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AdviceArticlesView points Ronel Jooste_SM

Viewpoints: Sweet dreams for increased productivity

Sleep deprivation increase the risk of absenteeism and presenteeism where an employee is present but not fully functioning. Insufficient sleep impacts the ability to focus and solve problems while adequate quality sleep can increase productivity by as much as two times. Although the general perception is that work/life balance would have improved since remote working…

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AdviceArticlesView points Wayne van Zijl CA(SA)

Viewpoints: The circular economy and a reasonable profit

The Industrial Revolution ushered in a production system characterised by unchecked raw material consumption and a take-make-use-dispose mentality. Driven by capitalism, the relentless pursuit of maximum profits has led to a precarious future. A circular economy (CE) model, coupled with a mindset focused on reasonable returns, offers a promising alternative. Before capitalism, primarily agricultural societies…

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Viewpoints: Journaling for finance professionals

Working with finance professionals in the employee wellness and leadership development space and being a finance professional myself; we discovered the multiple benefits of journaling. If you are not journaling, I hope this article can encourage you to give it a go. Ronel Jooste CA(SA) Director at FinanciallyFiTLife and author, speaker and radio talk show…

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Viewpoints: Finding your ideal coach or mentor

Embarking on a journey through uncertainty requires more than sheer determination; it calls for the right coach or mentor who profoundly understands and aligns with your values and aspirations. This isn’t merely about bridging knowledge gaps but about elevating perspectives, challenging boundaries, and illuminating awareness of opportunities. Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Passionate about women empowerment and…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: ESG reporting: a BB-BEE repeat?

Sustainability financial reporting is coming, we just don’t know when, how quickly, or the exact details. But in South Africa, we have experience of how it might impact non-listed companies and SMEs in the shape of BB-BEE compliance and its cascading requirements. We can already start sketching the outlines of ESG reporting in South Africa…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Ethereum

Ethereum, initially proposed in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, is a decentralised, open-source blockchain. It first went live in July 2015. How Ethereum works Ethereum’s foundations are its blockchain and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which operate atop a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. The use cases of Ethereum Internet money − Ethereum’s native currency, ETH, is…

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Viewpoints: Navigating the digital revolution

The accounting and auditing profession is undergoing a transformation fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. Accountants are increasingly expected to be tech-savvy, leveraging AI tools to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and provide higher-value services to clients. Frans Geldenhuys CA(SA) Frans is one of the founding members of ALICE™ − an automated…

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Viewpoints: Transforming self-doubt into strength

Self-doubt can often cast a long shadow, particularly in professions demanding precision and unwavering confidence. Yet, what if we reframed this not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for profound personal and professional development? Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Passionate about women empowerment and human potential Embarking on a journey from self-doubt to self-discovery and ultimately…

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Viewpoints: Non-fungible tokens and Web3

Our lives are increasingly digital and interconnected. Our screens are our windows, our data defines our identity, and more and more of our time is spent online. Blockchain Specialist MONICA SINGER CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist for ConsenSys Historically, trust in society comes from subjective sources − from personal connections, platforms and institutions. At its core, Web3…

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AdviceArticlesView points Wayne van Zijl CA(SA)

Viewpoints: I’m an IMPOSTER

And Wayne thought to himself: ‘I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing! Any moment now, they’re going to realise that they made a mistake. They’re going to tell me that I wasn’t actually supposed to get this promotion!’ Wayne van Zijl CA(SA) Associate Professor at School of Accountancy WITS Being CAs(SA), we are often…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kamir Arjun CA(SA

Viewpoints: A new journey begins

Each new year, we see the outflow of graduates from articles. These graduates will soon be eligible to register for the CA(SA) designation, a step which marks the beginning of a lifelong adventure! Their most common dilemma is the direction to choose post articles. Kamir Arjun CA(SA) Senior Staff auditor at Deloitte Netherlands The journey…

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AdviceArticlesView points Refilwe Matenche

Viewpoints: From boardrooms to ballots

If someone asked you about the ward number you reside in or the name of your ward councillor, could you answer without a quick Google search? In 2016, I volunteered as an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) observer under the SAICA banner, witnessing firsthand the importance of community involvement in the electoral process. With over 52…

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Viewpoints: Align your vision with action

‘Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.’ What a profound and inspiring quote by Jack Canfield! Ronel Jooste CA(SA) Director at FinanciallyFiTLife and author, speaker and radio talk show host Presenting vision board workshops as part…

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Advice: Accounting for employee share ownership plans

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…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kamir Arjun CA(SA

Viewpoints: The attributes of a CA(SA)

What image do the words ‘chartered accountant’ conjure up? Kamir Arjun CA(SA) Senior Staff auditor at Deloitte Netherlands I immediately think of a business leader, a sound decision-maker, a visionary and an entrepreneur who is a catalyst for sustainable positive change and industry innovation. I imagine an individual who can operate in any business environment…

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Advice: Heads-up on cancer treatment

Surviving cancer is something to celebrate – but not if the treatment leaves you with a lifetime of debt. Recognising the courage and determination of those who have triumphed over cancer, we shed light on the difficulties encountered by survivors and their families. One notable challenge is the financial strain that arises from the expenses…

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Viewpoints: Accounting’s digital evolution in web 3.0

Digital transformation is not a distant future but a present reality. The accountancy profession is at a crossroads, calling for professionals to embrace change and foster innovation. Accountants are encouraged to leverage tools such as AI, Web3 and emerging technologies like blockchain to navigate this new era. MONICA SINGER CA(SA)Blockchain Evangelist for ConsenSys Artificial intelligence:…

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Viewpoints: Embracing ethical artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of audit and accounting

The integration of AI in auditing processes and financial analysis has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits, but it also raises critical ethical considerations that must be addressed. Ethics has always been at the core of the accounting profession, guiding auditors and accountants to act with integrity, objectivity and independence. With the introduction of AI, these principles…

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Viewpoints: Elevating trainee performance

Navigating the intricate landscape of trainee management can be challenging. This article highlights effective, science-backed strategies to enhance communication, foster motivation, promote autonomy, and encourage continuous learning. Read on to explore how these approaches can revolutionise your training methods and guide your trainees towards excellence. As a performance coach, I understand that managing trainees can…

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Viewpoints: Be an INSPIRATIONAL Leader

Leadership has always fascinated me. I worked for managers with exceptional leadership qualities who inspired me to become the best leader I can be. I also worked for managers who made me realise what kind of leader I never want to be. Inspirational leadership involves much more than only leading and inspiring your team to…

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Viewpoints: Section 24 Lay-by agreements

Trading stock sold under a contract requiring full or partial payment for ownership to transfer falls under section 24. Section 24 taxes the full amount upfront and grants the taxpayer a debtors’ allowance deduction, resulting in a cash flow basis of taxation. Section 24 was amended to specify that the relief also applies to lay-by…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: The future of finance has arrived

Stablecoins, specifically those which meet the prudential standards and are backed by a fiat currency or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), can offer a useful method of progression to the adoption of digital assets Banks around the world (JP Morgan was the first one) are issuing their own digital currency known as commercial stable coins.…

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Viewpoints: Better you than me

On a recent business trip, as the evening wound down and a group of colleagues made our way back to the hotel, our lively dinner conversation soon drifted toward the subject of work. And, as I described the next task on my to-do list, my wise friend Marna exclaimed, ‘Better you than me!’ In the…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: Balancing speed and deliberation

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business world, speed reigns supreme. As trends accelerate and chaos becomes the norm, real-time data is our guiding light. Yet, the key lies in striking a delicate balance between embracing agility without compromising decision-making quality. Today, we have an unprecedented amount of data at our fingertips. With the exponential growth…

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Viewpoints: Become financially savvy

There is a vast difference between accounting and personal finances. Contrary to the general perception, some accountants are brilliant at what they do in the workplace managing and reporting on somebody else’s money, but struggle when it comes to managing their own finances. We do not get taught about money management at school or university,…

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Viewpoints: Is work/life balance dead?

