Remembering Oupa Magashula | Ramaphosa pays tribute to former Sars Commissioner

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid a touching tribute to former South African Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner, Oupa Magashula.

Magushula passed away at the age of 63 this week.

According to his family, he died in hospital on Wednesday evening following a long illness.

In his tribute, Ramaphosa said Magashula "devoted his life to the development of our economy and the stimulation of entrepreneurship among a new business generation."

Ramaphosa said Magashula led Sars at a critical period during which South Africa's economy was affected by the global downturn of 2008, at a time when SA also relied on fiscal resources to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

"Oupa Magashula was an astute, compassionate leader whose mission at SARS was driven by the needs of the most vulnerable South Africans and the requirements for economic growth.

"He went on to contribute to growth through his roles as chair or director of diverse business that benefited from his intellect, varied professional experience and commitment to a better South Africa.

"May his soul rest in peace," the President said.

In 2009, he was appointed as Sars commissioner after being in the role in an acting post. He had been with the tax office from 2006.

Before that, Magashule served as a Human Resources director at Telkom. In his early career, he worked as a trade unionist before joining the corporate sector and the public service.

IOL