Kieswetter, Thank you for being a shining example of leadership and accountability., the way you have led by example is inspiring. Your successor has a great task ahead of him however you have set the standard and I have no doubt that he will keep the momentum going. Thank you and all the best with your future endeavors.

Lelane Bezuidenhout, CEO FPI wrote on 17/04/2026 at 07:11

What an inspirational, Godly leader you are Edward Kieswetter. You have always inspired me to strive to do better. I remember your words: we trust that taxpayers want to do the right thing, rather than assuming the worst. You consistently see potential in everyone—even those who have yet to comply. Bless you and all the best with your journey forward.

Romeo Kok - Chairperson - SAIPA Cape Peninsula District wrote on 16/04/2026 at 21:39

Thank you Commissioner for accepting our invitation last year for our annual Intergrated Thinking Conference in collaboration with the UWC. It was a honor to have you as our keynote speaker and even when you were unable to attend in person, you took the time out to join us virtually. Thank you for transforming SARS to what it is today... Read more

Patricia Stock - CEO, South African Institute of Chartered Accountants wrote on 16/04/2026 at 14:43

Commissioner Kieswetter, SAICA commends your leadership in rebuilding SARS, restoring governance, modernizing systems and strengthening trust. Your SMART Modern SARS vision empowered taxpayers and enhanced compliance. We wish you well and look forward to future collaboration, while continuing to support SARS under Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu to drive South Africa’s economic stability.

James du Preez wrote on 16/04/2026 at 12:29

Thank you for your huge contribution to SARS and ultimately to South Africa! You are leaving a lasting legacy behind. Go well!

Thank you for your huge contribution to SARS and ultimately to South Africa! You are leaving a lasting legacy behind. Go well!... Collapse

Dayalan Reddy wrote on 16/04/2026 at 12:04

Since the new commissioner had joined SARS , it never looked back. Doing business is easier, people are pleasant and are respectful to the public. And of course…. Refunds are much quicker. I extend my personal gratitude and every success in the future.

Ryan Odendaal on behalf of Kael Consulting wrote on 16/04/2026 at 09:52

Dear Commissioner Kieswetter, On behalf of Kael Consulting, we sincerely thank you for your leadership at SARS. Through the challenges of the lockdown years, you restored credibility and elevated SARS to a modern, world-class revenue authority. Your courage in taking on a struggling institution and leading it with integrity and excellence is deeply appreciated by the people of South Africa.

Rob Lewis wrote on 15/04/2026 at 20:53

I would like to thank the Commissioner for restoring the professionalism and trust into SARS, and for completing his extended term of office without a hint of scandal or suspicious dealings. We need a lot more people like you, sir, in public service.

Lynné Smit, Chairperson, Hex River District Ass, SAIPA Vice-Chair wrote on 15/04/2026 at 19:56

Commissioner, thank you for taking the lead in globalisation. Your hard work and ethical leadership will be recognised for years to come. Thank you for creating channels of communication with tax practitioners and restore trust in SARS. All of the best in your future endeavours and may your successor assist Professionals keeping South Africans tax compliant. Thank you for your... Read more

Khanyisile Kumalo wrote on 15/04/2026 at 19:31

I wish you a good health, and special blessings and prosperity your heading as you are for retirement in excellence strategies and growth of dedication and collect on behalf of state served the Best of your life in South Africa Revenue Services in collaboration with Employees and businesses and organizations and traders. Farewell Edward!!

ALI wrote on 15/04/2026 at 14:37

What a man

What a man... Collapse

Elsie Müller wrote on 15/04/2026 at 13:36

I’d like to acknowledge the work of Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and the positive impact he’s had at SARS. As a tax practitioner, I’ve seen real improvements in professionalism, systems, and overall efficiency in recent years. That kind of progress comes from strong and focused leadership. Thank you for your service and the work you’ve done for South Africa’s tax community.

Stephen Sadie, CEO CGISA wrote on 15/04/2026 at 12:57

The Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (CGISA) pays tribute to Commissioner Kieswetter. As a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB), we have witnessed first-hand the Commissioner’s efforts in reforming SARS, which was gutted by state capture. We believe that appointing people of Kieswetter’s calibre to lead key state entities would make a fundamental difference to service delivery in SA

Laverne Geswint wrote on 15/04/2026 at 12:39

I would like to commend Commissioner Edward Kieswetter for his leadership of SARS. He provided stability during a difficult period and drove meaningful modernisation, including improved digital platforms and processes. SARS’ strong performance and record revenue collection reflect effective leadership and strengthened tax administration. I wish him well in his future endeavours.

Tariro Mutizwa wrote on 15/04/2026 at 11:49

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) extends its appreciation to Mr Edward Kieswetter on his retirement as Commissioner of SARS. His tenure was defined by principled leadership, institutional rebuilding and strengthened governance, contributing to South Africa’s fiscal resilience. CIMA recognises his national and global impact and thanks him for his service.

