Keith Engel joins SAIT to oversee the executive strategy of the technical team

Amid the sudden resignation and suspensions of senior SARS executives at the South African Revenue Service last week, former National Treasury Chief Director for Legal Tax Policy design, Professor Keith Engel, has announced that he will join the South African Institute of Tax Professionals (SAIT) from early 2015. Keith will take on the role of Deputy Chief Executive, alongside the Institute’s founder and Chief Executive, Stiaan Klue.

Prof Engel served as partner in the global professional services firm EY in its Africa tax practice from 2012. He was also recently elected by the tax industry as the lead representative of the big four professional services firms on the national council of SAIT.

Professor Annet Oguttu, joint president of SAIT and a member of the Davis Tax Committee, welcomed the move.

“Mr Engel will be responsible for advocating the national tax policy agenda from a civil society perspective and will oversee the executive strategy of the technical team at SAIT. Mr Engel brings with him international and continent wide experience from the private and public sectors.”

Established in 2007, SAIT has grown to become the largest of the SARS recognised controlling bodies in South Africa and as such plays the leading role in advising government on tax technical and policy matters through its network of specialist committees and research associates.

Advice to government that exemplifies the Institute’s thought leadership includes the establishment of the small business development ministry, tax policy legislative changes, and most recently reform of the taxation of pensions received by individuals working abroad.

Ms Kabelo Malapela, a partner in the South African tax practice of EY, will assume the position as the big four lead representative on the national council of SAIT.