Question NW989 to the Minister of Finance
15 December 2016 - NW989
Maynier, Mr D to ask the Minister of Finance
(1)Whether any investigation(s) into allegations surrounding the alleged covert intelligence unit in the SA Revenue Service (Sars) have been conducted; if not, why not; if so, (a) what were the terms of reference of each investigation and (b) what was the (i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of such costs of the investigation(s); (2) whether the investigation(s) produced any reports; if not, why not; if so, in respect of each specified report, (a) what was the title of the report and (b) on what date was the report (i) finalised and (ii) received by (aa) him, (bb) Sars and (cc) the Sars Advisory Board and (iii) made public?
Reply:
This is a highly contentious matter. It has been further complicated by leaking of documents, a concerted campaign of vilification and even the initiation of criminal charges. The trail of injustice that has characterized this process thus far is evident to all. Under the circumstances the Honourable Member will appreciate that I will, based on legal advice, not venture into past or present details except to say that the South African Revenue Service, as a revenue collection agency, plays an important part in enabling the government to deliver services to its people and as such needs to focus on its core mandate.
It should be noted that some of the detail requested has been provided in a response to a previous parliamentary question.