"SARS Gift Policy
Dear Sir/Madam
Public servants must enjoy the trust and confidence of all South African citizens if we are to
effectively perform our task. More especially, as public servants entrusted with the collection
of public funds, we at the South African Revenue Service have the highest obligation to act
– and to be seen to act - in a way that protects this trust.
It is for this reason that we have adopted a set of values and codes of practice which
underpin all our relationships, business processes and conduct. These values are: mutual
respect and trust; equity and fairness; integrity and honesty; transparency and openness;
courtesy and commitment.
To give real meaning to these values and to guide our daily interactions and conduct, we
continue to introduce and refine policies to ensure that all our actions are of the highest
legal, moral and ethical standards.
In August this year we introduced the SARS Gift Policy to provide new guidelines with
respect to giving or receiving gifts to ensure that our employees are above reproach. It is
aimed at protecting both ourselves and you our clients and service providers from any hint
of favouritism and partiality.
In terms of the SARS Gift Policy, all SARS officials are prohibited from accepting gifts.
The giving and receiving of gifts, no matter how innocently intentioned, can undermine this
vital trust the public has in us. At best, gifts can unwittingly create a sense of obligation and
indebtedness which may undermine our objectivity and credibility – even if only in the eyes
of others. At worst, gifts can be a subtle and disguised form of bribery.
Consequently, it is the request of SARS that no gifts or gratuities should be forwarded to
SARS offices or SARS officials. All gifts offered shall be declined and returned. Where not
possible or where given at official functions, the gifts will be retained at the SARS Ethics
Office for donation to charity. This also applies to gifts received anonymously.
At SARS we remain committed to serving the public with unyielding integrity, honesty and
objectivity. As taxpayers yourselves, we trust you will understand this need to guard our
integrity jealously and hope you will assist us in this endeavour.
If you have any queries please contact our the SARS Ethics Office at [email protected]
Yours sincerely,
Brian Kgomo
SARS Ethics Office"