In recent years, the concept of work/life balance has become increasingly popular as people try to juggle the demands of work and personal life. However, some researchers have argued that work-life balance may not be a realistic or desirable goal. Instead, they suggest a new approach: work/life harmony. Work-life harmony emphasises the integration of work…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: Humans, robots and parrots

At the end of last year, ChatGPT, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool that everyone is speaking about, took a UK accountancy exam. It didn’t pass, but it didn’t fail by much either. What does this mean for the future of our profession? Although the AI tool showed a good understanding of the subject matter, it…

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Viewpoints: Challenges of an entrepreneur

Going into my eighth year of entrepreneurship I am sharing the challenges that I personally faced and how I conquered those. Hopefully it can inspire somebody who wants to take that giant leap of faith. You want to, but it scares you … For 10 years post-articles my life consisted of numbers, deadlines, project plans,…

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AdviceArticlesView points Muneer Hassan CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Limiting assessed losses

In the 2020 Budget Review, the Minister of Finance announced government’s intention to restructure the corporate income tax system by broadening the base (that is, limiting deductions and/or allowances) and lowering the corporate income tax rate. In his budget speech delivered on 24 February 2021, the Minister of Finance announced that the corporate income tax…

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Viewpoints: A warmer, sicker world

Unless we can get the accountancy profession to ‘swallow the alarm clock’, we can expect the same climate change apathy beyond the window dressing in ESG reports. Perhaps a jolt in a different direction may help. Climate change is not just about floods and droughts but also the prospect of changing disease patterns and future…

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Viewpoints: The unwelcome messenger

One of the more difficult leadership moments is for you to master the process of communicating distressing news. Regardless if the news is about a business restructuring; informing of tragedy, or taking a principled standpoint on behalf of your company – this type of speech requires diplomacy and structure. DINESHRIE PILLAY CA(SA) Business Owner and…

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Viewpoints: Do you really need a mentor?

If the blind leads the blind, they both fall into a ditch – Japanese proverb. In this article, I will provide you with the ‘not-so-blind’ individuals one can follow for career success, sometimes, it’s not a mentor you need for the journey you are embarking on. Zanele Maduna CA(SA)Director at No-Valo Learning Centre Need information…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Blockchain in supply chain management

Even in today’s technologically advanced world, supply chains could dramatically improve efficiency, enable tracking, and limit exploitative behaviours. The implementation of public, private, and hybrid blockchains will bring traceability, transparency, and accountability to the movement of goods and commodities. The use of smart contracts is an enabler for this technology. Monica Singer CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: True innovation isn’t self-centred

Too many companies seem to be rolling out one-sided innovation that only benefits them, and not their customers. This is especially outrageous when it comes to how customer service technology is (mis-)implemented. Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group Have you recently taken a company up on their suggestion to WhatsApp their helpdesk instead of…

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Viewpoints: Can money buy freedom?

Can money buy happiness? This is a question that has been debated for centuries, with no clear consensus. However, what if the real question is not whether or not money can buy happiness, but whether or not money can buy freedom? Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Executive and Leadership Development Coach; passionate about women empowerment and human…

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Viewpoints: The bears are back

Since 1929, the S&P 500 has been through 26 bear markets. Stocks lose on average 36%. The worst bear market resulted in a loss of 86% over three years in 1929. In contrast, bull markets increased on average by 114%. Bears and bulls Bear markets are generally defined as a drop in the markets by…

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Viewpoints: Africa ripe for impact capital

The United Nations estimates that the global population exceeded 8 billion people in November, with over 1,3 billion living on the African continent. Home to 17% of the world population, Africa is the world’s second-most populous and second-largest continent but remains the poorest and least-developed continent. The African region’s collective GDP stands at $2,98 trillion,…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Blockchain for the energy industry

Distributed ledger technology has the potential to improve efficiencies for utility providers by tracking the chain of custody for grid materials. Beyond provenance tracking, blockchain offers unique solutions for renewable energy distribution. There are several use cases including real-time data management, moving carbon credits, and renewable energy certificates. Monica Singer CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist for Consensys…

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Viewpoints: The operationalisation of ESG reporting

It might have been possible a decade ago to ignore climate change, but the recent catastrophic record temperatures, floods, droughts and forest fires on steroids confirm beyond doubt that our planet is experiencing system failure. Kurt Sartorius Climate change activist, Professor of Accounting at University of University of the Witwatersrand Climate change and corporate emissions…

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Viewpoints: Real self-care is key to mental wellness

Self-care can take many different forms, but some common examples are getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, practising meditation or mindfulness, and spending time with friends and family. But did you know that self-care extends far beyond these well-known areas? Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Executive and Leadership Development Coach; passionate about women…

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Viewpoints: Energy for increased productivity

Considering how lockdown changed the world we live in and the challenges we are currently facing and will be facing in the future, there is probably not a more appropriate time to make this radical mind shift change towards becoming more ‘conscious’. RONEL JOOSTE CA(SA) Director at FinanciallyFiTLife and author, speaker and radio talk show…

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Viewpoints: The significance of gender lens investing

Globally, and specifically in Africa, women face significant limitations accessing finance due to inherent biases among financial institutions. Women-owned and -led SMEs worldwide face major constraints in accessing financial services. The World Bank approximates that since 2013 only 3% of early-stage funding went to all-women-founded teams. SHILUBA MAWELA CA(SA) Managing Partner: Tshiamo Impact Partners -…

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AdviceArticlesView points Paolo Giuricich

Viewpoints: Trustees also need a plan

Wealth AdvisorSo often we think that financial plans are for individuals only. Trustees also need a plan. As fiduciary duties become more onerous, regulations increase, member expectations continue growing and the investment world is increasingly more complex, it makes good sense. Mike Lledo CA(SA) Independent Financial Services Consultant WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? The UK…

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Viewpoints: Five career mistakes TO AVOID

Your career is important. It’s what you spend most of your time doing, and it’s how you make money to support yourself and your loved ones. So, it’s crucial to get it right. Unfortunately, many people make avoidable mistakes that can cost them their careers. Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Executive and Leadership Development Coach; passionate about…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Why we need self-sovereign identity (SSI)

Companies often collect sensitive information about their users and store them alongside less-sensitive routine business data. This creates new business risks in relation to laws that protect the user’s data, like the POPI Act in South Africa. Only after receiving large fines or developing stronger IT capabilities will many enterprises pursue expensive and risky projects…

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Viewpoints: Shifting work practices

As the world learns to ’live’ with COVID-19, it is interesting to see how people in the workplace are redefining their boundaries, leaning into their own personal leadership and perfecting the art of new skills, with a personal style which is noticeably different. PAOLO GIURICICH CA(SA) Founder and owner of Smarter EQ COVID-19 has redefined…

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Viewpoints: Leadership through impact

Government’s role in supporting social investments SHILUBA MAWELA CA(SA) Managing Partner: Tshiamo Impact Partners – an impact advisory and impact fund management firm In South Africa, many efforts support investment into SMMEs. These include initiatives and programmes administrated or supported by public institutions and development finance institutions like the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)…

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Viewpoints: Energy for increased productivity

Completing my diploma in fitness and running a wellness company helped me to fully comprehend how important a healthy body and high energy levels are. As a business owner, I also appreciate the vital relationship between energy levels and employees’ productivity RONEL JOOSTE CA(SA) Director at FinanciallyFiTLife and author, speaker and radio talk show host…

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Viewpoints: Your 10-Day speaking challenge!

To master communication in a digital world, you need to challenge yourself to improve the art of speaking dineshrie pillay CA(SA) Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer Bad speaking habits develop over time. Equally, good speaking starts by taking simple, consistent actions. Take this 10-day speaking challenge. Each day, fully embrace the challenge for the…

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Viewpoints: Budget 2022: Gives and takes

In the 2021 budget, then Finance Minister Tito Mboweni indicated that the corporate income tax rate will be reduced to 27%. Enoch Godongwana, the current Finance Minister, followed through on this policy decision and reaffirmed it in his 2022 budget speech. This was significant since it showed the tax policy’s continuity Muneer Hassan CA(SA) Tax…

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Viewpoints: Re-thinking young talent retention

‘If I’m lucky, I only get recruiting wrong 70% of the time.’ These were the words of Phone4U founder and billionaire John Caldwell. His statement validates what we all know: recruiting the best talent is already challenging, hence your organisation’s talent retention strategy becomes increasingly important Zanele Maduna CA(SA)Director at No-Valo Learning Centre As an…

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Advice: Pay attention! You and the attention economy

Attention is a limited, valuable and scarce resource, and the wealth of information in this digital era is generating revenue for corporates while creating a poverty of attention. The ‘attention economy’ is disrupting the very fabric of society and is shaping everything about contemporary life Technology designs are focused on grabbing people’s attention (arguably at…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Tokenisation: An opportunity for CSDs

Central securities depositories (CSDs) face an existential crisis in the face of the emergence of a new financial system powered by decentralised finance (DeFi) Monica Singer CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist for Consensys All the functions − settlement, registration, custody, and asset servicing − performed by a CSD in a transaction can now be performed using blockchain…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: Counting on tomorrow

