LATEST ARTICLES
ARTICLES FROM COVID-19 HUB
A future fit for purpose
Alex Granger It may be an understatement to say that we are going through a period of change. But while there is so much negativity around us, there is also the opportunity to work on our future selves. Which is why SAICA invited Dr Alex Granger, one of Africa’s top executive coaches, to speak at…
Crisis Communication: Moving through crises
Like an earthquake, in its wake the COVID-19 crisis will result in aftershocks that will permanently reshape the world. It’s also a defining moment for humanity in which we can look further into the distance to imagine what the world may be like in the coming weeks and months, and perhaps see a turning point…
On strategy Shoprite’s strategy in the time of COVID-19
With a background in financial management and business valuations, I have always been intrigued by ‘strategy’, that thing that ultimately sets a company apart from the next and probably, together with strong leadership, the main driver behind sustained value creation. In a series of interviews, I will be exploring different business leaders’ (all chartered accountants)…
Ethics in a time of crisis
If there is any situation that is going to show your true colours, it’s a crisis. At SAICA we are passionate about helping our members, and we want to arm you with all the information you need to navigate your way through the COVID-19 crisis successfully and with integrity. As part of our ‘Leadership in…
How getting creative can help you in a crisis
‘Collaboration, community and creativity are our best hopes for the future.’ This is according to Port Elizabeth artist Duncan Stewart, who spoke about developing and enhancing your inherent creativity as a tool to future-proof yourself at SAICA’s ‘Leadership in a Time of Crisis’ webinar series. ‘I suspect it’s a bit of a risk on SAICA’s…
The future of work
As part of SAICA’s ‘Leadership in a Time of Crisis’ webinar series, Willem van der Post CA(SA), CEO of xTech.Capital, shared some thoughts on what the workplace of the future will look like, especially in a post-coronavirus world. The new normal. It’s all everyone’s talking about. But what exactly does it mean? I’m not a…
Optimism among finance leaders about reopening
As work sites slowly start to reopen, CFOs are optimistic they can keep their customers and employees safe. As COVID-19 restrictions continue to slowly lift in some countries while others remain in lockdown, PwC’s latest COVID-19 CFO Pulse report reveals a sense of optimism among finance leaders about their companies’ ability to reopen safely. Seventy-five…
Increased cybersecurity awareness during the pandemic
With companies making use of increased mediums of technology to conduct work-related activities, the emphasis on cybersecurity has intensified. However, while there may be a number of security measures in place, the end-user will always remain the most vulnerable target. Creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness is therefore a key component to help combat cyber…
Covid-19: South African Businesses Must Predict Cashflow During Crisis
The modern world is facing a unique and unprecedented time. Lockdown and social distancing measures have been introduced across the globe, with South Africa implementing some of the strictest. The South African government closed most businesses on March 27th in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 — a business confidence index has fallen…
Investing during COVID-19
At SAICA’s ‘Leadership in a Time of Crisis’ webinar series, Investec’s chief investment strategist, Chris Holdsworth, shared insights on how the pandemic is shaping investment strategie. As if there isn’t enough to worry about during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have seen their investments tank over the past few weeks. Chris Holdsworth explained how he…
ARTICLES FROM ACCOUNTANCY SA
Focus: Investing in students and stakeholders
In the July issue of Accountancy SA, Wayne van Zijl CA(SA) submitted that, as with medical professionals, professional accountants may need to take an oath too, because while doctors have a direct impact when it comes to saving people’s lives, accountants’ actions may equally impact the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people.1 Of course,…
Feature: Why do I believe in bitcoin and its blockchain technology ledger?
In September 2008 the great financial crisis started. In October 2008 Satoshi Nakamoto released a white paper that explained bitcoin and the ledger that uses blockchain technology and the vision for one currency for the world using the Internet of Value. Bitcoin, as opposed to fiat currencies, is a decentralised digital currency that enables instant…
Feature: Does cyber insurance truly mitigate financial risks?
Cyber insurance has many benefits, but also some limitations that CFOs and accounting departments are not always aware of. Here’s how you can protect yourself more comprehensively. The estimated impact of cybercrime on the South African economy is R2,2 billion per annum. Impersonation crimes, especially, are of huge concern. These fraud instances, where fraudsters assume the identity…
Feature: Transforming the accounting education landscape
A generation of better-equipped accounting professionals could not only help guide smarter economic choices in the public and private sectors but also serve as a bulwark against corruption. South African students are struggling at university. This is now well documented. Students take more years than average to complete degrees and drop out at high rates.…
Profile: PJ Botha – The secret to success is helping others
‘You don’t have to start your own business to create wealth,’ write PJ Botha CA(SA) and his brother, Geo, presenters of the TV series Welvaartskeppers (wealth creators), in their first book, Word Ryk, Bly Ryk. In their insightful book, the brothers Botha endeavour to teach ordinary South Africans how to make money in a challenging…
Viewpoints: Section 24 Lay-by agreements
Trading stock sold under a contract requiring full or partial payment for ownership to transfer falls under section 24. Section 24 taxes the full amount upfront and grants the taxpayer a debtors’ allowance deduction, resulting in a cash flow basis of taxation. Section 24 was amended to specify that the relief also applies to lay-by…
Focus: Improving efficiency within the audit process by using digital technological tools
Technology is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work and communicate. Auditors need to be aware of the digital technology tools that are currently available and how to use them as part of the audit process to make the audit process more efficient and effective. This requires that the auditors…
Cover Story: Shabeer Khan – Relentless dedication to tackle corruption
In 2022, Municipal IQ recorded 193 service delivery protests. This is a powerful statement made by South Africans whose quality of life has been diminished by their municipalities’ inaction, and it is the plight of these individuals that motivates Shabeer Khan, the Accountant-General of South Africa. Shabeer explains that one of his primary responsibilities as…
Profile: Koko Khumalo – Motlanalo on the up and up
Founded on the values of respect and integrity, Motlanalo Inc, a black women-owned SMP headquartered in Polokwane, Limpopo, is geared towards transforming the audit landscape. In reliving the events around the genesis of her firm, Koko Khumalo CA(SA) entertains an erudite conversation on learning organisations, a branch of study associated with knowledge management. The CEO…
Profile: Mpho Lebethe – Catapulting youngsters into their destinies
Mpho Lebethe has combined her passion for entrepreneurship with an equally fierce enthusiasm for upliftment, forging a career path that ensures others rise as she does. ‘My grandparents raised me with the belief that even if you only have R100, you can still share R50 with those who have less than you,’ says Mpho. It’s…