Enoch Godongwana caught slamming SARS' Edward Kieswetter

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Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was caught on a live microphone venting his frustration – and anger – at SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter after a press briefing in Parliament on Wednesday.

Godongwana, seated alongside Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Finance Director-General Duncan Pieterse, had just wrapped up a press conference following the unexpected postponement of the 2025 budget announcement.

As reported by The South African website, the embarrassing last-minute delay came after government coalition partners rejected a proposed two-percentage point VAT increase.

ALSO SEE | VAT fight! Budget Speech postponed over tax hike disagreement

As a result, the Budget Speech will now be delivered on Wednesday, 12 March 2025.

Cautioned against tax hikes

During the briefing, Enoch Godongwana addressed reports that Kieswetter had cautioned against tax hikes.

Kieswetter reportedly argued instead for greater investment in SARS to recover an estimated R800 billion in uncollected taxes.

Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it!

Asked whether this recommendation was considered, Godongwana said he had spoken to Kieswetter, who insisted his remarks had been misinterpreted.

‘I called him after seeing the report, and he said, ‘No, no, no, I said that weeks ago, but not in the same context,’ Godongwana explained, adding that the commissioner believed his comments had been misconstrued. The minister emphasised the distinction between their roles, saying, ‘He handles tax administration. I handle tax policy. It’s important we each stay in our lanes.’

‘I was worried I’d get angry’

Once the press conference ended, Pieterse was overheard complimenting Godongwana on his handling of the Kieswetter question, saying, ‘I’m glad you took that question. You answered it better than I would have.’

Enoch Godongwana, clearly unaware that the microphones were still recording, responded candidly, ‘I was worried I’d get angry.’

Pieterse reassured him, but the finance minister continued, saying, “Oh no, I was a bit worried. He [SARS commissioner] is making me angry, even here he comes up with this rubbish… 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.”

Ntshavheni then chipped in, asking in Zulu, ‘Uhamba nini yena?’ (When is he leaving?), as reported by East Coast Radio.

For the record, Kieswetter, who was due to step down on 30 April 2024, was asked by President Cyril Ramaphosa to extend his tenure by two years – as reported by The South African website.

Whether the missing ‘3.5’ is billions or percentages – or just the finance minister’s patience – one thing’s for sure: Next time they might want to double-check those microphones are OFF before spilling the tea!