Oupa Magashula Biography
Oupa George Magashula was a respected South African leader who served as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 2009 to 2013. He passed away on 4 December 2025 at the age of 63 after a long illness. Before leading SARS, he built a strong career in big companies and started as a trade union activist during the tough years of apartheid. Many people remember him as a humble, hardworking man who wanted to make South Africa fairer and stronger. This article explains his life in simple steps so everyone can understand who he was and why he mattered.
Oupa George Magashula Early Life and Background
Oupa Magashula was born around 1962 in South Africa, at a time when apartheid laws made life very difficult for Black people. Growing up in that system taught him early about unfairness and the need to fight for better rights. Not much is known about his exact hometown or family details because he kept his private life quiet, but friends and family say he was always calm, thoughtful, and determined to help others. Those childhood years shaped his strong sense of justice and service to the country.
Oupa Magashula Education
Oupa Magashula worked hard to get a good education, even when opportunities were limited for Black students. In 1991, he completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Oceanography and Chemistry at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Later, he returned to the same university and took extra business courses at the UCT Graduate School of Business. His science background gave him sharp problem-solving skills, while the business studies prepared him for leadership roles. He proved that with effort, anyone can rise above difficult beginnings.
Oupa Magashula Career
Oupa Magashula’s working life can be divided into clear stages:
Trade union activist (1980s) He started by standing up for workers’ rights during apartheid. This experience taught him how to negotiate and bring people together.
Private sector leadership (1990s to 2008) For more than 26 years, he held senior jobs in major South African companies:
Human Resources Director at Telkom
Senior roles at South African Breweries (SAB)
Leadership positions at Nampak and Sun International In these jobs, he helped companies run smoothly and treated workers fairly.
Move to SARS (2006) He joined the South African Revenue Service as Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services. His good work led to bigger responsibilities.
Acting Commissioner, then full Commissioner (2009–2013) In 2009, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan appointed him Acting Commissioner. Later that year, he became the official Commissioner. During his time, SARS collected more tax money and modernized its systems to serve people better.
Resignation in 2013 In July 2013, he resigned after questions were raised about offering a job to a friend. An investigation found he made a mistake in the process, and he accepted responsibility. He left the position with immediate effect.
Life after SARS (2013–2025) He became Executive Chairman of CZ Electronics, a South African technology company. In 2015, he also invested in local mobile phone and tablet businesses. He stayed active in business until his health declined.
Oupa Magashula Personal Life
Oupa Magashula was married and had children, but he always protected his family from public attention. People who knew him say he was warm, funny, and deeply patriotic. After his passing on 4 December 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa and many others sent messages of respect. Family spokesperson Thebe Ikalafeng described him as someone with “unwavering commitment to the people of South Africa.” He spent his last months in hospital fighting a long illness with the same quiet strength he showed throughout his life.
Conclusion
Oupa Magashula’s journey from a young activist to one of South Africa’s top public servants shows what determination and honesty can achieve. Even though his time at SARS ended with difficulty, his earlier work helped make tax collection stronger and fairer for the country. South Africans will remember him as a leader who served with pride and always put the nation first. His life is an example that one person can make a real difference through hard work and care for others.
FAQs
Who was Oupa Magashula?
He was the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) from 2009 to 2013 and a successful business leader.
When did Oupa Magashula pass away?
He passed away on 4 December 2025 at the age of 63 after a long illness.
What did he study?
He earned a BSc in Oceanography and Chemistry from the University of Cape Town in 1991 and later completed business courses at the same university.
Why did he resign from SARS?
He resigned in July 2013 after an investigation found he made a procedural mistake when offering a job to a friend.
What did he do after leaving SARS?
He became Executive Chairman of CZ Electronics and invested in South African technology companies.
Was Oupa Magashula involved in politics?
No, he was a professional public servant and business leader, not a politician.
How is he remembered today?
Many people remember him as a humble, capable leader who loved South Africa and worked hard to improve it.
oupa magashula was a champion of the poor
May your soul continue to find sweet repose Oupa Magashula!!
Our time in the dusty streets of Montshioa Township in Mahikeng, especially @ the Wilhemina Kloppers Chreche, where your Granny,, Nkgono Mamaboko was our Matron , will alweysm ring supreme in my memories of our childhood!!
MYSRIEP OUPA MAGASHULA !!