Finance Minister Caught On Hot Mic Slamming Sars Chief

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was caught on a live microphone venting his frustration over SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter after a press briefing in Parliament on Wednesday, Cape town Etc reports.

Godongwana, 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. The delay came after government coalition partners rejected a proposed two-percentage-point VAT increase, pushing the budget speech to 12 March 2025.

During the briefing, Godongwana addressed reports that Kieswetter had cautioned against tax hikes, arguing instead for greater investment in SARS to recover an estimated R800 billion in uncollected taxes. 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.'

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