South African actress and media personality Pearl Thusi has found herself at the center of a major financial storm following reports that the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued a final demand for nearly R15 million in alleged outstanding taxes.
The demand, which surfaced via reports in the Sunday Times, includes formal documents issued on August 6 and electronically filed on September 2. It identifies the star by her full name, Sithembile Xola Thusi, and outlines a heavy breakdown: approximately R9.8 million in personal income tax, about R5.2 million in accumulated interest, and a R20,000 administrative penalty.
The stakes and SARS's demands
Under the terms of the final demand, SARS has given Thusi a strict window of 10 business days to address the debt. The revenue authority's collection procedures allow taxpayers in such positions to settle the total sum, arrange for payment installments, formally request a suspension of the debt while launching a dispute, or apply for a compromise arrangement.
Failure to respond or reach an agreement within the stipulated timeframe grants SARS aggressive recovery powers. These measures can include securing civil judgements to authorise the attachment and sale of assets by a sheriff, or appointing third parties – such as banks or entities holding funds for the taxpayer – to settle the debt directly.
Pearl Thusi Pushes back
While media attention has focused on the staggering figures, Thusi has firmly disputed the accuracy of the publicised amount. Speaking to the press, the actress acknowledged that she does have an outstanding obligation with the revenue collector, but she dismissed the R15 million estimation as “grossly incorrect and therefore misleading.”
“While I acknowledge that there is an amount owing to SARS, the figure quoted is grossly incorrect and therefore misleading. I believe it is important that the matter is reported accurately,” Thusi stated.
She emphasised her commitment to dealing with her financial responsibilities lawfully, noting that she has been in direct communication with SARS to resolve the discrepancy. At the same time, she expressed frustration over the public nature of her tax affairs, reminding observers that individual tax records are legally bound by strict confidentiality rules.
Broader context
SARS has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing taxpayer confidentiality. However, the high-profile action underscores the revenue service's intensified focus on tax compliance among high-income earners and public figures.
As Thusi continues working with tax officials to rectify the figures and clear her name, the development serves as a sharp reminder of the strict accountability measures modern tax authorities hold over prominent public personalities.