The new guy in the SARS hot-seat has a CV that’s burgeoning with high-quality achievements. But his time with Eskom stands out above all else.
28-03-19 08:10
After a six-week interview process, a specialist panel has appointed Edward Kieswetter as the new commissioner of SARS. He managed to beat five other prime candidates, including Mark Kingon, the current acting commissioner.
Kingon can now go and take a holiday, after he kept the vacancy left by Tom Moyane’s departure occupied for 14 months. Kieswetter starts his official duties from May 1 and his “past experience and previous track-record at SARS” were given as the reasons he emerged as the best option.
Of course, in this current clima te, we like to know that our leading figures in public service are well-trained. South Africa wants to move on from the days where any old Tom, Dick or Hlaudi could end in a position of power without having the education to show for it.
We’ve looked at Kieswetter’s CV, and it’s a good read…
Edward Kieswetter is seriously clued up. He has obtained a Master’s degree in education, which marks the pinnacle of his learning. The new commissioner also earned an Executive MBA from Henley Business School and an M.Com degree in tax from North-West University, Potchefstroom.
He served as SARS’ deputy commissioner between 2004 and 2009. During his term, he established the Large Business Centre and High Net Worth Individual Unit which improved revenue collection.
Kieswetter was hand-picked by Pravin Gordhan for the role, and the unit he was in charge of was allegedly responsible for 30% of all revenue collection in South Africa at the time of his departure. A decade later – and after a successful stint with Alexander Forbes – Kieswetter has returned to take full control of the tax firm.
The new commissioner might have been able to keep the lights on at Eskom. He served as senior general manager from 1992 – 2000 at the utility, and was nominated for four prestigious awards in his time there:
In the 21st century, Edward Kieswetter has continued to impress with his leadership. He won another Boss of the Year accolade in 2006 while at SARS, before claiming a double in 2014: He was chosen as the ACQ Africa Deal-maker of the Year and then got Alexander Forbes listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
Add that to a Business Leaders Award nomination (2015) and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Management (2017), and it would appear Sars have put an end to the kakistocracy that plagued the Jacob Zuma years. Kieswetter fits the bill, even if he does upset a few red berets along the way.
