Is the government failing SMEs? The World Bank conducted a survey of 47 745 businesses across 99 countries and discovered that SMEs created 67% of total permanent employment and still create the majority of new jobs. Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan pointed out that labour force data show that 70% of private employment is in…
The changes to the regulatory measurement of policyholder liabilities pose many uncertainties from a tax perspective, but also provide an opportunity to develop a simpler tax regime, argues Dewald van den Berg A number of factors are driving possible changes to the corporate tax regime for life insurance companies in South Africa. The main driver…
Gerhardus Burger discusses past and current public sector procurement in the context of amendments to broad-based black economic empowerment legislation. He also identifies some unintended consequences of legislative changes and explores possible solutions One of the major challenges of black economic empowerment (BEE) is fronting. The big problem with fronting is that it frustrates and…
It is always inspiring to read about those who have gone beyond themselves to make a difference in the lives of people around them. Their aim is transformation and with a great desire for equality and education for everyone, they strive to make the world a better place. More often than not the road is…
“To make an investment or take out life or disability cover in South Africa requires compliance with some of the strictest financial services regulations in the world.” To gamble in a casino merely requires merely that you be over 18. So it’s easy to go to a casino, where cash, a credit card and ID…
“If you’re of the opinion that you’re a good investor, then it’s perhaps easier to ignore any failures or bad calls that you’ve made …” Have you experienced this before …? You buy a new flat-screen TV (or similar). One week later you’re walking past the store you purchased it from and see the word:…
“Move past your fears and unlock your own limiting beliefs.” Daily I see how fears dominate and cloud people of their dreams, eventually robbing them like a thief in the night. Are you one of these people? You were programmed to identify essential fears to protect you from dangers you feel. For sure fears not…
“The new BEE codes are to take more money out of the South African economy.” Any non football supporter could be forgiven for thinking this soccer World Cup was all about the money. The news has covered how three African teams threatened various strike actions unless they were paid their cash bonuses up-front; that the…
“Integrated reporting is making annual reports more relevant to investors and thoughtful business leaders alike.” My October 2013 Accountancy SA column opened with the line: “Annual reports are probably the most expensive publications ever produced that never get read.” I was being as cynical as some of my clients about the glossy publications that absorb…
“If you are prepared to take action and become part of the 10% of people in the world who are not afraid of speaking in public, then this article is for you.” As a business leader, you will need to speak in public. But how do you create an inspiring speech? The reality is that…