Outside the small town of eManzana/Badplaas in Mpumalanga lies a farm that is just over 5 000ha big.

This place is called Ntaba Nyoni Cattle Farm and it is, according to its website, the ‘pride of President Cyril Ramaphosa’.

The cattle farm has five studs of different breeds: Ankole, Boran, Bonsmara, Nguni And Wagyu. With all these cattle, there was bound to be a beef with someone and in the president’s case, it was with the taxpayers and opposition.

Ever since the Phala Phala farm saga, where millions of US dollars were reportedly stolen from the president’s farm in Limpopo, Ramaphosa has been a focal point for many.

One of the concerns of people was if Ramaphosa is tax compliant.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has now received the approval of the taxpayers in terms of Section 69 (6) of the Tax Administration Act no 28 of 2011 (TAA) to make a public statement about taxpayers Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Ntaba Nyoni Estate and Ntaba Nyoni Feedlot.

Part of the statement reads: “To date, audits have been concluded without any adverse tax findings. SARS wishes to confirm that the taxpayers are compliant with their tax obligations to date.”

SARS says the companies’ consent was provided by the public officer for each of the companies respectively, appointed in terms of section 246 of the TAA, 2011, and responsible for all acts and matters of a company for tax purposes.

We are mindful of the considerable public interest and concern in the affairs of these taxpayers, adds SARS.

“In terms of Section 40 of the TAA, SARS may select a person for inspection, verification, or audit based on any consideration relevant for the proper administration of a tax act, including on a random or a risk assessment basis. Taxpayers are detected for compliance interventions based on the sophisticated case selection methodology developed by SARS that draws on available data from statutory declarations by taxpayers, data from third-party providers as well as other sources. SARS conducts its compliance interventions with utmost care and independence. Based on this approach, the taxpayers in question have over the years been selected for audit by SARS well ahead of the start of media publications concerning the companies and this has continued since then.”

SARS notes that the three have always co-operated during audits and that ‘there has been no interference or resistance from the taxpayers, their staff, or any other party’.

SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter confirms: “At no stage was I approached by President Ramaphosa, or anyone on his behalf, with any request related to his personal and/or the business entities in question.”

He adds that in taking this ‘exceptional step to disclose the tax status of the president, with his written consent, SARS would also encourage other high-profile political office bearers and leaders in society to consider taking this proactive step as part of their commitment to transparency’.

“This would go a long way towards building confidence in our country’s institutions.

“SARS has always assured the public that we act without fear, favour or prejudice and will continue to do so in respect of any taxpayer and trader, regardless of their position or place in society.”