Director of PLAAS Professor Ruth Hall, former (SARS) Commissioner Prof Edward Kieswetter and Mr Paul Makube, Senior Agriculture Economist from FNB during a panel discussion. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

South Africa had grand plans for prosperity, but failed to execute them. This was the view of former South African Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner, Prof Edward Kieswetter. 

Prof Kieswetter, who recently stepped down from his role at SARS, delivered one of two keynote addresses at the inaugural Leadership & Growth Series on 6 May 2026 at FNB’s impressive Portside Building. The dialogues are to be presented in partnership between FNB and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS).

“We have not succeeded in our aspiration of building a state capable of execution at scale,” said Prof Kieswetter, who is a notable alumnus of UWC. “We have not succeeded and that is on us. The gap between what we have decided to do and what we have actually delivered; I call that the execution gap.”

Prof Kieswetter reminded the audience that universities, especially UWC with its track record as a catalyst for change, had a crucial role in closing the gap. 

“Closing this gap is central to the leadership of our generation. In the public sector, leadership must place people first: Batho Pele. This is a public service that requires a shift from procedural compliance to institutional integrity. Following rules is not enough,” he said. 

“Water from taps, pothole-free roads, queues that move, calls that are answered and swift turnaround when it matters. Essentially, promises that are kept. A capable state is not a slogan. It is the patient daily endeavour of leaders who refuse to settle for anything less than excellence.”

Prof Kieswetter prefaced his address with his seven-year journey at SARS – taking the organisation from crisis and helping to restore public confidence. It led to record tax collections, automated systems to create efficiency, and a greater value proposition for SARS staff.

Former (SARS) Commissioner Prof Edward Kieswetter delivers his keynote address. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

There was no reason this could not be applied to rebuilding other institutions, he said, with the help of universities. 

“Delivering a degree is a necessary but insufficient ambition to hold. Advancing a narrative that is enduring and graduates themselves becoming stewards thereof is what will ensure the long-term societal cohesion and prosperity we wish for.”

The leadership series is the brainchild of Dean of the Faculty of EMS, Prof Michelle Esau. In her opening remarks, she explained why she viewed FNB as an important partner for the dialogues: “Significant partnerships and collaborations are fundamental to tackling the problems of the 21st century. This is one such effort, through collaboration on one aspect of the bigger picture, namely, the mantra of the quality of a better life for all.

“This series will explore the interface between leadership and economic growth through a solution-driven lens. We’re tired of talking about the problems; we want to start engaging in practical solutions since we know effective leadership builds trust and confidence in institutions.”

Mr Sipho Jiyane, FNB Commercial Marketing Lead, said of the partnership: “We see daily in our line of work how ethical leadership and effective governance translate into confidence, job creation and sustainability. This is how our ideas and our marriage (with UWC) make sense. This series reflects FNB’s commitment to shaping conversations that move beyond theory to real economic impact. By convening leaders from government, academia and business, we help to gain insight to action that strengthens South African’s economic future.”

Dean of the Faculty of EMS, Prof Michelle Esau. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Co-keynote speaker, Mr Paul Makube, FNB Senior Agriculture Economist, emphasised the agriculture sector’s importance to the economy and outlined foreign and local inhibitors to its stability. He located the sector in the context of leadership and said agriculture contributed R226-billion in 2025 – up from just R50-billion 20 years ago.

About the inhibitors – like disease that affected crops and livestock, and geopolitical policies – he said: “We hedge our business through ensuring stability in our country. We cannot grow if our country does not grow.”

The inaugural conversation included a panel discussion with the keynote speakers, moderated by Prof Ruth Hall – the director of the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) at UWC. 

She remarked: “We don’t need to look far in this country to see examples of leadership failure – at individual and institutional level. But we also see all around us the ingredients for success: brave individuals and institutions taking the lead in their sector. It is possible to turn institutions – and indeed society – around.”