Does it feel like people stop talking about entrepreneurship and innovation the moment you walk into the room (or join the Teams call)? Do they still buy into the outdated and debunked stereotype of the accountant? CEO of IDU Group Obviously, the stereotype that we are boring, conservative bean counters is complete nonsense. As accountants,…

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SDG: Reduce inequality within and among countries

South Africa is known as one of the world’s most unequal countries. Despite efforts from the government and implementations such as B-BBEE or affirmative action, limited progress has been made to heal South Africa from its legacy of apartheid. Furthermore, our socio-economic status continues to suffer. To provide some perspective, the richest 10% of South…

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Advice: Unpacking job requirements

When you read the requirements in a job advertisement and you do not meet some of them, do not automatically scroll by … Every year when firms start to advertise their available trainee positions, I see the same reactions on Facebook groups by students or prospective trainees looking for opportunities to apply – ‘This is…

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Advice: What are the benefits of tokenisation

One of the key advantages of tokenisation is the rapid settlement of trades since exchanges for tokenised securities are open 24/7. Tokenised securities also allow for fractional ownership, which can easily replace the antiquated mutual funds business This is not all. There are many other benefits of tokenisation, and we explore some of those below:…

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Advice: Collaboration for economic impact

SAICA Enterprise Development and Anglo American Zimele launch new strategic Enterprise Development Financial Excellence Programme SAICA Enterprise Development (SAICA ED) is passionate about partnerships and developing a pipeline for economic impact for our country. As we know, in accordance with SAICA’s Accelerating and Prioritising the Delivery of the SDGs report in 2021, SDG 17 calls…

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Viewpoints: Leadership through impact

The responsibility and scope of deliverables for business leaders have evolved from primarily achieving attractive financial returns to a broader perspective on value creation SHILUBA MAWELA CA(SA) Managing Partner: Tshiamo Impact Partners – an impact advisory and impact fund management firm Globally, there has been a shift towards greater accountability on businesses to address pressing…

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Viewpoints: A pandemic of crazy

The world has gone crazy. Athletes were kicked out of countries due to their views, Bitcoin cruised then crashed, the US faced its highest inflation in decades, and stocks rose; we are locked up, let out and locked up again TRAMAYNE MONAGHAN CA(SA) tramayne.co.za & author of Shepherd and the Beast The difference between those…

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Viewpoints: Recently I’m more biased

The 2021 Dalbar study showed investor biases about doubled in costs to 2,11%. COVID-19 created extreme volatility − one of the greatest market crashes followed by one of the greatest bull runs. Recency biases grew to 58% from 35% (2020) and confirmation biases doubled to 50%! MIKE LLEDO CA(SA) Independent Financial Services Consultant The Investments…

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Viewpoints: Leadership Post-COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown have changed our lives and the way we do things for good. Leaders had to deal with and become more aware of multiple different aspects since the pandemic started: Working from home. More flexibility. Communication through online platforms. Less control. More trust. New opportunities. Employee health and wellbeing. Financial strain.…

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Advice: Do I stay or do I go?

A training contract is a term contract − it’s not a never-ending employment opportunity. So if you are in the commerce and industry training programmes or you are in the privileged position to have an offer to stay on at your firm, you need to ask the big question – ‘Do I stay or do…

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Advice: What’s new and what to expect in 2022

This article highlights the changes to the IAASB standards and SAICA FAQs that will affect auditors and practitioners in 2022 and gives an indication of change on the horizon based on the IAASB’s work plan for 2022−2023. The standards of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) continue to evolve. New and revised IAASB…

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Viewpoints: Bouncing forward

The past two years have brought massive complexity and uncertainty. For many, the focus has been on the short term – on survival. Personally, I’ve experienced one of the most challenging contexts I’ve ever had to work in and lead people through. Brett Tromp CA(SA) CFO of Discovery Health We’ll be dealing with the COVID-19…

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Viewpoints: Love starts with you!

How do you become a passionate speaker if you are unable to enjoy the process of becoming one? Your love for speaking starts with you. Here are some of my lessons learnt. Dineshrie Pillay CA(SA) Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer There will be plenty of ‘failures’ Be kind to yourself. As a speaker, I…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: What is a DAO?

A decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) is essentially a very large vending machine living on the blockchain. It only does what it is programmed to do, with no possibility for human intervention. DAOs allow anyone with an idea to coordinate, pool funds, and even create tokens that represent their share within the organisation Monica Singer CA(SA)…

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AdviceArticlesView points Paolo Giuricich_SM

Viewpoints: Emerging patterns

As professionals start to return to the office after a prolonged period of working from home, there is a new curiosity about the meaning we ascribe to our work and how this fits into our revised frame of the world. Some interesting patterns are emerging, and we consider what they mean for sustained personal growth…

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On strategy: SAICA’s strategic management process

Strategy formulation and risk management Environmental scanning To assist with strategic planning, SAICA management conducted a comprehensive environmental scan and diagnostic review. Its purpose was to understand SAICA’s current internal state and the external environment, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify key internal and external issues facing SAICA. The external environment scan…

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On strategy: Freeman Nomvalo: SAICA CEO

‘We are all strategists walking around …’ In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Freeman Nomvalo, CEO of SAICA Having been in senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, Freeman shared his philosophy on various strategy-related aspects.…

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Advice: Unlocking value and building trust in Africa

Stakeholders of all kinds increasingly hold organisations accountable for delivering sustainable value. In fact, stakeholders tend to place more trust in organisations that demonstrate a sustained interest in communities, the environment and good governance. They expect organisations to do more than simply ‘tick a box’ Organisations can help to build trust and deliver sustained outcomes…

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Advice: Prioritise your personal development

American entrepreneur Jim Rohn once said that income seldom exceeds personal development. Simply put, investing in your personal development is one of the most valuable and enduring investments you can make Some managers invest heavily in their skills portfolio early in their careers and then do so less and less intensively as their careers progress.…

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Advice: Accountants are more important than ever

It is our role as accountants to ensure that we provide credible information in the financial statements that is useful and can be used to make sound financial, fiscal and policy decisions We find ourselves in an environment where our time and other resources are constrained. We need to be purposeful in our actions. This…

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AdviceArticlesView points Paolo Giuricich

Viewpoints: Communities CAN!

Warwick Business School has recently confirmed that women investors outperform their male counterparts, and by no less than 1,8 % per annum on average. Over 30 years, that’s double your money! Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant R50 billion a year invested in stokvels. Incredible for a nation where the latest personal savings ratio is a…

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Viewpoints: Be human, be yourself

Innovator and bloggerI tend to love the business, psychology and philosophy sections of Exclusive Books, but it recently hit me that I was reading almost predominately books written by males. So, in the middle of 2020, I vowed to make an effort to read more books by female authors Chief Innovation Officer: Tencent Africa ‘Be…

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AdviceArticlesView points Ronel Jooste_SM

Viewpoints: Tips for women entrepreneurs

I left the corporate world after more than a decade in 2015 to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. Today I have five businesses – wellness, guesthouse, financial consulting and training, travel marketing, and now also a spa. I gladly share some tips from my experiences Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio talk show…

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Advice: A roaring lion kills no game

As we navigate the turmoil and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are on keeping one another safe while preparing for a post-pandemic world. The custodians of this post-pandemic future are young people – and when one considers that the official unemployment rate for people under 35 in South Africa is 46,3%, the…

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Advice: COVID-19’s lasting financial impact on South Africans

A global study reveals that South Africans are more concerned about their financial wellbeing since the onset of COVID-19 but are determined to recover financially. According to the 2021 Schroders Global Investor Study (GIS), 86% of South African investors have spent more time thinking about their financial wellbeing since the onset of COVID-19. This translated…

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AdviceArticlesView points DINESHRIE PILLAY CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Staying true to you!

Your credibility as a speaker is a factor of whether or not your audience can trust you. If trust is a must, how do you maintain your ethics as a speaker and build trust simultaneously? Use the power of story to connect with your audience It is hard for your audience to listen to your…

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Viewpoints: Why is moral courage rare?

