Sars threatens to seize Ria Ledwaba’s assets

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Former South African Football Association (Safa) vice-president Ria Ledwaba faces the prospect of having her assets attached and sold to recover more than R8.3m in outstanding tax debt owed to the South African Revenue Service (Sars).

In a final demand issued to Ledwaba, the revenue collector warns that failure to settle the outstanding amount could result in a civil judgment against her, paving the way for a warrant of execution to be issued and the sheriff attaching and selling her assets to recover the money.

The demand, dated October 7 and filed in court on November 2, gives Ledwaba 10 business days to make full payment or approach Sars with alternative arrangements.

Approached for comment this week, Ledwaba referred the Sunday Times to her accountant, Mahier Tayob, who said they intend to approach Sars for a resolution.

“We are in the process of filing a section 200 application (compromise) to Sars and will simultaneously record a suspension of payment,” Tayob said.

He said the objection process had been exhausted and that no objection or appeal remained active, as this would disqualify Ledwaba from pursuing the section 200 process.

“We are hopeful that this matter will be resolved,” he said.

The revenue collector says its records show that Ledwaba has failed to meet her tax obligations for one or more tax years or periods.

The demand warns that a civil judgment could be entered against her, in which case a warrant of execution may be issued for the sheriff of the court to attach and sell her assets.

We are in the process of filing a section 200 application (compromise) to Sars and will simultaneously record a suspension of payment.

However, the demand itself does not establish that a civil judgment has already been granted or that the sheriff has commenced execution against her property.

Sars spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko said the institution was prohibited from divulging confidential taxpayer information to the media.

“I am prohibited by law from divulging confidential taxpayer information, so Sars will not be commenting on your questions,” he said.

But the revenue collector has also outlined several avenues through which Ledwaba could seek to resolve the matter without immediately paying the entire amount.

Taxpayers who cannot afford to settle their liabilities in full may apply for payment arrangements, while those disputing the amount can seek suspension of the debt pending the outcome of a formal dispute.

The accompanying certified statement provides further details of the outstanding liability, identifying personal income tax and administrative penalties among the accounts reflected in the document.

Ledwaba is a familiar figure in South African football administration, having served as Safa vice-president and occupied influential positions in the country’s football structures.

Her involvement in South African football stretches back decades, beginning with grassroots football in Seshego township, Limpopo, where she was involved with local club Seshego Naughty Boys before establishing her own team, Ria Stars.

It became one of Limpopo’s prominent football clubs and attracted several established players, including former Kaizer Chiefs footballers Frank Makua and the late Thabang Lebese.

In 2002, Ledwaba sold the club to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) as part of a restructuring exercise aimed at reducing the number of teams in the top division. The PSL also bought Qwa Qwa Stars, with each club reportedly receiving R8m.

Ledwaba subsequently became involved in football administration, serving on the PSL executive committee before rising through Safa’s structures.

In June 2018, she made history when she was elected as Safa’s first woman vice-president, securing 28 of the 29 votes cast at the association’s national council meeting. She served alongside Xolile Nkompela and Gay Mokoena, with PSL chairman Irvin Khoza occupying the fourth vice-presidential position.

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