Section 12H of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 (the Act) provides a tax allowance to employers for ‘registered learnership agreements’. These agreements must − Be registered in terms of the Skills Development Act 1998, and Be entered into between an employer and a learner before 1 April 2027 This incentive is designed to…
Have you wondered how some folk are able to keep raising the bar in their personal and professional lives each year whilst making it look effortless? It is difficult enough to find time to breathe outside of the ever-busy accounting profession, so what is their secret? I am sure you have all seen many featured…
The recent Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike saga led to South Africa’s third budget attempt on 21 May 2025. After the February postponement and March tabling sparked court challenges and public backlash, the VAT hike was reversed. CAs have a vital role in promoting fair tax policies and fiscal responsibility. South Africa’s VAT saga reflects the…
We are all too familiar with the challenges facing South Africa. The widespread poverty. The unsustainable unemployment rate. The deepening skills crisis. And if education is one of the keys to solving these problems − and I firmly believe it is − then we must ask ourselves: ‘What are we doing to increase the number…
It is general practice that individuals who consider liquidity in estate planning take out insurance policies on their lives. The proceeds of the policies can, however, be subject to estate duty (even if it is actually received by beneficiaries). Estate duty is payable on property and deemed property. Any proceeds from a domestic insurance policy…
Many people associate climate change with increasing costs and diminishing profits, but what if we shift our perspective? Climate change and the transition to a green economy present vast opportunities for innovation and growth. This is where climate entrepreneurship comes into play, offering significant potential for both socio-environmental impact and financial profit. Recently, I had…
You have just secured an interview with a prominent TV or radio station. The opportunity to market yourself, your company brand, product or service could catapult you and your business to the next stage of growth. So now what? How do you prepare to prevent a PR nightmare? Preparing for the interview Whilst your brand,…
It was the question ‘What is your plan for your personal growth?’ that made world-renowned leadership expert John C Maxwell ponder about his career aspirations and that ignited his journey to becoming one of the most respected authors about leadership and personal growth. My sister and I have a big vision for where we want…
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…
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…
A successful communicator is one who is able to express themselves in an assertive and self-assured manner. In order to influence an audience with your message you need to create an environment of trust and sincerity. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and you need to know your boundaries. A fine…
STOs have emerged as a prominent tool in the financial landscape, particularly in the field of blockchain-based projects. It is a method of fundraising that involves the issuance and sale of security tokens, which represent ownership or investment interests in a tangible asset or a company. It is the same as equities in traditional financial…
Imagine a political party without a manifesto rising to become South Africa’s third-largest in just a few months, securing over one million votes. The meteoric rise of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) is a recent example, following in the footsteps of predecessors like the Congress of the People (COPE) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Despite women…
Drinking and driving are acceptable – well, it, and smoking on planes, once was. Yet, as society evolves, so, too, does what society deems acceptable. But what happens when society goes too far? Can society go too far, or are the masses always ‘right’? What does ‘right’ even mean? Wayne van Zijl CA(SA) Associate Professor…
There are three systems that work together to create your voice. In order to improve the overall sound of your voice, you first need to know how these three systems come together. Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer System #1: Respiratory system − Breath is the ‘fuel’ or power behind your voice production. When you…
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…
The Income Tax Act has tax consequences for both the debtor and the creditor when a debt is waived as a result of a concession or compromise. Even though symmetry is achieved when calculating the tax implications, for the debtor it causes inconvenience and economic hardship. Muneer Hassan CA(SA) Tax Consultant, Senior Lecturer in Taxation…
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…
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…
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…
Early in one’s career it’s useful, and perhaps necessary, to say yes more than no to additional work requests. It helps us gain valuable experience and build our reputation within the workplace. But understanding when to say no and why is crucial. There are different stages to our careers and each requires different approaches. Understanding…
Picture yourself at a family gathering. You are about to tuck into your delicious meal when suddenly an uncle approaches and asks you for tax advice because he heard that you are a CA(SA). I’m sure we have all experienced that at some point. As flattering as that is, what does it signify? To me,…
As Africa commemorates Africa Day on 25 May, gender equity rankings on the continent prompt reflections on the strides made and the challenges that persist in fostering gender equality and equity across the continent. The value of African perspectives in addressing African challenges The lack of emphasis on gender equity in the manifestos of South…
