Ashley van der Merwe – Accountancy SA

https://www.accountancysa.org.za Home Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:12:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 September 2026 Issue: Heritage Month Special Edition https://www.accountancysa.org.za/september-2026-issue-heritage-month-special-edition/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:12:35 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29787

ASA 2026 Heritage Month Edition

In this Issue

“Our Heritage. Our Future. Our Difference.” This Heritage Month Special Edition of Accountancy SA explores how the legacies we inherit shape the institutions, businesses and communities we leave behind. Through stories of leadership, governance and public sector transformation, the issue examines how purposeful action today creates a sustainable legacy for tomorrow.

The cover story,“Heritage in Action: Strategy, Governance and the Sustainable Legacy We Build,” profiles Craig Lai King CA(SA), whose career spans development finance, infrastructure investment, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Drawing on his experiences across Africa and internationally, he reflects on the importance of governance, long-term investment, environmental stewardship and developing future talent. The key message is that legacy is built through intentional decisions that create lasting value beyond immediate returns.

The Profile feature,“Holding the Door Open,” follows Cyril Madiba CA(SA), whose appointment as CEO of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation brings his journey full circle from bursary recipient to leader. His story highlights the power of opportunity, mentorship and giving back, demonstrating how individual success can be leveraged to create wider social impact.

The Feature article,“Rebuilding Trust Starts with Better Governance,” explores the role of ethical leadership, accountability and strong institutions in restoring confidence in South Africa’s public and private sectors. Through the work of the Wiseman Nkuhlu Centre for Innovation, Thought Leadership and Governance, the article emphasises how professional integrity and governance excellence can strengthen institutional resilience and economic development.

The edition’s Focus section,“Public Sector Reform,” examines South Africa’s journey towards building capable, accountable and citizen-focused institutions. Contributors explore procurement reform, public finance professionalisation, municipal transformation, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and performance-driven governance. Collectively, the articles argue that sustainable reform requires moving beyond compliance towards implementation, capability and measurable public value.

The Recommend section,“Improving Your Firm’s Profitability,” provides practical insights for accounting firms seeking to enhance performance, strengthen profitability and increase long-term business value through strategic planning, productivity improvements and effective performance management.

Overall, the September issue presents heritage as more than a reflection on the past. It is a call to action to build stronger institutions, invest in people, lead with integrity and create sustainable value. The edition reinforces that the choices leaders make today become the legacy future generations inherit.

The issue concludes with Integritax, featuring expert commentary on major tax, VAT and regulatory developments, including the ABSA v CSARS judgment, Voluntary Disclosure Programme requirements, VAT implications of the creator economy, provisional tax challenges, residential property allowances, international tax developments and emerging compliance considerations affecting finance and tax professionals.

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]]> August 2026 Issue: Women’s Month Special Edition https://www.accountancysa.org.za/august-2026-issue-womens-month-special-edition/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:41:53 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29720

ASA Mag August 2026 Women’s Month

In this Issue

“When passion meets purpose, she makes a difference.” This inspiring theme sets the tone for the August 2026 Women’s Month edition of Accountancy SA, celebrating women whose leadership, resilience and determination are creating meaningful change within the profession, business and society. Through powerful personal stories, thought leadership and practical insights, the issue explores how women are shaping a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future.

The cover stories spotlight women who have transformed challenges into opportunities and success into a platform for empowering others. From trailblazing leaders and entrepreneurs to professionals driving change within their organisations and communities, these stories demonstrate the impact of purpose-driven leadership and the importance of mentorship, confidence and perseverance in unlocking potential.

Feature articles examine the progress made since the historic 1956 Women’s March while recognising the barriers that continue to affect representation, career advancement and workplace inclusion. Contributors highlight the need for continued investment in education, sponsorship, leadership development and equitable opportunities, reinforcing that meaningful transformation requires both individual commitment and collective action.

The edition’s Focus section,“The Gender Dividend”, explores the economic and societal value created when women are empowered to participate fully in leadership, business and decision-making. The feature highlights how advancing gender equality strengthens organisations, enhances innovation and contributes to more sustainable economic growth, demonstrating that investing in women is both a social imperative and a strategic advantage.