‘It is curious – curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare’ – Mark Twain. How accurately would we rate our individual level of ethical behaviour? Do our choices pass the ethics ‘acid test’? I bought my twin boys ice cream recently. The busy vendor gave me…

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Advice: Avoiding distractions at work

Obviously, you can’t avoid all distractions. As real people living in the real world, we will all be distracted from time to time. We can, however, ensure that we keep regular distractions to a minimum and that we focus on increasing our effectiveness and productivity You get to work, open up your computer and more…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: Flexing your adaptability muscles

One of my favourite business success stories from 2020 (yes, there were plenty!) was Granadilla’s almost overnight pivot from a swimwear company to a fresh produce delivery service. It’s a masterclass in creating value out of chaos by acting quickly and decisively Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group Granadilla’s leadership realised that with the…

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AdviceArticlesView points Monica Singer CA(SA)

Viewpoints: Blockchain in institutional capital markets

Blockchain technology has fundamentally changed the way financial institutions are exchanging value and building market infrastructure. Here’s a closer look at how this new technology is transforming capital markets and the specific benefits for a wide range of market participants Monica Singer CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist for Consensys For issuers Blockchain provides significant benefits to issuers…

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Viewpoints: Creating space

Through the many psychological challenges of 2020/21, people are wrestling with high contextual uncertainty and eagerly await a time where the world stabilises and we can plan for a better future. What if those stable days are gone and this is merely conditioning for an agile and flexible approach to work and our lives? Paolo…

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Viewpoints: Honey, you’re right again!

Warwick Business School has recently confirmed that women investors outperform their male counterparts, and by no less than 1,8 % per annum on average. Over 30 years, that’s double your money! Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant The wealth is growing Women now control a third of the world’s wealth, according to the Boston Consulting Group…

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Viewpoints: Diversify to change your world

Innovator and bloggerI tend to love the business, psychology and philosophy sections of Exclusive Books, but it recently hit me that I was reading almost predominately books written by males. So, in the middle of 2020, I vowed to make an effort to read more books by female authors Chief Innovation Officer: Tencent Africa Women…

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Viewpoints: Tips for women education

I left the corporate world after more than a decade in 2015 to pursue my entrepreneurial aspirations. Today I have five businesses – wellness, guesthouse, financial consulting and training, travel marketing, and now also a spa. I gladly share some tips from my experiences Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio talk show…

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Advice: Creating a ‘cute and fluffy’ training environment

Are training offices prepared to re-evaluate their structure to incorporate the ‘cute and fluffy’, thereby creating a friendlier, more supportive work environment for trainees while ensuring efficient and effective performance? If we talk to trainees in the audit environment, be it in small, medium, or large firms, the environment is often described as unsupportive, hard,…

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Corporate tax rate reduction

The Finance Minister, in his budget speech delivered on 24 February 2021, announced that the corporate income tax rate will be lowered to 27% for companies with years of assessment commencing on or after 1 April 2022. This rate reduction will be done alongside a broadening of the corporate income tax base. Sunset clauses National…

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Leave your legacy: plant people

This excellent Chinese proverb has much to teach us about leadership: ‘If your vision is for a year, plant wheat. If your vision is for ten years, plant trees. If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people.’   The best leaders recognise talented people, plant them in the right soil at the right time,…

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Sustainable speaking

Speaking is a daily activity and not just a ‘performance’ for your next virtual meeting or live event. You need to instil some actions, behaviours and disciplines to make speaking natural, relatable, and sustainable.   Non-negotiable You are the presentation and slides are your tool. Slides should never take over you as the presenter. If…

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Unconfirm your bias

It is estimated that over 50 000 thoughts rush through the average person’s mind every single day. The thoughts that run through our minds are based on our experiences and determine how we view the world. And how we view the world affects the decisions that we make.   I have been wanting to cut…

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Advice: 5 ways to manage office conflict

If you get any group of people together for long enough, some sort of conflict will be inevitable. We are all different and while diversity is important for problem-solving and developing a well-rounded organisation, differences in opinions can also be challenging   Disagreements will happen in any workplace, but the way they are handled can…

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Advice: On strategy – In conversation with Garrick Bowker

Implementing strategy in a family-owned private company In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all of them chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Garrick Bowker, CEO of the Tavcor Motor Group Tavcor is a family-owned private company employing 300 people with dealerships in Port…

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Viewpoints: Garbage in, garbage out

Business AdvisorGarbage in, garbage out − so goes the computer science mantra. But what if you have no trustworthy, reliable data to input into your calculations and analyses? How do you navigate challenges, mitigate risks and spot opportunities if you can’t confidently make predictions from past trends? Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU Group I recently…

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Viewpoints: Hybrid organisations

Organisation Development ConsultantTalking to people about their experiences of the pandemic and working from home has yielded interesting data and polarities. Businesses that employ remote workers and have offices with workers present daily represent a hybrid workforce. The vital data will shape hybrid working models as people re-imagine physical ‘offices’ Paolo Giuricich CA(SA)Founder and ownerof…

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Viewpoints: What are non-fungible tokens (NFTs)?

Blockchain SpecialistWhile non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are simply a way to transfer information (data), they provide various benefits because they are created on blockchain networks Monica Singer CA(SA)Blockchain Evangelistfor Consensys Characteristics of NFTs NFTs have the following characteristics: Unique: The hallmark trait of non-fungible tokens is that they are unique and this can be verified on…

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Viewpoints: How to delegate more effectively

Speaker, Facilitator, CoachAs a leader, mastering the art of delegation is paramount in order to grow and scale your influence at work. Being unable to delegate effectively will limit your ability to successfully lead a team and increase your impact at work Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Passionate about women empowerment and human potential The fears and failures…

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Advice: On strategy – In conversation with Sharonne Adams

Strategy and leadership are intertwined In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all of them chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Sharonne Adams, Business Executive at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), who heads up their Western Cape region Sharonne started the conversation by…

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Advice: The power of public-private partnerships

Business people join puzzle pieces in office. Concept of teamwork and partnership. double exposure with light effects Thuthuka’s collaboration with the SETAs have borne fruit for all parties One of the most powerful tools when it comes to helping an organisation achieve its aims is partnerships. In the case of SAICA, these aims include working…

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Life expectancy in the 21st century

A challenge for developed countries The developed regions and countries of the world have experienced significant increases in life expectancy and population ageing since the second half of the 20th century and will continue to experience a so-called ‘greying’ of their populations in the first half of the 21st century. However, they are not necessarily…

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Avoiding distractions at work

Obviously, you cannot avoid all distractions. As real people living in the real world, we will all be distracted from time to time. We can, however, ensure that we keep regular distractions to a minimum and that we focus on increasing our effectiveness and productivity You get to work, open up your computer and more…

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The power of entrepreneural skills development

Could the development of entrepreneurial skills be the missing link in creating lasting sustainable small businesses in South Africa? Most small business owners would agree that growing their business is their greatest desire and biggest struggle at the same time. A great brand could be damaged if it is not backed up by a well-operated…

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Allow people to contribute within their space

In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Akash Singh, CEO of Sigma International, a global management consultancy busines. Tapping into his extensive experience in business strategy and strategic plan development, Akash shared some valuable insights on strategy…

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Does tech build or break leadership?

Technology is a constantly evolving entity, one that penetrates every aspect of leadership, business and life, bringing significant progress and change. How might leaders meet the challenges of the age of AI and wield technological disruption to their – and their people’s – advantage?   Early in my career, I received an excellent piece of…

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Get engaged!

Do you feel like you are speaking to a robot during your online meetings – speaking to a series of letters? Have meetings become mundane and disengaged? Let’s bring back the engagement into meetings using a range of online technology   The basics It should be standard virtual meeting etiquette, that everyone on the meeting…

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Strategy in practice

In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with RACHEL NKGODI, deputy group chief financial officer at Alexander Forbes During our conversation, Rachel Nkgodi highlighted various important and practical aspects relating to strategy. The practical aspects of strategy Strategy…

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Advice: Small Business

HAVE YOU RECENTLY STARTED A BUSINESS OR SIDE HUSTLE? In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Elmar Conradie, CEO of Safair. AUTHOR | Jameel Khan, Head of Projects at SAICA Enterprise Development Unsurprisingly, in 2020 and as…

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Advice: On Strategy

LOOK AFTER YOUR PEOPLE FIRST In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I was in conversation with Elmar Conradie, CEO of Safair. AUTHOR | Christiaan Vorster CA(SA), SAICA Regional Executive   Throughout my interview with Elmar Conradie, it was apparent that he…

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Viewpoints: The key to women’s success

Speaker, Facilitator, CoachFollowing decades of research and spend on women empowerment, women still hold fewer leadership positions and earn less than their male counterparts. In keeping with the reflective theme of International Women’s Day on 8 March 2021, let us #Choosetochallenge the key to women’s success Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Passionate about women empowerment and human potential…

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Viewpoints: Decentralised finance (DeFi)

