The South African Revenue Services [Sars] has opened a satellite office at Sankopano Community Centre, but to a low turnout by residents on day one.
Officials attributed the low turnout to many residents being unaware of their availability at their doorstep. The satellite is an addition to another one operating at Motsweding Centre in Wynberg on Tuesdays. The new one will operate from Sankopano on Wednesdays.
Masego Paul said their presence is part of Sars’ commitment to taking services to the people, cutting travel costs to the main Randburg office and providing them with two options depending on proximity and when they are available. The services include new tax registrations, tax clearances, submissions of returns, e-filing, confirmation of banking and other details. “It’s important for people to know their national obligation through tax payments which support service delivery and keeps government running.”
David Nakin, also of Sars, said they expect the number of clients to increase when more residents know of the additional day when they are present in the area. “We attend to 120 clients per week at Motsweding and expect numbers from Sankopano to increase.” He added that they also conducted educational sessions at the Central Joburg College and do the same for grade 9 to 12 pupils in other areas to sensitise children and youths on the benefits of taxation. This he said includes the construction of public infrastructure such as schools and other public amenities for their benefit under the reconstruction and development programme.
He said once children are aware of this value, they would assist to remind parents to honour their tax obligation. Lakin added that the viability of operating from Sankopano will be assessed after three months.
