Yanga Mputa Appointed as South Africa’s First Female Tax Ombud

Yanga Mputa has been appointed as the first female Tax Ombud in South Africa by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. Mputa, an accomplished lawyer and tax expert, will take office on July 1, 2023, for a five-year term.

A Historic Designation

Mputa’s appointment is historic, as she will become the first woman to hold the position of Tax Ombud in South Africa. She follows in the footsteps of Judge Bernard Ngoepe and Professor Thabo Legwaila, who served as the nation’s first Tax Ombud and acting Tax Ombud, respectively.

Prioritizing Public Interest

Minister Godongwana has urged Mputa to prioritize public interest and ensure fair treatment of all taxpayers by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). As a critical instrument for promoting fairness, accountability, and transparency within the tax system, the Tax Ombud serves as an independent and impartial mediator between taxpayers and the tax authority.

A Track Record of Success

Mputa’s extensive qualifications and experience make her an ideal candidate for the position. She holds multiple degrees, including an LLM degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MCom in International Tax from North-West University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mputa has made remarkable contributions to the National Treasury since joining in 2014 as Chief Director: Legal Tax Design, after serving as a Tax Specialist at SARS since 2009. She has overseen the design and drafting of tax laws, negotiated tax treaties, and collaborated with various stakeholders to finalize tax regulations. Mputa has also represented South Africa on the OECD/G20 Steering Group of the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting since January 2017.

A Promising Future for the Nation’s Tax System

Mputa’s appointment as South Africa’s first female Tax Ombud signifies not only a milestone for gender equality but also a promising future for the nation’s tax system. With her wealth of expertise and track record of success, Mputa is well-equipped to uphold taxpayer rights, promote fairness, and enhance transparency within the tax system.