Profile – Mava Shude – Empowering the public sector through Impactful leadership

Mava Shude CA(SA), the CFO of Langeberg Municipality, has had a remarkable journey. His story showcases the transformative power of seizing unexpected opportunities. From attending a SAICA camp to becoming a distinguished chartered accountant, Shude has embraced his role in the public sector with passion and determination. But he did not choose to become a…

Top 35-under-35 PROFILES | Lauren Berrington – Celebrating 10 years

Queen of Tech – With her smarts for audit technology and automation, Bidvest’s Lauren Berrington is lauded as the woman behind ALICE™. She’s only just hit her stride. Lauren Berrington CA(SA) joins me virtually from the back porch of her house and we make small talk before easing into the conversation. She’s self-effacing, which is…

Cover Story: Trevor Gosling Big dreams for small business

Trevor Gosling, the brains behind Lulalend, is extending even more financial assistance to small businesses through his new platform, Lula. Imagine a South Africa without small businesses. Imagine the impact on employment, especially since SMEs are increasingly responsible for job creation. Imagine the sluggishness of the economy, given that these entities contribute no less than…

June 2023 Issue

INSPIRING CHANGE BEYOND THE WORKPLACE As business leaders, we possess a unique ability to make a difference. Our roles extend far beyond the boardroom and financial statements, and we have the capacity to impact not only our organisations, but also society as a whole. Today, more than ever, it is crucial that we embrace this…

Profile – Vianca Pretorius CA(SA) – It’s all about balance

Having plied her trade as a national training manager, Vianca Pretorius CA(SA) swears by coaching and mentorship. The capacious lobby at SAICA’s national headquarters is a scene of veritable busyness: scouting videographers on the hunt for perfect shots, a keen make-up team on standby … and Vianca Pretorius, SAICA Top-35-Under-35 alumnus, is a picture of…

Focus: Unconventional skills can transform the public sector

Desperate times call for unconventional skills that can transform the public sector, writes Msizi Gwala, Project Director at SAICA. South Africa is facing a myriad of challenges. There are concerns acout audit outcomes, lack of accountability, world-leading inequality and service delivery protests. There were early signs of issues, such as the early struggles of state-owned…

Focus: The lack of internal controls negatively impacts service

Internal controls are the first line of defence against fraud, waste and abuse and help public sector institutions to deliver on their mandates. Furthermore, a robust control system, comprising effective internal control, risk management and audit, is fundamental to better governance, safeguarding of taxpayers’ money, and preserving public trust in government. However, the lack of…

Focus: Concerns around public finance management consulting

The use of consultants in public finance management and reporting has become a significant cost to the fiscus, with stakeholders such as the Auditor-General raising concerns about its sustainability. Management consulting is the practice of providing consulting services to organisations to improve their performance or assist in achieving organisational objectives. Organisations utilise the services of…