Feature: High pass rates, higher stakes: Why maths and accounting still matter

South Africa’s historic 88% matric pass rate is a national milestone worth applauding, a powerful reflection of the steady progress and promise across our schooling system. The 2025 results also offer an important opportunity to look more closely at subject-level trends that are critical to South Africa’s long-term economic and governance ambitions, particularly mathematics and…

Recommend: What auditing in the listed environment demands

The audit of listed entities carries heightened responsibilities. By their very nature, listed entities hold significant public interest, as investors, regulators and the broader market rely on the integrity of these entities’ financial statements. In this context, the role of the auditor extends beyond compliance; it serves as a cornerstone for maintaining market confidence and…

Recommend: The evolving ownership of accounting firms (part 2)

The first article in this series discusses aspects of the history of accounting firm mergers and acquisitions. The evolution of firm ownership continues to advance with Private Equity (PE) active in the acquisition of accounting businesses. What lessons can be gained from the Consolidators? PARTNER DISCONNECT I have interviewed several partners who sold their accountancy…

Focus: The changing role of accounting education in a digital world

Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and other emerging technologies are transforming the way businesses operate and as these tools reshape industries, the role of chartered accountants (CAs) continues to evolve. Key questions are: what exactly is a CA’s role in a digital business ecosystem, and how are tomorrow’s CAs being equipped with the digital fluency and…