Newly launched Tax Clinic Office connects communities with tax expertise

Understanding tax no longer needs to be complicated for communities and students alike. The Tshwane University of Technology's Department of Accounting at the Ga-Rankuwa Campus has officially launched a dedicated Tax Clinic Office, creating a central space where taxpayers can access guidance while students gain valuable real-world experience. The initiative strengthens tax education, promotes community engagement and equips future tax professionals with practical skills.

The Tax Clinic office launch. The launch of the Tax Clinic Office is an important step forward in making tax services more accessible while strengthening experiential learning opportunities for students.

Fezile Ncongwane, Head of TUT's Department of Accounting, described the Tax Clinic as an incubator that supports and empowers students while addressing gaps in tax knowledge within communities. She added that many taxpayers struggle to navigate South Africa's complex tax system because they lack the knowledge, confidence or resources needed to meet their obligations.

"We know that the South African tax system can be complex, particularly for ordinary South Africans who may not always have the knowledge, confidence or resources to navigate it. That complexity is one of the reasons for the need for a Tax Clinic. It will help us bridge the gap between the tax system and the people who interact with it. With the launch of the Tax clinic Office, we are taking the idea of bridging the gap a step further. We will not only continue providing a space for tax assistance but also a space for tax education, research, engagement and practical experience," she said.

Jerry Netshandama, Tax Clinic Manager, said an idea that began as a small initiative has grown into a national project after identifying a need that serves both students and communities.

"Students msut see how tax knowledge is applied in the real world and taxpayers need access to people who can assist them to understand their tax rights and obligations," he said.

The Department of Accounting Head, Fezile Ncongwane, delivering the opening address. Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, highlighted the Tax Clinic's role in advancing the University's strategic goals. She said the initiative joins other programmes that create opportunities for students to gain practical workplace experience while developing the skills needed to contribute positively to society.

"Our first strategic goal speaks directly to the kind of graduates we want to produce, graduates who are knowledgeable, adaptable, ethical, innovative and capable of making a positive contribution to society," she said.

Yanga Mputa, Tax Ombud, welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that it will continue growing to benefit underserved communities across the country. She encouraged students to pursue careers in taxation and emphasised the importance of helping taxpayers understand their rights and responsibilities.

Mputa said a lack of tax knowledge can lead taxpayers to miss deadlines or accept assessments without understanding available options. She encouraged Tax Clinic consultants to ensure that every client leaves with answers to their questions, appropriate referrals and a positive service experience built on patience and empathy.

Representatives from various stakeholder organisations. The Tax Clinic also received strong support from key stakeholders in the tax sector. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the South African Institute of Taxation (SAIT) endorsed the initiative and recognised its value in improving access to tax assistance within communities.

According to Prof Polly Mashigo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, the Tax Clinic reflects the department's ongoing commitment to education, excellence and meaningful community impact.

"This Tax Clinic demonstrates our achievements in education, passion and excellence towards advancing not only good but great work that this department has done so far," she said.

The Tax Clinic Office will operate from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 14:00, offering support to taxpayers while providing students with an environment to apply their knowledge in practice.

The Tax Clinic team together with various stakeholders. The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Finance, Professor Polly Mashigo.

Attendees at the Tax Clinic Office launch.