You will also discover stories of entrepreneurship, personal reinvention and professional excellence, alongside reflections on SAICA’s transformation initiatives and their continuing impact on the profession. Thought leadership on technology, diversity and organisational performance is complemented by practical and technical insights that support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Overall, the August issue celebrates women who are making a difference through passion, purpose and perseverance. It reinforces the message that empowering women strengthens organisations, enriches communities and creates lasting value, demonstrating that meaningful progress is achieved when opportunity, leadership and purpose come together.

The issue concludes with Integritax, where readers will find the latest tax insights, regulatory developments and professional guidance to help navigate an evolving legislative and compliance landscape. Covering matters of practical relevance to finance and accounting professionals, the section provides timely analysis and expert perspectives on key tax-related issues.

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]]> July 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/july-2026-issue/ Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:22:45 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29666

ASA July cover 2026

In this Issue

The July 2026 edition of Accountancy SA places investment at the centre of its editorial agenda, examining the factors that influence capital allocation, economic growth, business resilience and long-term value creation. Throughout the issue, contributors explore how confidence, governance, innovation and leadership shape South Africa’s investment landscape and future prosperity.

The cover story, “Capital Follows Confidence” by Malesela Montja CA(SA), argues that the primary challenge facing Africa is not a shortage of capital but rather a shortage of well-prepared, bankable projects supported by sound governance and policy certainty. Montja explains that investors are willing to commit funding where institutions are credible, risks are clearly managed and outcomes are measurable. Drawing on examples from infrastructure, logistics, water and digital connectivity, the article highlights how blended finance models and effective public-private collaboration can unlock development opportunities. The key message is that confidence—created through consistent execution, transparency and accountability—is what ultimately attracts and sustains investment.

The issue’s feature articles provide practical insights into investing in people, businesses and organisational capability. Is your firm providing the right trainee support? examines how training offices can better support the next generation of professionals through mentorship, wellbeing initiatives, inclusive workplaces and continuous development. From kasi hustle to construction powerhouse tells the inspiring entrepreneurial story of Phumeza Kate and Ilinge Lethu Bafazi Trading, demonstrating how financial discipline, mentorship and strategic planning can transform a small enterprise into a successful, certified construction business. The difference between anticipating change and chasing it focuses on the value of data, forecasting and integrated planning, showing how organisations can make smarter decisions by proactively identifying opportunities and risks rather than reacting to them.

Among the recommended articles, The silent collapse of South Africa’s social contract explores the growing disconnect between public expectations and socio-economic realities, highlighting youth unemployment, institutional challenges and declining trust. The article argues that rebuilding confidence requires stronger governance and a more capable public sector. Another recommended piece, Is there room in SA for a separate accounting standard for small and micro entities?, considers whether existing reporting frameworks are overly complex for smaller businesses and explores the potential benefits of a simplified South African standard.

Overall, the July issue presents investment as far more than a financial concept. It is portrayed as a function of confidence, governance, talent development, innovation and social stability—factors that collectively determine whether capital can be mobilised to create sustainable economic value and inclusive growth.

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]]> June 2026 Issue: Youth Month Special Edition https://www.accountancysa.org.za/june-2026-issue-youth-month-special-edition/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:01:14 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29646

ASA June 2026

In this Issue

This special Youth Month edition of Accountancy SA commemorates 50 years of impact, celebrating SAICA’s enduring role in shaping South Africa’s future–one story at a time. At its core, the issue reflects a powerful narrative of growth, resilience and opportunity, with a strong focus on youth as the drivers of the profession’s future.

The cover story, From Cradle to Career, traces the demanding yet transformative journey to becoming a CA(SA). Through the lived experiences of young professionals at different stages, it highlights how access to funding, mentorship and exposure can determine success, while emphasising that the qualification opens pathways into leadership, entrepreneurship and diverse industries.

The feature articles build on this theme by showcasing individuals who are shaping the profession and broader society. Stories of purpose-driven women illustrate the power of mentorship, leadership and financial literacy in creating impact, while thought-provoking pieces on mental health underscore the importance of wellbeing in navigating the pressures of training and early career development.

A special feature on the SAICA Awards adds a layer of inspiration, spotlighting trailblazers whose journeys reinforce excellence, confidence and the importance of recognising professional achievement across career stages.

Central to the issue is the dedicated focus on the SAICA Trainee Collective–positioned as a unifying, forward-looking platform created by trainees, for trainees. It amplifies the realities of the trainee journey while fostering connection, collaboration and support across firms and regions, reinforcing the importance of community in building confident, resilient and future-ready professionals.

Together, the content reflects a profession evolving alongside its people–honouring its legacy while actively investing in the next generation of chartered accountants who will continue to shape South Africa’s future.

Read now

]]> May 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/may-2026-issue/ Wed, 06 May 2026 13:28:40 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29619

ASA May 2026 Issue

Editorial

If Gauteng’s weather lately has felt like a metaphor, it’s because it is. One day blazing heat, the next a sudden downpour that catches everyone off guard. The climate, it seems, is no longer content to be predictable – and neither, frankly, is anything else. Petrol prices climbing again. An AI policy framework floated, debated, and quietly reversed before the ink had dried. The news cycle in South Africa right now demands a certain resilience just to keep up with it, let alone make sense of it.

And yet, amidst the noise, this issue asks us to lift our gaze.

Sustainability and ESG take centre stage this month – not as a retreat from the turbulence, but as a response to it. Because if the chaos of the current moment tells us anything, it is that the old ways of doing business, of reporting, of measuring value, are no longer adequate. The world is asking harder questions, and our profession is increasingly expected to answer them.

Belinda Carreira, founder of SustainableDNA and SAICA’s inaugural Chairman’s Difference Makers Award winner for sustainability, challenges us to think beyond compliance and beyond sustainability itself – towards regeneration, towards systems that give back more than they take. It is a compelling vision, and one that places CAs(SA) squarely at the heart of the transition.

Our feature section deepens this conversation, examining how financial services can integrate business into nature, how the ISSB’s new standards can be embedded in integrated reporting, what a maturing assurance landscape demands of the profession, and what IFRS S1 and S2 mean practically for JSE-listed entities. Taken together, they offer a roadmap – from the boardroom to the balance sheet to the audit opinion.

And then there is Thabo Limema – a profile that stops you in your tracks. A CA(SA) by training who found his calling at the intersection of corporate life and social justice, Thabo has become one of South Africa’s most prominent male voices in the fight against GBV. His credentials speak for themselves: in 2025 he participated in the G20’s Empower of Women Working Group, and he was recently one of only two men recommended by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to serve on the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide board (the statutory body that oversees South Africa’s entire national response to the crisis). His argument is as uncomfortable as it is necessary.

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

]]> April 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/april-2026-issue/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:44:04 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29560

ASA April Cover Story 2026

Editorial

The architecture of accountability in an age of intelligent systemsThere are moments in the life of a profession when the pace of change stops feeling linear and becomes something else entirely; accelerated, compressed, relentless. We are living through one of those moments. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer orbiting the periphery of our work. It is now embedded in forecasting models, decision systems, customer interactions, risk engines and audit methodologies. It sits, quietly and powerfully, in the financial “engine rooms” of organisations across the country.

And with that shift, a new kind of professional responsibility has arrived.

This month’s focus on AI and Technology confronts a truth many organisations are only beginning to grasp: intelligent systems don’t replace judgement; they redefine the terrain on which judgement must be exercised. As AI takes on more analytical labour, our roles as professionals expands, rather than contract. We move from simply producing and assuring information to supervising the systems that produce and assure it.

That demands new literacy, new governance, and in many ways, a new identity.

Across this issue, you’ll see that theme reflected powerfully. We explore how organisations are grappling with the difficulty of proving the value of AI, particularly when its benefits are diffuse, long-term, and embedded in decision quality rather than immediate cost savings. We examine the consequences of compressed decision cycles, where the pace of technological change shortens the window for course correction and demands more intentional governance at the outset. We look at the growing need for explainable, auditable AI systems in areas such as fraud detection – where accuracy without transparency becomes a liability rather than an advantage. And we turn to the behavioural dynamics emerging around AI, including the subtle ways in which systems, and teams, can begin to optimise for approval instead of truth.

These are not technical footnotes to AI adoption. They are the conditions under which trust, accountability and fairness can survive the next wave of digital transformation.
In service of this transition, we also introduce a special AI feature spotlighting some of the tools already reshaping the profession’s daily realities. From Nexus Data’s analytics capabilities to CA Assist’s on demand technical intelligence, to the Audit Toolbar’s automation power, and Fintura’s practice management ecosystem – these solutions show how AI is quietly but fundamentally shifting the mechanics of how work gets done. They offer a glimpse into the near future: one where intelligent tooling augments professional judgement, strengthens compliance, and frees capacity for deeper, strategic contribution.

