The University of South Africa (Unisa) is making it easier for employees to resolve tax-related challenges by bringing the South African Revenue Service (SARS) directly to its campuses.

The initiative, aimed at supporting employee welfare and improving access to tax services, allows staff to engage directly with SARS officials about their individual tax matters without having to navigate the process on their own.

The two-day pilot programme began at Unisa's Muckleneuk Campus before moving to the Sunnyside Campus. The response from employees has been encouraging, with strong interest prompting SARS to consider extending the initiative if demand continues.

Fikile Monene, Deputy Director of Payroll Administration in the Finance Department, said the initiative was prompted in part by the growing number of garnishee orders received by the university’s payroll office in relation to unpaid employee debts.

Some employees also experience difficulties accessing SARS services through online platforms or securing appointments, making an onsite service particularly useful.

"This initiative serves as a value-add service," Monene said, adding that it provides employees, particularly those who may struggle to access services externally, with a more convenient environment in which to address their tax concerns.

For employees attending the sessions, having SARS officials available on campus has provided an opportunity to address complex tax queries directly and receive assistance with their tax affairs.

Katlego Maseboa, a host for the SARS Mobile Unit during its visit to Unisa, said the initiative had made a noticeable difference.

"This initiative has been incredibly helpful in addressing complex tax queries," she said.

She added that the turnaround time for assistance had met expectations and expressed support for similar initiatives in future.

Tsepo Mohlala, a service consultant from SARS’s government segment department, said the team was assisting employees with submitting their tax returns, checking their tax status and ensuring that they were being taxed correctly.

"Our team is focused on helping employees submit their tax returns to ensure compliance and to verify they are being taxed correctly," Mohlala said.

He emphasised the importance of submitting tax returns on time, noting that failure to comply with tax requirements can result in penalties and, in some cases, garnishments that can affect employees and the university.

While he was satisfied with the initial response, Mohlala encouraged more employees to make use of the service.

He said the SARS team remained available to assist as part of its services.

The positive response has opened the possibility of extending the programme beyond the initial two-day pilot.

Monene said SARS had indicated its willingness to add more days should demand continue to grow.

There are also plans to explore a broader roadshow during the next tax season, potentially taking the service to major regional hubs, including Florida, KwaZulu-Natal and the combined Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions, with Nelspruit identified as a possible location.

The planned expansion would allow more employees across Unisa’s regional footprint to access direct tax assistance.

The collaboration between Unisa and SARS forms part of the university’s broader focus on employee wellbeing and support.

By bringing tax services directly to its campuses, Unisa is helping employees access assistance with issues that can have a significant impact on their personal finances.

The initiative also encourages greater tax awareness and compliance while providing employees with an opportunity to resolve concerns directly with the relevant authorities.

For Unisa, the partnership demonstrates how practical support services can help employees navigate complex financial matters while contributing to a healthier and more informed workforce.

* By Sipho Jack, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement