Letter dated 30 September 2003 from the Minister of Finance to the Speaker, tabled in terms of section 65(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999), explaining the delay in the tabling of the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the South African Revenue Services for 2002-2003:

Dear Madam Speaker

TABLING OF SARS' ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In terms of section 65(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, I as the Executive Authority responsible for SARS, must table SARS' annual report and financial statements in the National Assembly within six months after the end of the SARS' financial year, which ended on 31 March 2003. The last date for tabling in the National Assembly was, therefore, 30 September 2003.

The management of SARS and the office of the Auditor-General are still involved in intensive discussion on various complex matters. It was not possible to conclude these discussions and interactions within the required time limit.

In view of the above discussions it was not possible for SARS to finalise its annual report and accompanying financial statements timeously to enable me to table the relevant documents within the required six month period in the National Assembly.

The purpose of this letter is, therefore, to inform you that I will not be able to table the annual report and statements within the required six month period and to table a written explanation in terms of section 65(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, setting out the reasons for the delay. In this regard I submit the aforementioned written explanation.

I will happily discuss some of these concerns with you telephonically.

I leave this matter in your capable hands.

Yours sincerely
TREVOR A MANUEL, MP
MINISTER OF FINANCE