Minister Nene must table full KPMG report on “rogue unit” before Parliament
25 August 2015
During today’s presentation to Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Tom Moyane, revealed that the much anticipated KPMG report into the so-called “rogue unit” at SARS has been finalised and is in the possession of Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene.
Moyane refused to entertain or answer any questions relating to the report, reasoning that the report did not form part of the mandate of SARS any longer, due to its referral to the Minister of Finance.
I will therefore be writing to Committee Chair, Yunus Carrim, requesting that the Minister appear before Committee at its next sitting, in order to table the full and uncensored KPMG report and to brief Committee as to its findings, and to what is to be done moving forward.
The report, which was due in June this year, is as a result of a forensic investigation launched by SARS into the alleged illegal spy activity within the Revenue Service.
The controversy around this so-called “rogue unit” at SARS has already resulted in numerous dismissals and departures of top management, in what looks like a purge of anyone who knows the truth or asks difficult questions to those in power.
While these suspensions have been under the guise of disciplinary action relating to the alleged wrongdoings by certain individuals, there is ample reason to believe that this is as a result of the sensitive investigations that are ongoing at SARS. These investigations include a probe into the tobacco industry – as well as investigations into the ANC’s tax bill and the President’s own tax bill.
The institutional independence of SARS is critical to its ability to collect tax revenues without fear or favour.
It is a crisis when the ability of SARS to fulfil its mandate becomes compromised in any way. The DA will ensure that full transparency occurs as this is imperative to ensuring that SARS remains a formidable and independent institution.
Statement issued by Alf Lees MP, DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Finance, August 25 2015
