By Evan Pickworth

NEW South African Revenue Service (SARS) commissioner Thomas Moyane fired a warning shot against government overspending on Thursday, cautioning departments to work within their means as any “extras” would not simply be dished out.

President Jacob Zuma’s appointment of Mr Moyane took many by surprise on Tuesday, as he is a development economist by training rather than a tax expert.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene faced a barrage of questions on Thursday on Mr Moyane’s suitability for the job, but he emphasised that it was not only tax experience that counted in the role.

The appointment comes at a difficult time for SARS. Former commissioner Oupa Magashula resigned in the aftermath of a scandal in July last year following a probe into allegations of impropriety.

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