A crisis could be a real or impending danger that has the potential to be life-threatening to human beings or an organisation. A crisis could range from adverse weather conditions to public disturbance, riots, disease outbreaks, hacking of critical data of an entity, or an event that has the potential to erode corporate brand identity.…
Flex your accounting muscle to add value and boost the growth and success of your entrepreneur clients. Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU Gro Entrepreneurs and small businesses are so important – creating jobs and contributing to the GDP. As accountants, we should consider how we can provide our entrepreneur clients with a truly valuable service…
Having to start building a network when I left the corporate world was initially quite daunting for me, but over the years I developed my networking skills. Here are a few tips that helped me to build a big and powerful network. Ronel Jooste CA(SA) Director at FinanciallyFiTLife and author, speaker and radio talk show…
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…
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…
Embarking on your journey as a first-time manager? Excitement and uncertainty often go hand in hand. In this article, as a leader of an organisation that coaches thousands of young professionals to peak performance, I am offering insights to help you navigate this pivotal role with confidence. Zanele Maduna CA(SA) Founder and CEO of No-Valo…
Recent amendments have been introduced to section 8(8) which covers the scope and implications of indemnity payments. The amendments are a result of the previous amendment to section 72 of the Value-Added Tax Act. The amendment to section 72 had an impact on Binding General Ruling 42 which deals with the VAT treatment of specific…
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…
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…
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…
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…
‘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…
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…
My PhD journey felt like a full circle of life! In 2000, I began a two-year contract with SARS in the VAT department. During my tenure at SAICA, I also had the privilege of project managing the SAICA VAT Sub-committee, which reports to the National Tax Committee. Muneer Hassan CA(SA) Tax Consultant, Senior Lecturer in…
Have you ever heard a CEO or founder claim that everyone in the company is like family? You may even be working for a CEO who has exclaimed this while discussing their company culture. GRANT GREEFF CA(SA) Director at SearchKings™ Africa I cringe whenever I hear the ‘we’re family’ statement, because it’s sentimental more than…
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…
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…
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:…
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the profound transformation of the finance landscape, and the days of being mere bean counters are long gone. Today, as finance professionals, we hold pivotal roles as advisors across the business spectrum. As we navigate this ongoing evolution, one skill stands out as paramount: storytelling. Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU…
Leon sat deflated and demotivated in yet another waiting area to be interviewed for another job he knew he wouldn’t get. ‘What am I doing wrong’ runs through Leon’s mind. This is the tenth job Leon won’t get. . Wayne van Zijl CA(SA) Associate Professor at School of Accountancy WITS Red, Leon’s interviewer, took one…
Recently, I found myself pausing, finger hovering over LinkedIn’s ‘Post’ button. Posting to social media was a task I used to enjoy but now felt like a hurdle. Can you relate? Have you recently hesitated or second-guessed over something that used to come quickly? Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Passionate about women empowerment and human potential This seemingly…
Brainstorming is a simple and effective tool in problem-solving. It brings together diverse thinking on a chosen topic with the sole purpose of generating a list of possibilities. No idea is rejected and speed of generating ideas is welcomed without the need to consider its merit or practicality. You can learn the skill to facilitate…
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…
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…
Despite making up nearly half of the total employed population, women only fill 28% of managerial roles worldwide, according to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report suggests it will take 136 years to achieve gender parity in economic participation at our current rate. A gender audit can offer invaluable insights and…
Welcome, dear reader! Today we are going to focus on what to do the day before the exam and on the day of the exam so that you can achieve the results that reflect your countless hours of studying. The day before the exam This is your rest day. Sleep in. Take the day off.…
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…
Back in the day, when the scientific calculator just launched in South Africa, there was a very set path to becoming a CA(SA): to work at an auditing company. And more likely than not, at one of the Big 4 auditing firms. But our world and profession have evolved over the past two decades. Even…
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…
This Women’s Day, we are inspired by two successful female leaders, Indra Nooyi and Michelle Obama, and the challenges that they faced, which are universal and remain relevant for many women today. Indra Nooyi Indra is an Indian American executive who was the chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Hers is a story of firsts; she…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
Investing in the stock market can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the game. I vividly remember my first investment experience back in 2007 when I was just 17 years old. I invested roughly R3 000 to purchase two Naspers shares, each priced at approximately R1 500. The hard-earned…
