Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene expressed confidence on Thursday in the new South African Revenue Service (Sars) commissioner chosen by President Jacob Zuma.

"I present him to you as our brand new commissioner of Sars," Nene said, indicating Thomas Moyane.

Asked about Moyane's suitability for the role given the fact that he did not have tax experience, Nene defended Zuma's choice for the appointment.

"I don't think it is inappropriate we have someone from outside Sars. If the president feels he needs a candidate from outside, I would imagine it is within his authority to do that."

Nene said Moyane had qualifications and experience, both in the private and public sector, that made him suited to the position.

"There are other criteria that made me feel comfortable [Zuma] made the right choice."

On Tuesday the presidency announced that Zuma had appointed Moyane as the new commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, replacing Ivan Pillay.

Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Moyane, a development economist, would bring more than 30 years' experience to the post.

Moyane had served as national commissioner at the department of correctional services, as chief executive officer for the Government Printing Works, and as managing director for Engen Mozambique.

He also had experience as regional co-ordinator of regional spatial development initiatives and chief director for industry and enterprise development at the department of trade and industry, Maharaj said.

Nene said that internationally it was "nothing out of the ordinary" for such a position to be filled by someone without tax experience.

"We have confidence in this selection."

Moyane said: "I want to thank President Zuma and minister Nene for their confidence to present me this incredible opportunity to serve our country".

Moyane, who would officially take up the position on Saturday, said he looked forward to working with the Sars team and learning Sars's business, including understanding the complexities of revenue collecting.

He said he hoped to build on the trust taxpayers and citizens placed in the revenue service.

"I hope I can make a small but positive contribution.

"We should be duty bound to pay our taxes timeously and those in default, certainly, I will be knocking at their door," he said.

"This organisation has been in good hands and I want to thank you," he said to Pillay, who had been acting in the position.

Former SARS commissioner Oupa Magashula resigned in July last year following an investigation into his conduct.

Magashula allegedly offered an accountant a job in a recorded telephone conversation facilitated by a Timothy Marimuthu, believed to have had influence over Magashula. The investigation was initiated by former finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

Nene said he did not think the new appointment had taken an unduly long time, especially as Sars was a strong institution.

"It is the right person at the right time."

Moyane was appointed for a five-year term, which was renewable.

Pillay welcomed Moyane, and said he had already met the Sars executive on Thursday morning.

He also thanked Sars staff for their support during his tenure as acting commissioner.

Moyane's qualifications include a bachelor of science in economics from the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, and a diploma in small business consulting from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Moyane also holds certificates in strategic management, managing markets from Henley, micro-economics from London School of Economics and Mastering Finance from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.