Tom Moyane met with Bain over SARS even before his appointment

In a stunning revelation at the Nugent Commission, Vittorio Massone, managing partner of Bain & Company, disclosed that the consulting firm had met with Tom Moyane to discuss the South African Revenue Service (SARS) even before Moyane was appointed to head up the tax collection service. This bombshell revelation raises serious questions about the relationship between Moyane and Bain & Company, as well as the motives behind seeking advice on SARS before Moyane took up his role as Commissioner. The meeting in question reportedly took place around 2013-2014, well before Moyane officially started his position at SARS on 27 September 2014. Massone stated that Moyane expressed interest in receiving an outside perspective on SARS and was keen on understanding Bain's work with other state-owned enterprises and private sector companies. Massone claimed that it was normal practice for Bain & Company to meet with individuals and provide viewpoints on various companies. However, the timing and nature of Moyane's discussions with Bain & Company about SARS have raised eyebrows, particularly since Moyane was not yet at SARS when these meetings occurred. Massone indicated that Moyane's ambition was to become the Commissioner of SARS, which may explain his interest in seeking advice on the tax collection service even before assuming the role. The fact that Moyane was gathering insights on SARS while holding a different position adds a layer of complexity to the situation. When asked about the specifics of their discussions on SARS, Massone mentioned that their viewpoint was based on publicly available data, including media reports and public information. He claimed that their assessment of SARS was positive and focused on aspects such as modernization and employee numbers. Massone emphasized that it was common practice for Bain & Company to compile detailed summaries based on publicly accessible information before meeting with clients. The revelation of Bain & Company's early involvement with Moyane and SARS has raised questions about the transparency and integrity of the selection process for key positions within the organization. The fact that Moyane was seeking advice on SARS well before his official appointment suggests a level of premeditation and strategic planning that warrants further scrutiny. The Nugent Commission, which is probing governance and administration issues at SARS, will likely delve deeper into the nature of Moyane's interactions with Bain & Company and the implications of seeking external advice on a government institution before assuming leadership. The Commission's findings could shed light on potential conflicts of interest and ethical considerations surrounding Moyane's tenure at SARS. The revelations made by Vittorio Massone at the Nugent Commission highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in the appointment and decision-making processes within governmental institutions. The public and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the Commission's proceedings to uncover the full extent of Moyane's engagements with Bain & Company and the implications for SARS' operations and reputation.