The Finance Minister delivered his annual budget speech on 22 February 2023, and did not raise taxes. This was expected, given the state of the economy. The budget instead announced R13 billion in tax relief. Through an expansion of the Income Tax Act’s section 12B renewable energy tax incentive, businesses receive R5 billion and individuals…
Doctors ‘play god’ every day as they hold patients’ lives in the palm of their hands. A cut one centimetre too deep or too wide can be the difference between a mother, father, son or daughter going home to their family or not. Accountants can’t compare, or can they? Accountants play a vital role in…
‘If you always do what has always been done, you will always get what you got!’ Change is the only constant. Change instills growth. Leaders implement change. However, being able to communicate the change in a way that is openly embraced requires tact and skill: enter the change talk. Step 1: Convincing context Start off…
South Africa is in dire need of a culture of accountability and a governance mindset. The challenge is how to instill this and then maintain it. When we set out to develop ALICE™, we only wanted to make our own lives easier, increase coverage and de-risk our organisation appropriately. But when implementing ALICE™, there were…
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…
The last article focused on the power of resilience and never giving up on your dreams, especially when you embark on the path to becoming a CA(SA). This article will share practical tips that can make your academic journey less difficult. I have spent 13 years as a tutor. I have had the privilege of…
When we are designing the business of the future, we should value people over process and bring the extraordinary people together to create the dream team. With a people-first approach, companies can be more flexible, innovative and successful in their endeavours. Talent density is defined as the collective amount of talent held by a company’s…
Pursuing a perfect work/life balance frequently leads working moms down a path filled with overwhelming demands and lingering guilt. The problem is not chasing balance but rather the fundamental notion that balance is some form of equality between two sides of a scale. Women have always had a more challenging time in the workplace than…
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…
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,…
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…
South Africa’s estimated 2,6 million micro-, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are confronted with various challenges that impede their ability to thrive and create much-needed employment in order to reduce the 42,6% unemployment rate. Right now, access to reliable energy and funding are the most pressing matters. The South African MSME sector contributes more than…
We live in an era in which the perception of a person owning a business or being an entrepreneur is akin to being a superhero. Over the past five years (and accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic), I’ve observed entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and traditional media fuel one persona depicting what it is to be an entrepreneur:…
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…
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…
Digital transformation is an unescapable journey. Have you given enough consideration to the elements outside of technology before embarking on this journey? Frans Geldenhuys CA(SA) FCISA is one of the founding members of ALICE™ − an automated audit testing platform T Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to create new − or…
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…
Fixing the vicious cycle of not having enough time requires leaders to start with a blank slate and radically redesign the way they work, instead of making small incremental changes. Focus and discipline to master this 80% of the time will lead to an exponential shift in creating time and mind space for innovation. Lize…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Do you sometimes read the comments on social media and are shocked by how nasty people can be? Have you been a victim of being judged by somebody based on perceptions and opinions that were not true? The comments people will make on social media often shock me, especially when 99% of the comments are…
Eight seconds is eight seconds. But why does sometimes eight seconds seem to drag out – like when you are waiting for test results – and other times eight seconds seem to go by so quickly? The reason is called the ‘oddball effect’. This is a term that describes what happens to the brain when…
The new deemed donation applies to the transfer (ie disposal) of the right to receive an asset in exchange for services rendered or to be performed (section 57B). Section 57B is implemented as an anti-avoidance measure commencing on 1 March 2022. A deemed donation must be considered in addition to actual donations. There are now…
‘Quiet quitting’ is a term referred to when an employee only commits to delivering the bare minimum at work and not going above and beyond. Most employees tend to be disengaged during this period and use it to look for their next employment. Whether quiet quitting is good or bad will depend on one’s perspective…
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…
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…
I’ve been wondering what changes in the way we work mean for national tax regimes. From chasing an endless summer as we work from anywhere, to staying local but working global, do we need to rethink taxation? Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group It has long been the case that armed with a laptop…
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…
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…
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 -…
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…