Our cover profile on Kavita Vanmali CA(SA) brings that reality to life. Through her leadership in digital finance transformation, she reminds us that adoption without understanding is velocity without direction, and that women in tech are redefining not only the tools we use, but the culture that shapes how we use them.

This issue also arrives in the shadow of Human Rights Day. That timing is deliberate. As explored in our feature on workplace wellbeing, the right to dignity does not end at the office door, and it should not be eroded by systems that accelerate work beyond human limits. Technology cannot replace responsibility; it only amplifies it. This moment requires leaders who can hold both truths: that innovation matters, and that people matter more.

Finally, we shine a light on the strength and creativity of our profession through the Esther Pieterse CA(SA) and Cecelia Swartz CA(SA). Whether navigating the technical complexities of IFRS or building new ventures at the intersection of design and purpose, they remind us that excellence is not static. It evolves – and so must we.
The future will not be shaped by those who adopt technology fastest, but by those who understand it deeply, govern it wisely and apply it ethically. That is the work before us. And it is work our profession is uniquely prepared to lead.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as the incredible engine behind the scenes enjoyed bringing it to life.

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

]]> March 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/march-2026-issue/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:45:51 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29519

ASA March 2026

Editorial

Milestones, mandates, and modern leadership
The 2026 March issue of ASA magazine arrives at a significant juncture for our economy. Following the 2026 National Budget Speech in February, our FOCUS section provides a comprehensive analysis of a fiscal roadmap defined by the winds of change. With gross debt finally projected to stabilise and the introduction of inflation-linked tax adjustments, the budget signals a pragmatic shift toward growth. This is a critical moment for those who resonate with making a difference to act as navigators for their clients and organisations through these stabilising yet complex economic waters.

As we dissect the national mandate, we also pause to celebrate the human capital that makes our profession resilient. I extend my warmest congratulations to every candidate who successfully passed the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This achievement is a monumental milestone, representing years of grit and discipline.

A special salute goes to those who reached the prestigious APC Honours Roll. Ofentse Modiba, one of the seven candidates on this roll, reflects a proud moment as a Thuthuka beneficiary. Ofentse’s journey vividly illustrates SAICA’s strategic pillar of attractiveness and transformation, proving that when we remove barriers to entry through the Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund, excellence has no limits!

In the spirit of International Women’s Month, we profile two women who embody the versatility of the modern designation:
Gizelle Venske CA(SA) and a Miss South Africa Top 5 Gizelle represents a cohort building careers rooted in purpose and flexibility. From her roots in Vanderbijlpark to her new role at VAT IT, she views her qualification as a key to ‘unlocking doors’. Despite academic setbacks in her Honours year, her resilience led her to the Miss SA stage to advocate for youth employment and financial literacy.

As Head of Financial Management at Wesgro, Razaan Bester CA(SA) views financial leadership as an enabler of trust and impact. Through her NPC, She CAn, she creates access and self-empowerment for young women from the Cape Flats and beyond. Her mission is to ensure women thrive unapologetically in corporate spaces, supported by intentional sponsorship and representation.

SAICA’s commitment to the future pipeline continues on Saturday, 7 March, when SAICA’s CEO, Patricia Stock, joins the Minister of Basic Education, Minister Siviwe Gwarube, for a fireside chat hosted by the African Women Chartered Accountants. This dialogue on the future of education is vital for ensuring that the accountancy profession remains attractive to the next generation. Additionally, in partnership with The Pan African Federation of Accountants, SAICA invites you to join the Women in Accounting event, celebrating the collective power of women across the continent. I encourage you to secure your seat while you still have a chance to do so here.

Finally, we look to the future of technology with our cover profile, Andrew Alt, Chief Imagination Officer at Draftworx, whose work reminds us that digital innovation is the engine that allows us more space for strategic leadership.

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

]]> February 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/february-2026-issue/ Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:54:11 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29372

ASA Feb 2026 cover

Editorial

A new year, a renewed mandate!
There is something unmistakably energising about the first issue of the year. It carries momentum, expectation and possibility; a sense that we are not simply turning a page but stepping deliberately into what comes next. February’s edition ASA does exactly that, setting the tone for a year defined by purpose, relevance and continued impact.

