Pretoria – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) remains focused on delivering on its mandate despite the negative media coverage it has been receiving.
“The South African Revenue Service wishes to express its deep concern and disturbance at the ongoing media onslaught that threatens to undermine the integrity of the organization,” said the revenue service on Monday.
SARS acknowledged that the media is an important institution that plays a pivotal role in society.
“But SARS has observed and witnessed an unrelenting media attack that is skewed to project a misleading and unsubstantiated tone that is aimed at denting the reputation of the organisation.”
The revenue service said the latest negative media coverage was that of allegations that irregular Value Added Tax (VAT) was made to Oakbay Investments. On Friday, SARS dismissed a Daily Maverick report that stated that Commissioner Tom Moyane played a role in the matter that resulted in R70 million VAT repayments to Oakbay.
“SARS is concerned that this negative media campaign deliberately undermines significant successes and other achievements that reveal that the organisation is solid, focused and efficient in carrying out its mandate,” said SARS.
The revenue service highlighted some of its achievements and plans to proceed with its mandate despite media slanderings. ”SARS respects media freedom and its role in holding office-bearers and public servants to account. Furthermore, the appreciation extends to the contribution of the media in exposing acts of criminality and corruption.
SARS, however, humbly requests balanced reporting and fairness,” it said.
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