BURS rolls out staff voluntary separation, Commissioner General sacked
Sharon Mathala | Monday November 17, 2025 06:00
Letters inviting staff to take part in the exercise were distributed early week across various tax agency offices.
The offer, according to internal communication seen by Mmegi, is extended to all employees who wish to exit the organisation “at their own volition,” with BURS describing it as an opportunity for staff ready to transition out of public service.
A day after the letters went out, Makgolo , who had been at the helm of the revenue agency since 2021 and whose contract was due next year July, was abruptly relieved of her duties.
The abrupt timing of her departure has sparked speculation within and outside BURS about internal tensions and the broader rationale behind the restructuring exercise.
In an interview with Mmegi this week, the now axed Makgolo confirmed the voluntary separation programme, insisting it was not forced and that no one was being targeted.
“BURS has offered whoever wishes to go at their own volition to do so. No one forced. No one is particularly affected but those who wish,” she explained.
Makgolo added the initiative was designed to provide an orderly path for employees ready to move on, especially during organisational restructuring.
“A voluntary separation opportunity is normally opened to give officers who feel they have served their best and want to move on and do so with some package offered by the organisation, I can confirm to you that ever since I joined BURS in 2021, several officers have approached me to request for such an opportunity,' she said.
“Yes, during organisational structure changes it is more convenient to do so because there would be a structured way of making replacements rather than on an ad hoc basis.'
According to Makgolo the process was transparent and policy-driven.
“When that window is opened, all employees are given the offer and they are given their respective exit packages that are based on documented and approved policy.
“This is to allow everybody to make an informed decision knowing what they stand to take away. In addition, you may also note that the applications are subject to assessment. The employer reserves the right to approve or reject an application,” Makgolo further explained.
While BURS officials maintain that the separation is entirely voluntary, the exercise has revived memories of previous attempts to restructure the organization.
In 2024, the moves were halted by the Industrial Court after employees and their union challenged the legality of proposed retrenchments.
The court ruled that BURS must adhere to due process and proper consultation before undertaking any staff reduction measures.
This time around, insiders say, the agency is being cautious to avoid a repeat of that dispute.
“Management is branding it as a voluntary exit to maintain compliance with the court ruling, but the underlying goal remains streamlining cutting excess roles and repositioning the agency for efficiency,” one said.
Nonetheless, the near-simultaneous removal of Makgolo has added intrigue to the unfolding developments.
Sources say she was informed of her termination barely a day after the separation letters were issued and that an acting Commissioner General has since been appointed.
The Ministry of Finance, which oversees BURS, had not issued an official statement by press time.
Makgolo’s exit closes a chapter marked by an aggressive push for tax compliance and digital transformation at the revenue service.
Her tenure saw the rollout of online tax platforms, expanded enforcement operations, and tighter scrutiny on non-complying businesses.
BURS’ restructuring comes as government tightens revenue collection mandate amid rising fiscal pressures.
The agency has been tasked with improving efficiency, expanding the tax base, and increasing compliance among informal sector operators all while maintaining public trust.
Makgolo was appointed BURS Commissioner General on August 1, 2021 with an initial contract of five years.
Earlier this year, indications emerged of tensions, with allegations that some senior BURS officials were pressing for her departure, a position allegedly favoured by the Finance Ministry.
By law, the Finance Minister appoints the Commissioner General. BURS Commissioner of Operations, Phodiso Valashia, has reportedly been appointed acting Commissioner General of the tax agency.
Valashia is a veteran BURS executive whose position as Commissioner of Operations means he essentially oversees the core of the tax agency, being responsible for customs and domestic taxes.
Prior to this position, Valashia was Commissioner of Customs and Excise.