As the profession continues to evolve in response to economic pressures, technological acceleration and rising public expectations, this issue reflects a simple truth: our members and associates are being called to do more than keep pace. They are being called to lead with insight, integrity and confidence.

Our cover story captures this spirit powerfully. Zanele Maduna CA(SA)’s journey from profit to purpose is not a departure from sound business principles, but a deepening of them. Through No-Valo Learning Centre, she demonstrates how disciplined governance, sustainability and social impact can coexist and thrive. Hers is a story of intentional leadership, reminding us that when the CA(SA) toolkit is applied with empathy and foresight, its influence reaches far beyond traditional boardrooms. I hope that this cover story inspires you and is the fuel in your rocket that propels you to continue aspiring to whatever you believe your life purpose is.

That theme of purposeful growth runs throughout this issue. From reflections on the enduring importance of mathematics and accounting education, to explorations of how organisations can leverage data to enhance employee wellbeing, the message is clear: relevance is built, not assumed. It is shaped through continuous learning, ethical decision-making and the courage to adapt.

Artificial intelligence, a topic that continues to dominate advocacy and policy conversations, is approached with balance and clarity. Rather than hype or fear, this issue asks the more important questions: how do we integrate emerging technologies responsibly, and how do we ensure that innovation strengthens – rather than erodes – trust? These are questions the that need to be addressed right at the start of the year.

Stories of resilience and entrepreneurship, such as that of Molemo Madileng CA(SA), further reinforce the idea that leadership is forged through experience, persistence and community.

Beyond the pages of this magazine, 2026 promises to be a defining year for SAICA and its members and associates. You can look forward to insightful and timely commentary on the National Budget Speech through various media platforms, including SAICA’s social media pages. This year’s analysis, as it has in the past, will go beyond the numbers to unpack implications for growth, governance and society at large.

There is also much anticipation around SAICA’s flagship convenings. Be sure to look out for the Save The Date for SAICA’s iN_FOR-Sight Summit, a space where ideas are challenged, perspectives broadened and the future of the profession is actively shaped through dialogue and collaboration.

Looking further ahead, South Africa’s successful bid to host the World Congress of Accountants in 2028 stands as a moment of immense pride. It is a global vote of confidence and aligns seamlessly with the CA(SA) designation being ranked the most trusted once again. Trust is the profession’s most valuable currency. It is earned through consistency, ethical leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Hosting the world’s most significant accountancy gathering affirms South Africa’s standing on the global stage and signals the role our professionals continue to play in shaping international discourse.

As this first issue of the year reminds us, the profession is not standing still. It is thinking, questioning and building locally and globally.
Raise your glass, your pen, your notebook, or whatever you have withing arm’s length and kindly join me toast to a year of bold thinking, meaningful leadership and continued impact!

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

]]> December-January 2026 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/december-january-2026-issue/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:49:58 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29255

ASA Dec-Jan 2026 Issue

Editorial

One thing about 2025? It reminded us that progress is rarely linear. We faced storms that demanded grit, empathy, and unity. It was a year of complexity and unexpected turns, challenges that tested not only our plans but our sense of certainty. Yet, through every obstacle, one truth remained: the resilience of the human spirit.

This resilience was on full display at the SAICA Chairman’s Awards—an evening that redefined excellence. More than a celebration of achievement, it was a tribute to purpose-driven leadership. Our honourees, featured on a bold, disruptive cover, are architects of possibility, shaping industries, influencing economies, and driving social impact.

Among these luminaries, the SAICA Chairman’s Lifetime Legacy Award bestowed on Dr Sizwe Nxasana stands as a powerful testament to a life lived with purpose. From pioneering transformation in the accounting profession to reimagining education through Future Nation Schools and the Sifiso Learning Group, his journey reflects an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. Words on a page cannot capture the depth of his story—you had to be in the room to hear this once-in-a-lifetime leader share his relentless pursuit of impact.

This issue also shines a spotlight on education—the cornerstone of transformation. Our Focus feature, “Jump-starting a legacy for education,” explores how SAICA is partnering with institutions to expand access and reimagine learning for an AI-enabled future. These efforts reflect a bold commitment to innovation and inclusion, ensuring tomorrow’s leaders are equipped not only to adapt but to lead in a rapidly changing world.