Blockchain SpecialistDeFi represents the infrastructure such as lending platforms and exchanges required to innovate upon the traditional financial systems. It is a broad term for various financial applications that utilise cryptocurrency or blockchain technology to solve problems that exist within the traditional financial system Monica Singer CA(SA)Blockchain Evangelistfor Consensys Decentralised finance (DeFi)refers to the shift…

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Viewpoints: (CA)reer Incongruence

Organisation Development ConsultantStarting 2021 with a positive frame has been a tall order, given the ongoing uncertainty which we continue to navigate. Locating incongruence in our working lives becomes critical to make better career decisions this year to set us on a more aligned career trajectory Paolo Giuricich CA(SA)Founder and ownerof Smarter EQ We have…

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Viewpoints: Mission possible: budgeting in 2021

Business AdvisorA cornerstone of financial planning and budgeting, the financial year, has arguably come to the end of its lifespan. Today, we are hearing from CFOs that even quarterly budget cycles are not frequent enough to course correct in the face of rapid, unexpected change Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU Group Today, forward-thinking CFOs have…

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Viewpoints: Time to be active

2020 was about ‘circuit breakers’, ‘black swans’, the Volatility Index at new records, and every single asset class (equities, bonds, property, gold, oil) turned into a rollercoaster ride. Nothing was left unscathed. ‘Be greedy when others are fearful,’ said Walter Buffett. This was the time for active investment management! Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant Actives…

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Viewpoints: Can accountants be innovators?

Innovators are people who start something new, who are creative and who bring excellent new ideas to life. Innovators are referred to as the ‘red people’ and accountants are ‘blue people’. Is that true or can accountants be innovators? Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio talk show host People will often say…

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Viewpoints: Take the challenge!

Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer If I gave you ten steps to discover the speaker within you, would you take part in the challenge? I believe that most people are afraid to speak because they base their speaking on misleading information that creates an inauthentic speaker. Once you are aware of these speaking myths…

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Viewpoints: Loan conversion into shares

Muneer Hassan CA(SA)Tax Consultant, Senior Lecturer inTaxation at UJ and Lecturer on the Gauteng Board Course When a loan owed by a company is settled by conversion into share capital, it holds potential tax implications for both the debtor and creditor. The purpose of this article is to focus on the tax implications for the…

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Viewpoints: Your gift will make room

Wadzanai Mabuto CA(SA)Senior Lecturer at theDepartment of Accounting at UJ ‘We are each given different gifts and talents by our Master. The thing that matters most is how we use what we have been given, not how much we make or do compared to someone else. What matters is that we spend ourselves’ – Francis…

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Remote teams are the future

As South Africa continues to recover from COVID-19, more people are returning to the office. Yet the way we work has changed (in fact, some would say the world has changed) and many teams will continue with more remote work than before. This creates new challenges and opportunities. How should we change the way we…

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Preparing to develop future CAs(SA)

Professor Alex van der Watt CA(SA) discusses the impact of CA2025 on the qualification process. The chartered accountancy qualification is constantly evolving. SAICA recently entered the final stage of its CA2025 project, an ambitious project that aims to completely overhaul the qualification process and competency framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a…

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Viewpoints: Say goodbye to say hello

Business AdvisorIt’s time for a bit of tough love. The health crisis happened and will have ripple effects for months and years. But the time to start building for the future is today and we need to be planting the green shoots of recovery at home. Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU Group We have collectively…

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Viewpoints: Explaining tokenisation to six-year-olds

Blockchain SpecialistWhat is a blockchain-based ‘token’? It can be tricky to wrap one’s mind around concepts such as the tokenisation of financial assets, token fractionalisation, and how smart contracts behave in certain scenarios, even for seasoned DeFi (decentralised finance which does not use intermediaries) industry practitioners. Monica Singer CA(SA)Blockchain Evangelistfor Consensys Chances are you haven’t…

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Viewpoints: Closing 2020

Organisation Development ConsultantAs we move closer to finishing the defining year 2020, we should take some time to consider how we close and finish the year. An intentional and conscious approach to closure will serve us infinitely as we transition into 2021 with what it has in store for us. Paolo Giuricich CA(SA)Founder and ownerof…

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Hybrid remote working

In the early months of 2020, governments worldwide put their countries into lockdown to manage the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19. As a result, organisations enabled their workforce to work remotely. This move presented an opportunity to consider a hybrid remote working model post the pandemic. A hybrid remote working model entails employee working…

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On strategy: An interview with Michelle Olckers

I have always been intrigued by ‘strategy’, the thing that ultimately sets a company apart from the next, and probably, together with strong leadership, the main driver behind sustained value creation. In a series of interviews, I explore the approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. This month I had the privilege…

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AdviceArticlesView points Ronel Jooste_SM

Viewpoints: Pivoting: The new buzz word

Financial Consultant & CoachPivoting became an essential survival tool for multiple entrepreneurs, businesses and employees whose income was impacted in this time. Despite all the negativity, it was inspiring to witness the creativity and future success stories that arose as a result of pivoting. Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio talk show…

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Viewpoints: Millennials – you have hit the jackpot!

Wealth Advisor‘Compound interest is the Eighth Wonder of the World. He who understands it earns it’ – Albert Einstein. ‘My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest’ – Warren Buffett. Time is your jackpot! Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant ’Affluent millennials are economically optimistic but afraid…

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Viewpoints: Millennials shaping a new normal

Social Enterprises AdvisorGiven the events since March 2020, it is clear that the world will need to adapt rapidly to new models of operating ranging from the workplace, to how we socialise, engage with friends and family, and travel Priya Singh CA(SA)Social Enterprises Advisor Reflecting over the past few months, it is almost inconceivable to…

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Viewpoints: Different is the new black

Business Innovator and CatalystAt what stage do we have to redefine the term ‘working differently’? By its very definition, different implies that there are people that have redefined the way they work that is different to the rest. Thanks to our new friend COVID-19, these ‘different’ ones are no longer different, as we are all…

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Advice: Creating real relationships at work

Many people spend more waking time at work than at home, and yet we may give less thought to creating healthy relationships in the workplace than within our families. I am by no means arguing that your relationship with a partner, children, family or other central figures in your life should take a back seat.…

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Advice: On strategy – A passion for entrepreneurship

I have always been intrigued by ‘strategy’, the thing that ultimately sets a company apart from the next and probably, together with strong leadership, the main driver behind sustained value creation. In a series of interviews, I am exploring the different approaches of different business leaders (all chartered accountants) to strategy. I had a virtual…

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Advice: Finding your own North Star

The post-qualification journey of a CA(SA) makes available a broad landscape of career choices. Beyond the well-structured boundaries of TIPP (Training in Public Practice) and TOPP (Training Outside Public Practice) lies unmapped territory which we must navigate by looking to ourselves for co-ordinates. As we add the title of cartographer to our list of credits,…

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Viewpoints: Supplementary budget 2020

TAX Specialist On 24 June 2020, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni tabled a supplementary budget necessitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. This budget introduced adjustments to the original budget tabled in February 2020 and formalised the two tax bills which provide relief to taxpayers in response to COVID-19. Furthermore it sets…

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Viewpoints: Adjusting our sails to COVID-19

Leadership Advisor‘The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.’ So says leadership expert John Maxwell. How are we responding to the COVID-19 crisis? Is our leadership style still excellent? Are we maintaining a purpose-driven focus? Our world is reeling from the far-reaching effects of a pandemic…

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Viewpoints: Fresh start

Organisation Development, (OD) Consultant Writing feels refreshing and freeing. Re-entry from a significant time in our global history is creating many opportunities to redefine our collective paths, expectations of our chosen work and associated societal norms. Our insights come with huge responsibilities. As COVID-19 is spreading rapidly and affecting every facet of our lives, we…

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AdviceArticlesView points Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group

Viewpoints: Public Cloud 2.0

Business AdvisorThe remote workhorse has bolted, and it is going to have far-reaching consequences, even for the technology that makes it possible in the first place: the public cloud. It is already a cliché to say that the 2020 health crisis accelerated many of the trends, digital and otherwise, that have been bubbling up for…

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Viewpoints: Call for women to step up

Speaker, Facilitator, CoachDecades into the gender diversity era, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions and continue to earn a fraction of their male counterparts. Projecting the current trends, according to the World Economic Forum, it may take up to 202 years to close the gender pay gap. True diversity in every respect (gender, race, culture,…

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Viewpoints: Collars and caps

Wealth Advisor‘Collars and caps’ may sound like the dress code for a country outing. But when the VIX (volatility index) hit a record high of 83% in March 2020, it was time for ‘circuit breakers’. COVID-19, a black swan, was the uninvited guest to the investment party. Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant Unprecedented volatility The…

