Cape Town - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) on Tuesday announced it had settled a labour dispute and reinstated former employees, Hope Mashilo and Tshebeletso Seremane, in efforts to reverse and repair the adverse effects of the capture of the entity.
SARS acknowledged the harm caused to Mashilo and Seremane when, in 2015, as a result of the infamous Bain and Co restructuring process, their positions in SARS were downgraded.
They were directed to accept positions which were not on the approved new structure, while their repeated requests for information fell on deaf ears.
When they refused to take up those positions, it led to their dismissal, “due to operational requirements”.
Their reinstatement became effective on September 1.
Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said: “This is a complex matter and involves the interests of two former employees who were adversely affected by the actions of a SARS leadership intent on capturing SARS.
In such a situation, not only were the former employees adversely affected by the erstwhile Commissioner of SARS, but SARS, too, became a victim of capture.
“I have a fiduciary duty to safeguard the integrity of the institution, and the moral and legal obligation to reverse the adverse effects of the capture of SARS.
It remains imperative that the process we follow has integrity, allows for restorative justice and healing, as well as initiate and sustain SARS’s journey to rebuilding public confidence and trust.”
Kieswetter said in this matter he had to balance the interests of the affected individuals to bring them back to SARS with dignity, while also protecting the institution.
“Some commentators read into my caution that I was defending (Tom) Moyane, the erstwhile Commissioner, thus reinforcing the effects of SARS capture.
As I have stated before, I am beholden to nobody. I defend the institution and not the individuals who captured it,” Kieswetter added.
SARS said solidarity brought SARS and the parties closer in good faith discussions.
“SARS’s actions at the time had a devastating and profound impact on the lives of Mashilo and Seremane and their families.
SARS deeply regrets the hurt, pain and suffering visited on them and their families. I sincerely hope that with the conclusion of this process, the affected individuals and their families may experience a sense of closure, and continue their own journey to healing and restoration,” Kieswetter said.
Cape Times