5.2 Economic Context of 2009/10 The Commissioner of SARS reported that 2009/10 was one of the most challenging and demanding financial years in the history of SARS. A clear indication of the prevailing economic downturn experienced during 2009/10 is reflected in the revenue performance is reported in the 2009/10 Annual Report. The report reflects a year-on-year decline in overall revenue of R26.4 billion - the first time in the 13 year history of SARS in which revenue collection declined in a 12 month period. Revenue collection is a key driver of SARS's performance and is central to the mandate of SARS as prescribed by legislation. The financial crisis that manifested in the 2008/09 financial year affected revenue collections in the 2009/10 financial year. The 2009/10 financial year saw South Africa go through the worst recession in 17 years, bringing financial hardship to millions of South Africans. The revenue target for SARS was decreased by R69 billion from R659.3 billion in 2008/09 financial year to R590.4 billion in the financial year under review.