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Viewpoints: The evolution of the CFO

Social Enterprises AdvisorIt feels like fortuitous timing, writing this piece as the world is coming to term with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. I reflect below on the tremors across industries and my personal reflection as a CFO in the mid-2010s. One thing is certain – CFOs have shed the traditionalist roles of the…

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Viewpoints: Your future presenter self

Public Speaking Trainer‘In a world that is constantly changing, there is no one subject or set of subjects that will serve you for the foreseeable future, let alone for the rest of your life. The most important skill to acquire now is learning how to learn’ – John Naisbitt. dineshrie pillay CA(SA) Business Owner and…

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Viewpoints: Relearning to lead

Leadership Advisor‘In a world that is constantly changing, there is no one subject or set of subjects that will serve you for the foreseeable future, let alone for the rest of your life. The most important skill to acquire now is learning how to learn’ – John Naisbitt. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our environment…

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Viewpoints: COVID-19 tax relief

TAX Specialist Reacting swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March announced an initial 21-day lockdown period. The announcement came with tax relief that will assist businesses impacted by the lockdown. Muneer Hassan CA(SA) Tax Consultant, Senior Lecturer in Taxation at UJ and Lecturer on the Gauteng Board Course On 1 April,…

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Viewpoints: Master thyself, understand others

Senior Lecturer at the Department of Accounting at UJCarl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, once said: ‘Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes’, and ‘Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.’ Wadzanai…

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Viewpoints: Springing back into shape

Speaker, Facilitator, CoachHow you respond in times of crisis could indicate your ability to manage your mental and emotional state. It may also indicate your ability to set aside the highs and lows of the moment and engage rational thinking processes before responding to a situation. Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Founder Meraki Evolution − Leadership & Women…

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Viewpoints: Learning about blockchain

Blockchain SpecialistUnderstanding blockchain is daunting because the technology is quickly evolving and the general population has yet to experience how it will change our daily lives. Many enthusiasts have equated the current blockchain environment to the World Wide Web in 1997. Similarly, bitcoin and crypto are the forays into blockchain technology. But there is a…

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Viewpoints: Growing in uncertain times

Organisation Development (OD) AdvisorWriting this piece is not easy. The doom portrayed by global media on COVID-19 apocalypse and the severe reality that has gripped our world and country have resulted in a substantially different future emerging. How are you growing as a leader in response to these unprecedented times? Paolo Giuricich CA(SA) Founder and…

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Viewpoints: Why I love entrepreneurship

Financial Consultant & CoachConsidering the current state of the economy and challenges in South Africa, more people turn to entrepreneurship. Some because they want to, others because they have to because of retrenchments, unemployment and financial strain. Entrepreneurship can provide a solution to many challenges though Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio…

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Viewpoints: An entrepreneur at any age

Wealth Advisorou’re never too old to be an entrepreneur. While being an entrepreneur potentially carries higher rewards, it also carries extreme risks. And can one afford to lose a lifetime of savings at such a late stage? Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant Amazon’s Jeff Bezos just sold 3% of his stock for $3,5 billion. He…

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Viewpoints: Design thinking for entrepreneurs

Social Enterprises AdvisorIs there a more opportune time than now to talk about entrepreneurship in South Africa? There are several opportunities related to global problems needing local solutions, for example as climate change, increased proliferation of technology, and new ways of working. Cracking these problems require creative problem-solving and thinking outside of the box. Priya…

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#CALifeAdviceLatest NewsSAICA 40th

Four Decades And More Of SAICA

In the 40 years since the founding of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), much has transpired for the profession worldwide. SAICA was already functioning and influencing major changes to the profession in the middle 1990s when a united South Africa emerged under Nelson Mandela as President. Yet, it also becomes clear that…

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Viewpoints: VAT On Electronic Services

Tax SpecialistValue added tax (VAT) on imported goods is paid by the person importing the goods into South Africa. VAT on imported goods is collected by customs before clearing the goods into South Africa. VAT on imported services is paid by the person importing the services into South Africa, only to the extent these services…

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Viewpoints: Find Your Magic!

Empowers Equips EducatesTo quote an author by the name of Howard Thurman: ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive’ Wadzanai Mabuto CA(SA) Senior Lecturer at the Department of Accounting at UJ A couple of months…

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Viewpoints: Ethically Speaking

Public Speaking TrainerYour audience knows more about you and your subject than you may think. Content can be Googled, cross-checked, and verified before, during, and after your speech delivery. If you are active on social media, your personal life is public. Enter the ethical speaker Dineshrie Pillay CA(SA) Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer Ethical…

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Advice: Challenging the state on impact investing

Monica Singer CA(SA) Blockchain Evangelist for Consensys Stablecoins promise to make transacting as easy as using social media. Payments are not just about sending money to each other, but about connecting to other people, just like we do on social networks. Stablecoins integrate into our digital lives in ways that fiat currency (currency issued by…

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Advice: Challenging the state on impact investing

Paolo Giuricich CA(SA) Founder and owner of smarter EQ A while back terms like ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) and ‘gig economy’ were foreign to us. Today, these are overused terms. The practicalities of this ‘future’ are with us already and require us to respond appropriately to survive in business. For centuries, people have been performing…

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Advice: Challenging the state on impact investing

Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group The social and environmental benefits of impact investing are too important to be left to the private sector alone. If South Africa is to have any hope of a sustainable future, the state needs to improve its game dramatically. There’s a simple litmus test for any kind of…

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Advice: Career Success Strategies For 2020

Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Founder Meraki Evolution − Leadership & Women Empowerment Are you ready for 2020? A year like never before, where each new day holds the promise of evolution. The way we do business, communicate, learn and serve is evolving and transforming every day. Should you be evolving and transforming too? Chasing career success in…

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Academia or corporate – who’s more satisfied? A millennial analysis

Retaining millennials is becoming an increasing problem for employers throughout the world. High employee turnover disrupts an organisation’s productivity levels and also has a negative impact on financial performance. By reducing employee turnover, organisations are able to be more competitive in the market. Studies have shown that employee turnover disrupts productivity-related outcomes and has a…

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7 Ways To Make Better Decisions

I find it helpful to remember that all of us struggle with decision-making from time to time – even highly successful people. We all make decisions every day. But as you become responsible for more people or projects, your decisions become weightier. It can be difficult to trust that you’re making the best choice. Here…

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Digitisation Is Here And Now

Digitalisation is here and it is integrated into every aspect of our personal lives. As business leaders, the key is to embrace the digital world, then integrate it into our existence. Combining human emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence will enhance and streamline work beyond our imagination It sometimes astounds me that we are heading into…

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Reversing Foreign Exchange Differences

Section 24I(4) of the Income Tax Act was introduced in 2017. Section 24I(4) provides relief on a foreign bad debt, held on capital account, that is written off by a South African taxpayer by reversing previous unrealised exchange gains and losses on the debt written off In terms of section 24I(4) the taxpayer has to…

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How To Not Shout So Much

I asked my 15-year-old son this question: ‘If I could come in and do some training with your teachers, what would be the first thing you would want me to teach them?’ He replied, ‘Teach them how to not shout so much’ ‘How to not shout so much’ sounds like an odd topic for a…

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Speaking to train

You have become the specialist in your field of expertise. People look up to you and are guided by your wisdom and knowledge. You are now ready to transition into a teacher and train people around you. Let’s look at how to do this. READ ARTICLE

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Accountancy as Heroism

The financial health of South Africa’s cities and towns is worse than ever before, with only 18 out of 257 municipalities getting clean audit reports for the 2017/18 financial year. Surely it’s long past time to introduce more transparency into our government spending. READ ARTICLE

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Advice: Learning support systems

Organisations are great at providing learning opportunities under the guise of leadership development. These ‘events’ are generally an opportunity to build a deeper, trusted relationship with colleagues and the development of personal leadership attributes. And thereafter, you launch back into the reality of your daily life, somewhat ‘changed’ READ ARTICLE

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It’s Still a Man’s World

It’s no secret that men still dominate in the C-suite. Change is coming but gender inequality remains a critical moral, social and economic issue. It’s up to all of us to make it happen sooner rather than later. Globally, women continue to be excluded from achieving the highest leadership positions. According to UN Women, the…

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SPONSORED CONTENT: Ghost employees could cost you your business

The occurrence of ghost employees on a company’s payroll system ranks as the most difficult type of payroll fraud to detect, particularly in larger companies where no proper controls exist. Over time, this can pose a serious threat to the organisation’s profitability and sustainability, declares CRS Technologies general manager Ian McAlister. “A ghost employee is…

