Neil de Kock’s mother is a retired CA(SA) and his dad studied law, so he says he was destined to study BAcc LLB. During his undergrad, he had many intriguing conversations with his mom, Elsa de Kock, where she shared interesting anecdotes from her career which were a great inspiration to him as well as…
Refilwe Matenche is the founder and president of the African Women Movement (AWM) empowering women across Africa. But on the forefront of her agenda, and closest to her heart, is her nine-year-old daughter, Khazimula Matenche. Watching her personality, skills, knowledge, and talents expand brings Refilwe immense joy, and experiencing the world through her eyes brings…
Over at the in-house studio, in what is her first-ever ASA shoot yet, Ayanda Mafuleka, FASSET CEO, seesaws gracefully back and forth between a camera crew, make-up artist, and yours truly. She’s a vision of loveliness in an A-line princess skirt and Afro puff bun − a look that’s commensurate with some of her shots…
Editorial As we step into the 30th year of democracy for South Africa we can reflect and celebrate as a nation how far we’ve come. We are a resilient nation, so let us keep our eye fixed on the future and keep moving forward. In this issue, we interview Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of FASSET, which…
Traditionally, when thinking about the general or typical function of an accountant, one would think of the people in the finance department within a company or the person who does your financial record keeping and tax, or of auditors, the treasurer of a club or association. Today, these ostensibly ‘simple’ roles has become quite evolved…
Employee share ownership plans (ESOPs) have become increasingly common for multinational, listed and unlisted companies operating in South Africa as a way to attract, retain and reward their employees. ESOPs can also be effective mechanisms to drive companies’ broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) strategies and to align stakeholder and employee values. Accounting for these complex…
For accountants looking to grow their businesses or those advising their clients on a growth journey, there are many considerations when it comes to securing funding. Too often, entrepreneurs rush into seeking funding, despite not really understanding what funders are looking for. This approach can result in an overwhelming feeling of unpreparedness and disappointment for…
This feature is about four tech founders who lead companies that exemplify the principles of design thinking, particularly its focus on empathy. By putting themselves in the shoes of people who encounter a range of challenges in South Africa, they demonstrate a commitment to asking ‘What’s the human need behind it?’ and exemplify a mindset…
Editorial Ten years ago, in the very month of April, I nervously stepped through the doors of SAICA and happened to climb into the same lift as one of the Senior Executives at SAICA. After introducing herself to me, she declared she had some articles for me to write. It was my first day, and…
Suren Maharaj’s superpower is turning around financially struggling entities. He has proved that financial analysis, strategic planning, and governance restructuring empower even moribund organisations to focus on revenue enhancement, cost efficiencies, and accountability. In his 29-year career, Suren Maharaj has accumulated extensive experience and expertise, distinguishing himself as an astute chief financial officer (CFO) and…