Sun International cautions against higher gambling taxes
Sun International has urged government to adopt a measured approach to proposed gambling tax increases, warning that excessive taxation could undermine South Africa’s regulated betting industry. The group’s CEO said poorly designed taxes risk driving players to unregulated offshore platforms, reducing consumer protection and weakening long-term tax revenue.
4-minute read
SARS has stepped up its revenue collection efforts
SARS has stepped up its revenue collection efforts by directly contacting taxpayers via WhatsApp as part of its broader digital modernisation strategy. This marks a shift away from relying solely on letters and emails, with SARS engaging taxpayers on platforms they use daily to ensure important tax notifications are not missed.
According to tax experts, WhatsApp messages from SARS may relate to outstanding tax debt and should not be ignored, as they can follow formal letters of final demand and may precede enforcement or debt‑collection measures. SARS has confirmed that this approach aligns with its 2025–2030 strategic plan to modernise systems and strengthen compliance through technology-driven engagement.
3-minute read
Government considers limited emergency access to pension funds
National Treasury is considering allowing restricted emergency access to pension funds that are currently preserved until retirement, under very strict financial distress conditions. The proposal follows calls to refine South Africa’s two‑pot retirement system, introduced in 2024, which allows limited annual access to a savings portion while keeping the bulk of retirement funds locked away. Treasury officials have stressed that any reforms would be carefully controlled, with discussions expected to begin later this year, amid growing financial pressure on households and retirees.
2-minute read
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