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AdviceArticlesIssues

ASA: Aug 2019 Issue

Read the magazine here Download the magazine here In August we celebrate women, and that’s the reason we feature a selection of diverse and amazing women in our cover profiles this month. A survey has shown that women hold only about 5% of the Fortune 1000 CEO positions – this despite research that shows that…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's Choice

We can all lead change

South Africa is facing a crisis of confidence from inside the country and internationally. SAICA and the Accountancy profession are no exception. When organisations, communities, or societies face intractable challenges, the cries for leadership can be deafening. Often these cries reflect the longing for individuals who possess special talents and attributes to inspire their organisations…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Cash is not the safe haven you may think

Daryl Coker, Advisory Partner, Citadel 30 July 2019: From Trump’s trade wars and Brexit woes to the looming threat of a credit rating downgrade in South Africa, rising waves of political and market volatility have left more and more investors wondering whether it wouldn’t be better to keep assets safely tucked away in cash. And…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

It’s just a question of time…

The concept of ‘reasonable period’ within the ambit of the tax legislation seems to be topical one day and then the next loses impetus for whatever reason without ever settling the issue. This question of time is exceptionally important and relevant for the sections in the tax legislation which deal with the situation where SARS…

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Opinion piece: Legacy modernisation is crucial to business survival

By Yamini Gajapathy, Head – Modern Application Services –South Africa, Wipro Limited When considering application modernisation and management, corporates face the challenge of striking the right balance between cost, quality and time to market. The fundamental aim of application modernisation is to create new business value from existing applications, which were designed to perform a…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Driving SME growth through innovation

By Coenie Middel, CEO, Middel & Partners “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” Albert Einstein Small and medium businesses constantly face a wide range of challenges – some are no more than niggles that with a bit of effort and focus, can be overcome. But…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's ChoiceIssues

ASA: July 2019 Issue

Read the magazine here now Download the magazine in PDF here now Editorial The power within us The need for good and ethical leaders has never been greater than now. Locally and internationally, there’s a leadership crisis. No two leaders are the same, as they manage and lead in different ways, but at the forefront…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's Choice

SDG: From Trash to Cash

With its novel approach to socially responsible consumerism, ‘Waste to most-wanted’ business MyAfricanMum is making a valuable contribution to the United Nations’ sustainable development goal of responsible consumption and production. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesFocus

Leadership – The power to make or break

Today’s leaders have a far wider mandate than yesterday’s ‘number crunchers’ with an influence that extends beyond just their company. This is evident in the vast cases of corruption and poor governance in corporate South Africa that have tarnished the integrity and credibility of our finance profession. However, the profession can rebuild trust at lightning…

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AdviceArticlesCA Profiles

Profile: My yellow-bricked road home

A few years back, I would have told you that I had everything that I had ever wanted. In four short years of being an academic at a world-renowned university, with lecturer score ratings significantly above average, research being recognised and published internationally and locally, setting SAICA’s professional exams, and authoring a textbook for a…

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AdviceArticles

Advice: The art of thinking

Leaders are the artist responsible for creating the portrait of their organisation of tomorrow; setting the tone and guiding the creative strokes of growth strategies that are painted on their business canvass. Much like in the arts, the right tools are key to unlocking the creative masterpiece. Read the full article here.

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Advice: Leadership in difficult times

There are conflicting views on leadership and management – one being that they are not mutually exclusive and that leadership can only be demonstrated in contexts where people are being managed. My view is that entrepreneurs can be the first demonstrators of leadership. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Better board-committee communication will mitigate risk

By George Williams, Director of Risk Advisory Services at BDO Audit committees are an organisation’s primary resource for oversight of the financial reporting process, the audit process, the company’s system of internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations. However, recent corporate failures, and some of the revelations emerging from the Zondo Commission of Inquiry, indicate…

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AdviceArticles

Travel allowances – This is what you need to know

Travel allowance is granted to employees who travel for business purposes and it is granted to finance a portion of an employee’s transport costs. Many payroll professionals, however, struggle to come to grips with the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) travel allowance system, and employees are notoriously lax when it comes to recordkeeping of their…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Thorough background screening checks vs. online searches – a digital predicament we shouldn’t be caught up in

The evolving digital world and resultant online presence of the population is no doubt changing the way people engage and how business is conducted – but also what information can be sourced online, prior to such engagement taking place. While available online information may give previously unknown insights, is it enough to truly know who…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Be ready for SARS’ knock on your door

Authored by: Johnny Kruger, Tax Attorney at Tax Consulting SA SARS vs Salaries The tough economic playground in South Africa has seen struggling business owners scraping their last pennies together to keep their businesses afloat for a number of years now. Out of sheer desperation and due to stretched cash flow problems, some business owners…

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AdviceArticles

Advice: Am I An Asset?

The accountants attending our annual user conference earlier this year paused for thought about how to navigate the rapidly changing workplace as we move into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. And they asked some insightful questions about what it means to be a valuable employee today. Read the full article here.

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Advice: Do We Still Dream?

Life happens. Reality kicks in. Work, building a career, trying to keep the family happy, fighting traffic and trying to find time to exercise invade our lives and kill our dreams. As we grow older, it seems we stop dreaming Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesFocus The Three Laws Of Data

Focus: Mega Trends: The Three Laws Of Data

Data − or rather the ability to use it intelligently − is redefining business, and the financial services sector is no exception. The ultimate winners in the data economy will be those companies that know what data they are collecting and can use this info to differentiate themselves Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticles Retirement Savings Tips

Advice: Retirement Savings Tips

You should consider consulting a trusted financial planner to help you optimise your finances and reach your financial goals, even if you’re a late starter. The question of how much exactly you will need depends on the lifestyle you hope to have in your retirement, as well as your gender. Read the full article here.

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Advice: (CA)reer Architecture

The complexity and technological changes in business today have necessitated a fundamentally different view of how careers develop and evolve. The days of climbing the ‘corporate ladder’ are done, and our ability to renew and flex our skills will differentiate us. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesRecommend IFRS 17

Recommend: IFRS 17: Before Accepting Your Sustainability Assurance Engagement

Are you aware that the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) has developed and issued South African Assurance Engagements Practice Statement (SAAEPS) 1, Sustainability Assurance Engagements: Rational Purpose, Appropriateness of Underlying Subject Matter and Suitability of Criteria? The IRBA seeks to elicit feedback on implementing SAAEPS 1 by 15 December 2019. Read the full article…

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AdviceArticlesCA Profiles Mia Makhanya

Inform: SDG Profile

At just 30 years of age, Mia Makhanya is the youngest person to ever hold a spot on the BANKSETA board and her passion for the UN’s fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of quality education shines through all she does. Here is how the BANKSETA, in particular, is working to unravel those drastic unemployment figures…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Helping Taxpayers Navigate the Carbon Tax Laws

By Gillian Niven & Nirvasha Singh Partners at Webber Wentzel The Carbon Tax Act 15 of 2019 (Carbon Tax Act), the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 (Customs Act) and the Customs and Excise Amendment Act 13 of 2019 (Customs Amendment Act) pose numerous uncertainties on the road to implementation of carbon tax.  We have mapped out below a pathway…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Inflation declines slightly in April

But transport costs climb as fuel prices jump Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported on May 22 that consumer price inflation declined from 4.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) in March to 4.4% y-o-y in April. A slowdown last month in inflation in the categories of alcoholic beverages & tobacco and recreation & culture countered an acceleration in price…

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Governance reforms could boost Africa’s economic output by$23bn – PwC Global Economy Watch

Continent-wide analysis of African economies demonstrates positive correlation between economic growth and rising quality of governance indicators African economies could increase their output by $23bn if each economy applied governance reforms equivalent to those made by Cote d’Ivoire since 2013.The countries with the largest potential gains are those with a comparatively high GDP per head…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

The State of the Insurance Market – Is your business ready to take on the risks it could face?

