Editorial
Entrepreneurs play an incredibly important role in our country − more than most South Africans probably even realise − in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. Researchers have found that not only do SMMEs employ about 60% of the labour force, but they also contribute roughly 34% of GDP.
So first and foremost I’d like to salute every single entrepreneur out there! We have heard that it is extremely tough, with daily challenges right from the start: from trying to obtain sufficient funding to launch your business to managing cash flow and then making sure you pay everyone their salaries each month (sometimes without even being able to pay yourself a decent one). As they say, only an entrepreneur would really understand this, and the true meaning of perseverance too.
Interestingly, 13% of SAICA members service a vast majority of all registered businesses in South Africa, and that’s exactly why SAICA launched the SAICA Biz Impact Podcast. It is a platform to help support and empower small business owners through sharing the knowledge and expertise to help businesses succeed and thrive where topics such as cashflow, funding and finance and business planning and forecasting are discussed. You can click on this link to watch.
And this month we are excited to introduce you to the SAICA Biz host, Luncedo Mtwentwe AGA(SA), owner of Vantage Advisory, a prominent SMP specialising in management consulting and business advisory, who is super passionate about mentoring businesses. He shares valuable advice for business owners that he has gleaned along the way.
We also feature Professor Mervyn King, who has evolved into one of the leading global experts in corporate governance and sustainability. His interest was first sparked during his time at a textile company where he learned that a company used more than 1 000 litres of water in the making of just one pair of denims. This got him thinking about the need to conserve the earth’s natural assets. You can gain deeper insights in his newly launched biography, The Corporate Revolutionary.
And huge congratulations to our finalists in the Top 35-under-35, Trainee TrailBlazer and SAICA Chairman’s Award competitions featured this month.
Even I am waiting with great anticipation to see who will be on the December cover!
LYNN GRALA
Acting Editor: Accountancy SA
