Hon. Edward Kieswetter
Commissioner South African Revenue Services
Dip Elec Eng (CPUT); PGDip Ed (Mathematics & Engineering Ed) (UCT); B.Ed Hon (Mathematics & Science Ed) (UWC); M.Ed (Science Education - Cognitive Development (UWC); Executive MBA (Strategy & Transformation) (Henley, UK); M.Com (SA & Int Tax law) cum laude (NWU); Ass Ed (Harvard), Design Thinking (Stanford). Edward re-joined as SARS Commissioner on 1 May 2019. He had formerly served as the founding Group Executive of the SARS Large Business Centre and High Nett Worth Unit, SARS Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Commissioner during the period 2004 to 2009. From 2010 to 2016, he was the Group Chief Executive for the Alexander Forbes Group Holdings where after a successful, well publicised, turnaround, the company was listed on the JSE in July 2014. Edward also held senior executive roles at FirstRand Banking Group and Eskom. In addition he managed his own investments and served on various boards which amongst others included Transnet (NED), Technology Innovation Agency (Chair), and Shoprite Holdings (LID). He relinquished all these external roles when he took up the position as SARS Commissioner in 2019. Edward’s leadership capability has also been recognised globally by serving on a number of international roles, amongst them:
Current:
• Chair: African Tax Administration Forum since December 2024
• Vice Chair: OECD Forum on Tax Administration (FTA) since November 2024
• Bureau Member of the OECD Forum on Tax Administration
Past:
• Chair: World Customs Organisation (WCO)
• Vice Chair: OECD Global Forum on Information Exchange for Tax Transparency
• Co-Chair – African Initiative of the OECD Global Forum on Information Exchange for Tax Transparency
• Deputy Chair: Committee for Accounting Education Standards – IFAC
• Chair: Committee for Auditor Ethics – IRBA
• Board Member: GEMS Education Global Academic Council
Edward holds a Master of Commerce - cum laude (SA & International Tax Law) from North-West University, an Executive MBA (Strategy & Business Transformation) from Henley Business School (UK), a Master of Science in Education (Cognitive Development), a Honours degree in Mathematics and Science Education, both from the University of Western Cape, Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Mathematics & Engineering) from University of Cape Town, as well as a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. In addition Edward was awarded the prestigious African American Scholarship and an academic appointment as an Associate in Education at Harvard University, USA. He is the recipient of several awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Management in 2017 from SAPSO, Finalist in the All Africa Business Awards 2016, ACO Dealmaker of the Year, 2015, and SA Boss of the Year, 1999. He serves as a Visiting Professor at the Da Vinci Institute, North-West University, Free State University, University of Western Cape as well as Wenzhou Medical University. Edward remains involved as a Social Activist in his personal capacity.
2026 Agenda Sessions
Tax reforms across Africa: New win-win approaches to spur mining sector investment and employment
The G-20/OECD international taxation reforms that most resource rich countries have agreed to represent the greatest disruption to international tax norms in over 100 years. These reforms, combined with the market disruptions related to the energy transition, will require new approaches to taxation by both taxpayers and governments.
The international alignment by the global minimum tax (Pillar Two of the OECD Reforms) will require countries to seek better ways to administer their tax systems for multi-national corporations. This panel will explore ways to improve compliance procedures and transparency to improve revenue collection and convergence with the new international norms.
Additionally, the panel will discuss the tax / revenue implications of the disruptions related to the energy transition. The rapidly growing need for critical minerals for electric vehicles and batteries represents great opportunities, but also high risks. There is uncertainty of market conditions and future technology and innovation that may make tomorrow’s batteries less reliant on critical minerals. How do investors/taxpayers and governments share the rewards and risks in such a way to attract more investments.
Wednesday 11 February 14:30 - 15:30 Serengeti Stage (CTICC2 - Level 3)
The G-20/OECD international taxation reforms that most resource rich countries have agreed to represent the greatest disruption to international tax norms in over 100 years. These reforms, combined with the market disruptions related to the energy transition, will require new approaches to taxation by both taxpayers and governments.
The international alignment by the global minimum tax (Pillar Two of the OECD Reforms) will require countries to seek better ways to administer their tax systems for multi-national corporations. This panel will explore ways to improve compliance procedures and transparency to improve revenue collection and convergence with the new international norms.
Additionally, the panel will discuss the tax / revenue implications of the disruptions related to the energy transition. The rapidly growing need for critical minerals for electric vehicles and batteries represents great opportunities, but also high risks. There is uncertainty of market conditions and future technology and innovation that may make tomorrow’s batteries less reliant on critical minerals. How do investors/taxpayers and governments share the rewards and risks in such a way to attract more investments.
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