Businesses operate in a time of unprecedented volatility across economics, demographics and geopolitics.  More than ever you need to explore new ways to cope with evolving and inter-related complexities in a challenging business environment. Aon South Africa, a leading insurance brokerage and risk advisor, has surveyed the risk and insurance landscape and reveal their take…

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Sage research reveals that 90% of accountants worldwide believe there has been a cultural shift in the accountancy profession

Accounting firms prepare for the future through updated hiring practices, expanded services and automation Johannesburg, South Africa  — May 2nd, 2019 — Sage, the market leader in cloud business management solutions, has released its annual Practice of Now research report, revealing a shifting cultural landscape in the accounting sector driven by evolving client demands and…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

JSE proposes changes to Listings Requirements to strengthen regulation of primary listings

by Elodie Maume, Senior Professional Support Lawyer & Colin du Toit, Partner at Webber Wentzel ​​On 12 April 2019, the JSE published for comment proposed amendments to its Listings Requirements to strengthen the regulation of primary listings and secondary listings. The proposed changes take account of the public comments raised during the consultation process that kicked…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

B-BBEE is not compulsory, unless…

B-BBEE compliance for companies is not a legislative requirement.  Companies are not required to disclose their B-BBEE status or verify their status.  It is seen as business requirement. However, the B-BBEE Act requires that all JSE listed entities must submit a compliance report on the status of their B-BBEE, on an annual basis, within the…

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Finance and Business2030 was launched on 2 April, a key sustainability programme bringing leaders in the city together to help implement the UN Sustainable Development goals

Tuesday night (2 April) saw the launch of Finance & Business2030, a key sustainability programme bringing leaders in the city together to help implement the UN Sustainable Development goals. Finance professionals from various sectors came together to develop a plan of action for the community focused on how best to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Avoid these investment pitfalls

24 April 2019: As even the most experienced investors will attest, the world of investing is riddled with hidden pitfalls that can easily trap the unwary and prevent you from achieving your investment goals. Here are five common investment mistakes, as well as some tips for avoiding them on your own investment journey: 1. Ignoring…

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AdviceArticlesMotoring

Motoring: Mazda 2.0 CX-3

In a world moving towards crossovers, there are a plethora of models available in the market as many manufacturers aim to claim their piece of the pie. This is also true in the compact SUV market, which is growing in leaps and bounds. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesTravel

Travel: Adventure sailing in South Africa

Tales of courage, swashbuckling adventures and gigantic wooden ships fill most of our minds when thinking about sailing.  The Cape of Good Hope − one of the three Great Capes including Cape Leeuwin in Australia and Cape Horn in Chile − is steeped in rich and diverse sailing history. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticlesCPD

CPD: The new rational purpose requirement

The purpose of this article is to inform sustainability assurance practitioners (SAPs) of the impact that the new rational purpose requirement could have on assurance practices in South Africa. It also explains the process that SAICA will follow to assist SAPs to prepare them for this impact. Read the full CPD article here.

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AdviceArticles

Advice: Tax implications: Debt Relief

When debt is reduced − that is, written off − it holds tax implications for both the debtor and the creditor. Amendments to the tax implications have been introduced in the hands of the debtor. This viewpoint covers the amendments. Read the full article here.

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AdviceArticles

Advice: Your R150 can change South Africa

American theologian Tim Keller comments that when people say ‘We love our city’, what they actually love is their experience of a city. To truly love a city means working at making it a good place for everyone to live in. Can R150 transform a city? Read the full article here.

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Advice: Blockchain-based Auditing and Accounting

Blockchain technology is fundamentally an accounting technology. It has the potential to bring foundational change to audit and accounting practices. Audit work is often plagued by the duplication of efforts and requires extensive manual processes and reconciliations. All this is about to change with blockchain technology. Read the full article here.

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Advice: The Reality of a working Mum

In corporate, the race to the top is the same whether you have children or not. When I became a mum, I was fortunate to have a great support structure around me with an incredible husband, in-laws and parents who helped care for my family. Read full article here.

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AdviceArticlesFocusInfluence

Educationalists: Shaping young minds

South Africa may indeed struggle with one of the poorest education systems in the world, but there are educators out there who are doing all they can to make to motivate youngers to defy of failure and embrace mind-sets of integrity, innovation and success. These six dymanic educators answer the question they are often asked:…

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AdviceArticles

Broadening the accounting skills spectrum

What does the future of accounting look like? By Avika Ramdhani, Director: Accountants, Partners and Alliances at Sage The latest episode of the #NextGenAccounting podcast series explored this very question. Chatting to accounting lecturers and students from the University of Pretoria, it was agreed that accounting is no longer just a numbers game. It’s about…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Blue Skies and Sunshine

Blue skies & sunshine – Mauritius maintains appeal for investment managers focused on Africa By Michael Denenga and Nicole Paige, Partners at Webber Wentzel Not just the ultimate holiday stop, Mauritius is also a preferred jurisdiction for fund managers looking to establish African-focused funds.  A scenic island off the coast of Africa, Mauritius’ main competitive…

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Succession planning is critical to sustainability

Recent events in both the public and private sectors are again highlighting the key role that proper succession planning plays in supporting any organisation’s sustainability, particularly when it comes to CEOs and governing-body chairs. Poor succession planning inevitably creates a leadership vacuum at both governing body and executive management level resulting in a loss of…

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Can South Africa learn lessons from the mega mistakes of Eskom’s mega projects?

Kusile and Medupi power stations continue to come under fire as poorly managed and ill-designed, remaining years behind completion dates amidst drastically rising costs that now stand at R300-billion, by conservative estimates. Despite being the most expensive projects in the world, these stations are reportedly failing in reliability, achieving a 40% rate at best. In…

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New technologies ease SA into a low-carbon future

By Alessandra Pardini, a Partner at Webber Wentzel Power shortages and a transition to a lower-carbon future, in line with SA’s Paris Agreement commitments, will require the country to harness new technologies. Energy storage, which will be a critical element of a modern power system, offers potential for local industrialisation and job creation. South Africans,…

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AdviceArticlesLatest News

Act swiftly or staff will pocket the money

IT hardware has an estimated residual value of around 10%, this means South Africa’s largest companies could be receiving up to R4-million at the end of a 3-year depreciation cycle. If CIOs don’t act swiftly to recover residual value from their redundant IT equipment, staff will pocket the money. This is according to Xperien CEO…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's Choice

How maternity leave and parental leave structuring impacts your salary

Authored by: Muhammed Goolab, Executive Committee Member of the South African Rewards Association  Despite years of progress and an increased awareness surrounding gender equity in the workplace and society in general, women bare a disproportionate responsibility when it comes to childcare. This, combined with social expectations and gender stereotypes, are seen to place women at…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's ChoiceSponsored Content

*Sponsored Content* From bean counting to boardroom strategy – 3 benefits of moving to an ERP system

Is your data delivering information or is it just data? By Lyall O’Carroll, of Seidor Bluekey Each year, the SME Survey is released by SME Survey (Pty) Ltd. In 2018, the survey focused on accounting functions and the future role of accountants. Conducted among 1,400 SME decision makers, data showed that despite SMEs being traditionally…

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AdviceArticlesIn The NewsLatest News

Internet tools and platforms are making it easier for female entrepreneurs to get businesses off the ground

By Selina Bieber, Regional Director for Turkey and MENA at GoDaddy EMEA Entrepreneurship and female empowerment are two powerful potential catalysts for economic growth in South Africa. Bring them together in the form of higher rates of female entrepreneurship, and you have the potential to contribute to a significant increase in GDP and jobs over…

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AdviceArticlesMotoring

Motoring: BMW 3 Series Sedan

This latest edition of the car sees BMW building in particular on the sporting tradition of the 3 Series, whose exploits in race competition have earned it so much extra dynamic credibility. The seventh generation of the sports sedan moves the game on once again in its segment in terms of driving dynamics, premium quality…

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AdviceArticlesCPDEditor's Choice

CPD: New long association rules for auditors long overdue?

The 2018 edition of the International Ethics Standards Board for Professional Accountants (IESBA) Code (renamed the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards)) was completely rewritten under a new structure and drafting convention which makes it easier to navigate, use and enforce. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has…

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AdviceArticles

Advice: Proactive Planning

All too often, owners of small- to medium-sized businesses have not planned for a smooth and successful exit or ownership succession in the future. Would you rather proactively plan ahead for such an exit or would you leave it to chance?

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AdviceArticlesEditor's ChoiceFeatures

Anxiety in Millennials

Is change good for everyone? Anxiety can range from mild − a surge of adrenaline before making an important speech − to severe, leaving its captives bedridden for days at a time, unable to cope with normal life. Anxiety is not a new phenomenon, neither is ignoring the cause. Which is what has led to…

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AdviceArticlesEditor's ChoiceEthics

SAICA’s Statement on the Steinhoff matter

SAICA notes the Overview Forensic Investigation report into Steinhoff that was released by the Steinhoff International Holdings NV Boards on 15 March 2019. Furthermore, following a discussion between a number of parliamentary committees on Tuesday, 19 March 2019, the names of eight implicated individuals have been published, two of whom are SAICA members and therefore…

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