And here’s a milestone worth celebrating: the 2025 Edelman DXI, in partnership with CAW has confirmed that SAICA remains the world’s most trusted Chartered Accountant institute, and CAs(SA) remain the most trusted CA designation globally. Even amid a global recalibration of trust, where confidence in Chartered Accountants shifted from 89% to 83%, South Africa’s Chartered Accountants continue to lead with integrity, competence, and purpose. This recognition is more than a statistic; it’s a powerful affirmation of the profession’s enduring relevance and our collective commitment to ethical leadership.

I also want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for engaging with ASA throughout the year, for sharing your insights, and for being part of a community that values excellence and integrity. To all our contributors, writers, thought leaders, and professionals, thank you for enriching every issue with knowledge and perspective that matter. You have helped shape this publication into more than a magazine; you have made it a trusted touchpoint for learning, connection, and growth.
As the festive season approaches, my wish for you is simple: may it be restorative, reflective, purposeful, and filled with love and soft landings. Take the time to recharge, celebrate, and embrace the moments that matter most.

To those who revel in New Year’s resolutions, I wish you perseverance. And to those who prefer to “figure it out as you go,” may 2026 be the year you do exactly that. Whatever your approach, may the new year bring clarity, courage, and joy.

Finally, the next issue of ASA will be out in February 2026. Until then, may your journey into the new year be filled with purpose and possibility.

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

]]> November 2025 Issue https://www.accountancysa.org.za/october-2025-issue-2/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:28:44 +0000 https://www.accountancysa.org.za/?p=29217

ASA November 2025 issue

Editorial

Celebrating purpose, progress, and the people who inspire it

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate — to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

To Emerson’s words, I’d add this: honour, compassion, and usefulness often lead us to the most fulfilling kind of happiness — the kind rooted in meaning.

This issue of ASA carries a distinct energy — one of celebration, reflection, and renewed purpose
For me, November is a month of intentional reflection. It’s a time to honour the milestones and individuals who continue to shape our profession and our country. with courage, creativity, and conviction.

We begin with celebration. The recent SAICA Awards evening were nothing short of extraordinary. In a single evening, we honoured both our Top-35-Under-35 and our Trainee Trailblazer finalists and winners — a true expression of our From Cradle to Career principle.

These remarkable young professionals are not only excelling in their fields, but they are also redefining what leadership looks like in a world that demands agility, empathy, and innovation. Their stories are bold and brilliant. And later this month, we’ll bring this season of recognition to a close with the SAICA Chairman’s Awards, honouring those whose sustained excellence continues to elevate our profession.

There’s even more reason to celebrate. South Africa’s exit from the FATF greylist is a significant national achievement — and a moment of pride for our profession. It reaffirms the critical role we as SAICA play in strengthening governance, and accountability. It’s a collective win that underscores the importance of ethical leadership and the value of professional bodies in guiding business and society forward.

In that same spirit of pride, we salute Gizelle Venske CA(SA), who made it to the Top 5 of the Miss South Africa competition. Ma’am, congratulations! Your achievement is more than personal; it’s a powerful reminder of the diversity, dynamism, and multidimensionality of our profession.

This month, we also honour the men behind our Movember feature: Mahesh Kalana (CA(SA), who transformed his health through discipline and self-belief; Kgothatso Moloto CA(SA), who turned his passion into a thriving fragrance business, Niche Parfums; and Naeem Asvat CA(SA), who continues to champion wellness while honouring his late mother’s legacy.

When we put this feature together, it was important for us to depict, with great care, the various ways in which men’s health manifests in a modern world, and my hope is that you, the reader, resonate with these stories to the extent that they dare you to use vulnerability as a catalyst for positive change.

Finally, our focus on Audit Reform explores one of the most critical conversations shaping the future of our profession: how we continue to build trust, accountability, and transformation in the audit ecosystem.

As we reflect on the stories in this issue, those of bold innovation, quiet resilience, and courageous leadership, we return to Emerson’s words. To live well is not simply to achieve, but to uplift. And perhaps the truest form of happiness is found not in accolades, but in the lives we touch, the systems we strengthen, and the legacies we leave behind.

In pursuit of meaningful impact,

Kgauhelo Dioka
Editor: Accountancy SA

Read now

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