Former SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula Passes Away After Long Illness
Oupa Magashula, the former commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), has died at the age of 63, following a long illness. His passing was confirmed by his family on Thursday morning.
In a media statement, the Magashula family announced his death with profound sadness. "It is with profound sadness that the Magashula family announces the passing of Oupa Magashula, former commissioner of the South African Revenue Service," the statement read. They confirmed that he passed away late on 3 December 2025, after an extended period of hospitalisation.
While the family acknowledged Magashula had been in hospital for a considerable time, they did not disclose specific details regarding his illness.
The family's statement highlighted Magashula's extensive contributions to South Africa, noting his service in both the private and public sectors. He held senior roles at Telkom and South African Breweries before becoming commissioner of SARS. According to the family, he served during "a pivotal period in the young democracy."
"Following his public service, he continued contributing to national development through various business and leadership roles," the family added.
Magashula's tenure as SARS boss came to an end on 12 July 2013, when he resigned following an inquiry into allegations that he had offered a chartered accountant (CA) a job at the institution. The inquiry was initiated after media reports surfaced regarding a recorded telephone conversation involving Magashula and Timothy Marimuthu, who was alleged to have exerted undue influence over him.
The inquiry, established by the then Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan (who has also since passed away), concluded that Magashula's conduct had jeopardised the reputation and credibility of SARS. The inquiry found that Magashula had not been as forthcoming with the committee as expected, given the integrity required of his position.
The report stated that Magashula had caused Gordhan to make an incorrect statement to the public regarding the CA's curriculum vitae (CV) not having been sent to SARS. "An interview had been arranged, but the CA cancelled because she preferred a job based in Durban, which did not meet SARS’ requirements," the report explained.
Furthermore, the inquiry revealed that Magashula had interacted with Marimuthu more frequently than he had initially admitted to Gordhan and the committee. Magashula had initially stated that he had no further communication with the CA after the initial contact. However, the report revealed that "it later transpired that she had sent five emails to the commissioner’s private SARS email address."
Despite these findings, the inquiry concluded that Magashula had not committed a crime.
The Magashula family said that he would be remembered for his humility, warmth, and unwavering commitment to South Africa and its people.
The family's statement also reflected on Magashula's personal qualities. "He was a devoted husband, father, brother, colleague, and friend whose generosity of spirit touched countless lives. He was 63 years old."
In closing, the family requested privacy during this difficult time and stated that funeral details would be communicated in due course.
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