The South African revenue Service (SARS) is to intensify its efforts to detect and contest non-compliance, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan told Parliament on Friday.

He said it is imperative that we deal with all forms of leakage from the state, especially at a time when every cent needs to be properly used for its intended purpose.

"Over the past decade considerable progress has been made, Honourable Speaker, in improving our tax system and broadening the tax base. Government is still required to raise revenue, even in these difficult times. This would require of all of us to pay our fair share of taxes, and stop the abuse of our tax system.

"I am happy to report to this House that as at 31 May 2009 we have seen a 10 per cent increase in the number of tax compliant employers, demonstrating that even in the face of the crisis more companies are willing to do business legally," Gordhan said.

But he added: "The SARS will intensify its efforts to detect and contest non- compliance. This is in accordance with international best practice – the IRS of the USA has been asked to hire 10 000 more auditors to raise more taxes and combat off- shore tax schemes!

"It is imperative that we deal with all forms of leakage from the state, especially at a time when every cent needs to be properly used for its intended purpose. Accordingly, the National Treasury will establish a unit to monitor and investigate corruption in public procurement processes."

It will focus on both government employees and private sector involvement in these crimes, he said.

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