Johan Rossouw obo Multitrust wrote on 15/04/2026 at 11:13

My firm (Multitrust) is very grateful for the transformation of systems and processes that we have experienced with SARS since Edward Kieswetter has taken over as commissioner. It has assisted in streamlining our internal procedures when dealing with SARS which has been a great asset to our overall service offering to client. All the best with your future endeavours. Johan... Read more

Zakhele Sishi wrote on 14/04/2026 at 20:31

Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, in service of South Africa and the international community alike, Commissioner, you are living a legacy of renewal, professionalism, and global partnership, one that will continue to inform the practice of tax and customs administration for years to come.

Proudly South African wrote on 14/04/2026 at 15:39

Your tenure Sir, has been one carrying the hallmarks of heroism and tenacity. Stepping into an exigent environment to stabilize an ailing administration and reviving its reputational strength. You have certainly delivered on this mandate. These efforts certainly have promoted tax morality. Wishing you well on your exit Mr Commissioner.

Londiwe Mdepa GTP(SA) wrote on 14/04/2026 at 15:25

A Job well done Commissioner!!

A Job well done Commissioner!!... Collapse

Lance Snyman wrote on 13/04/2026 at 15:28

Thank you Commissioner Kieswetter for your honesty, integrity and leadership throughout your seven-year tenure. May your future plans be filled with continued success and accolades.

Thank you Commissioner Kieswetter for your honesty, integrity and leadership throughout your seven-year tenure. May your future plans be filled with continued success and accolades.... Collapse

Kgaitsewe Mofolo wrote on 13/04/2026 at 13:42

I will not offer thanks, because you have simply fulfilled your legal mandate. The virtue lies in your actions themselves, whether they are praised or not. My appeal to you, as you depart, is to leave behind a resolution for the incoming Commissioner: to broaden the tax base. All businesses must be registered, contribute their fair share, “all,” means :... Read more

Mark Goodger wrote on 13/04/2026 at 12:23

Thanks that you arrived and captained the ship in difficult times. Look forward to your future WCO successes also.

Thanks that you arrived and captained the ship in difficult times. Look forward to your future WCO successes also.... Collapse

Judith van der Merwe wrote on 13/04/2026 at 08:27

Thank you Commissioner for your service to SA and restoring our trust in the system!

Thank you Commissioner for your service to SA and restoring our trust in the system!... Collapse

Juanita Maree wrote on 10/04/2026 at 13:27

a Man, a Vision, an ability to mobilize the best possible results. Prof called me with Snr Exc Ms. Viviers to make a public commitment for canvasing Legitimate traders to the AEO Program. We accepted the challenge. Now, it is a well defined SARS -AEO program (incredible World-Wide success story). Words fail to express the footprints, Prof left in my... Read more

Nishaal Paparam wrote on 10/04/2026 at 11:59

Thank you commissioner Kieswetter for a job well done! I think you have accomplished what you set out to do. We wish you the best for your next adventure.

Thank you commissioner Kieswetter for a job well done! I think you have accomplished what you set out to do. We wish you the best for your next adventure.... Collapse

Femidah Takalana wrote on 10/04/2026 at 11:35

Commissioner, thank you for bringing credibility back to the Revenue Authority! You have carried yourself with integrity, professionalism and humility. Engaging with you at the 2026 BDO budget event showed me what true leadership and inspiration look like. Thank you for being an example to future Commissioners. Are you available to mentor someone eager to learn from you?

Pholoshi Malatji (Tax and Accounting Consultant) wrote on 10/04/2026 at 10:33

Commissioner, the 7 years went by so quick. Thank you for steering the ship and for strengthening the SARS systems. We have seen great security improvements year on year, integrity restored ... salute to you and wish you all the best for your future ahead

Ex SARS Employee wrote on 10/04/2026 at 10:03

Unlike the turbulence of the past, your era was marked not by scandal but stability and renewal. Your unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and governance, your investment in staff development, and the spectacular revenue growth achieved under your stewardship stand as enduring testimony to the brilliant leader you are. Well done!!!!!I wish that I had worked under your direction.

Cleo Khawya wrote on 10/04/2026 at 09:57

Thank you for restoring trust at SARS & steering it back to its course.

Thank you for restoring trust at SARS & steering it back to its course.... Collapse

Zwonaka Ramabulana wrote on 10/04/2026 at 08:29

A job welldone

A job welldone... Collapse

Mfundo Dubula wrote on 10/04/2026 at 07:40

Commissioner, thank you for helping restore trust at SARS and for taking on the unenviable responsibility during a time that was unfashionable. Take care!

Commissioner, thank you for helping restore trust at SARS and for taking on the unenviable responsibility during a time that was unfashionable. Take care!... Collapse

Melody Michell wrote on 09/04/2026 at 14:14

Thank you for spearheading by example, by teaching us to we Be Resilient in challenges, Take Ownership of our actions, Communicate Effectively with one another, Lead Change with courage, Solve Problems with creativity, and Drive Results that inspire lasting success!!

Peter Hamilton wrote on 08/04/2026 at 13:59

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to South Africa! Wishing you a happy and Blessed retirement!

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to South Africa! Wishing you a happy and Blessed retirement!... Collapse

David Hume wrote on 08/04/2026 at 13:14

Thanks for the consistent effort and impact to ordinary lives.

Thanks for the consistent effort and impact to ordinary lives.... Collapse

Farewell Messages for the Commissioner

Tributes Closed