Former SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula Dies at 63

Oupa Magashula was the former Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) who recently passed away on December 3, 2025, at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness. 

His family announced his death on December 3, 2025, noting he had been dealing with various health issues, including a stroke. Tributes poured in from across South Africa, including from President Ramaphosa, who extended his deep condolences to the family. 

• Public Sector: Magashula was appointed SARS Commissioner in 2009 by then-Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. He was lauded by President Cyril Ramaphosa for his astute leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis.
• Private Sector: Before his SARS tenure, he held senior roles in human resources and operations at several major companies, including Telkom, Nampak, Sun International, and SA Breweries. After leaving SARS, he became the Executive Chairman of CZ Electronics.
• Resignation: He resigned from SARS in July 2013 after a fact-finding inquiry found that he had compromised the organisation’s credibility and was not fully forthcoming about a job offer he made to a female chartered accountant. 

He will be remembered for his dedication to public service and contributions to South Africa’s economic development.