Profile: SAICAs Difference Makers Conference – Cultivating ethic leadership

A landmark event aimed at fostering a catalytic culture of positive change beyond the numbers, SAICA’s inaugural Difference Makers Conference was held at Sun City from 13 to 14 September 2024 under the theme ‘Making Waves, Empowering Change’ and brought together renowned industry leaders and emerging and established professionals to fuel collaboration, sustain sustainability, and discuss the critical role of ethics in leadership and the broader impact on society, amongst others.

The inaugural conference featured a lineup of distinguished speakers including Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and a global advocate for gender equality and social justice, Professor Bonang Mohale, chancellor of the University of the Free State, and John Sanei, future strategist and global keynote speaker, amongst many others.

Cultivating ethical leadership

Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka’s fireside chat with SAICA’s CEO, Patricia Stock, centred on the cultivation of ethical leadership, a topic that resonated deeply with the conference’s overarching theme.

She highlighted that ethical leadership is not just about adhering to rules and regulations but about fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability. ‘Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of sustainable development,’ she stated. ‘As chartered accountants, you have the power to influence and shape the future of our economy and society. It is your responsibility to ensure that ethical practices are embedded in every aspect of your work.’

Drawing from her extensive experience in both the political and international arena, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka shared insights on how ethical leadership can drive meaningful change. She underscored the importance of empathetic leaders who are not only competent but also compassionate and committed to the greater good. ‘We need leaders who are willing to stand up for what is right, even when it is not the easiest path,’ she said.

Her reflections resonating deeply with the audience, highlighted the critical role that SAICA members and associates play in promoting ethical practices within their organisations. ‘It’s important to be decisive, give direction and lift others for collaboration with an element of sisterhood; when you lead, you need to know your purpose and you need to find solutions and have empathy. Individuals must be accountable and be measured on output,’ she said.

Echoing these sentiments in her opening address, Stock reminded attendees that the accounting profession had undergone significant transformations in recent years and that beyond traditional financial reporting. ‘As custodians of public funds and upholding public interest we have the unique opportunity to make a difference. By integrating social sustainability into our decision-making processes, we can create ripples of positive change. This includes promoting poverty reduction, job creation, and environmental protection.’

Empowering change through action

Professor Bonang Mohale, chancellor of the University of the Free State and businessman, captivated the audience with his insights on leadership, governance, and consistency. Professor Mohale, who is known for his dynamic leadership style, bold opinions on economic and social prosperity and ethical governance, shared his perspectives on what it takes to be a successful leader in today’s complex business environment. He stressed the importance of having a ‘head for business and a heart for the world’, advocating for a balanced approach that combines business acumen with a genuine concern for societal well-being. Professor Mohale also spoke about the necessity of making time for the things that truly matter, encouraging members and associates to prioritise their personal values alongside their professional responsibilities.

The courage of whistleblowing

One of the most compelling sessions of the conference was led by Ronèl van Wyk, Senior Manager Assurance at SNG Grant Thornton. As a whistleblower who has faced significant challenges, Ronèl shared her poignant personal journey lamenting the importance of protecting whistleblowers. Facilitated by Dr Liezl Groenewald − CEO of The Ethics Institute − this discussion delved into the aftereffects of whistleblowing and the critical need for support systems. Ronèl’s story highlighted the courage required to stand up against wrongdoing and the vital and intentional role that organisations ought to play in safeguarding those who speak out. Her advocacy for whistleblower protection underscored the conference’s theme of empowering change and making a difference.

The role of education and continuous learning

Education and continuous learning were also highlighted as crucial components in fostering a culture of ethical leadership and difference making. The conference featured several sessions dedicated to professional development, emphasising the need for accountants to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and ethical standards.

Ethical standards and sustainability

The discussions at the conference heavily focused on ethics, particularly in light of the involvement of auditing firms in recent corporate scandals and incidents of state capture. These events have highlighted the crucial role of ethical practices in ensuring the integrity of financial reporting.

Milton Segal, SAICA’s executive director for standards, referred to the UN’s definition of sustainable development, which is development that satisfies current needs without hindering future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. He connected this idea to the additional ethical responsibilities associated with sustainability efforts, stressing that accountants must uphold trust and integrity in their profession.

Viola Sigauke, SAICA’s project director of ethical standards and sustainability, emphasised the strong connection between ethics and sustainability. She pointed out that chartered accountants must adhere to SAICA’s five core ethical principles: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour. ‘You need to have integrity; always be straightforward and honest in all business relationships,’ she stated. She also highlighted the importance of maintaining confidentiality and exercising professional judgment without compromise.

A challenge to approach the future from a different POV

Bringing simplicity in making decisions about the future is what future strategist and global keynote speaker John Sanei sought to bring to the table at the conference. ‘We’re required to take an eagle’s point of view on what is going on globally and observe mega trends, then start to understand AI and how to make decisions based on AI as our lens, and then most importantly, ask ourselves how we evolve our human consciousness and our awareness to prepare for what’s coming, and if we don’t, we keep solving problems for yesterday and not tomorrow,’ he advised.

Fostering a culture of making a difference

Throughout the conference, the overarching theme was evident in every session and discussion. SAICA’s commitment to fostering a culture of making a difference was palpable, with speakers and attendees alike emphasising the need for ethical leadership and sustainable practices. The conference served as a platform for members and associates to share their experiences, learn from one another, and commit to driving positive change within their respective fields.

As the conference concluded, it was clear that the seeds of change had been sown and the SAICA community was ready to rise to the challenge of making a lasting positive impact. ‘I am confident that this conference will be a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and advance our collective efforts to create a more accountable, sustainable, and equitable profession. After all, we are indeed, the ones we have eagerly awaiting,’ said Stock.

Div Lamprecht, SAICA’s regional executive for member engagement, closed the conference with a call to action: ‘Let’s make waves, empower change, and shine our light.’

SAICA would like to extend a special word of thanks to its sponsors, without whom the conference would not be possible: Standard Bank, Draftworx, GreatSoft, Circuit and Camaf – thank you for making a difference.

Author
Kgauhelo Dioka, Project Manager: Corporate Communication at SAICA