Voice projection is not as simple as speaking loudly. Business Owner and Public Speaking Trainer You currently have a natural way of speaking that brings in all of these six elements and as a result, you can be classified as one of four voice personalities. #1: The slow and deliberate speaker Speaks very slowly and…
The latest VAT Act amendment concerns the temporary letting of fixed property by developers (Taxation Laws Amendment Act 2021). The change comes into effect on 1 April 2022. New sections 9(13), 10(29), 16(3)(o), and 18D cover this amendment. Muneer Hassan CA(SA) Tax Consultant, Senior Lecturer in Taxation at UJ and Lecturer on the Gauteng Board…
It is worth questioning whether work-readiness training in its current form is sufficient to enable efficiencies within the organisation over the long term. Therefore, for work-readiness to be effective, we need to consider the graduate’s previous experience and whether the current workplace can be an enriched environment. Zanele Maduna CA(SA) Founder and CEO of No-Valo…
What do you do when your car starts driving a little sluggishly, your fuel consumption skyrockets, or your air con is not bringing the chill like it did a year ago? Do you dump your car at the nearest scrapyard and buy a new one? Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group Definitely not! You…
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…
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…
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…
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)…
The workplace has changed dramatically. Employees are shifting how they work when they work and where they work. And this is OK! TRAMAYNE MONAGHAN CA(SA) tramayne.co.za & author of Shepherd and the Beast innovative with culture, people and performance (my true loves). These dinosaurs have not all done it well, but the movement is movement.…
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…
Wealth AdvisorAre speed and agility beating just painfully sticking to the track? Over the last decade, passives enjoyed USD3,8 trillion inflows whilst USD185 billion left active funds. Half of US funds are expected to be passive by 2025. Mike Lledo CA(SA)IndependentFinancial Services Consultant What does the scoreboard say? The 2021 SPIVA Scorecard (S&P DJI) has…
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…
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…
‘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…
Your training experience is one of the biggest adventures and career assets which will cross your journey, so make the most of every moment! Your training contract will be a period in your life where you will learn more than you would have ever thought is possible: it’s a journey that will change you in…
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…
As the world changed through the pandemic, so did our preferences for the meaning that we make in our identity of work. The ‘great resignation’ has more to do with finding personal purpose than with work that does not serve us. People are in personal transitions, and we take a closer look at how to…
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…
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,…
Do you ever feel like your inner critic is holding you back from achieving your goals? This can be a huge obstacle in the way of personal growth and success. But what if you could turn your inner critic into your inner coach – a champion for your success? Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Executive and Leadership…
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…
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 Zunaid Bulbulia CA(SA), who brought a wealth of C-Suite experience to the conversation To truly appreciate the experience that Zunaid brings to the strategy conversation, a brief overview…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
The impact of COVID-19 on the South African economy loomed large in 2021. While the outlook is still somewhat bleak, the country’s small business sector is showing a modicum of optimism, according to Xero’s latest State of Small Business report A likely trigger for this slight, yet encouraging buoyancy is the use of technology. According…
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…
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…
As you welcome your new intake of graduates in 2022, you might realise that the face and expectations of this workforce are changing every year, and it’s not only about the age, but also about their exposure to the pandemic before joining the working class. Zanele Maduna CA(SA) Director at No-Valo Learning Centre According to…
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…
Section 7C of the Income Tax Act is an anti-avoidance provision intended at limiting the tax-free transfer of wealth to trusts via the use of low-interest or interest-free loans, advances, or credit. The section was first introduced in 2016 to target schemes where taxpayers transferred assets to a trust against a loan, advance or credit…
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…
SME development has been on the agenda since the days of the Mandela presidency – and yet, South Africa’s small businesses continue to founder. Their precarious state has been placed under even more pressure by unforeseen events such as the pandemic lockdowns and July riots, and, with our unemployment rate now standing at more than…
As a community of solvers, PwC Africa has strengthened its societal purpose strategy in response to unprecedented change Many organisations need to refocus in response to technological disruption, climate change, fractured geopolitics, and the continuing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, among others. There is now a sense of urgency with regard to successfully responding to…
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)…
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…
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…
My mantra throughout the pandemic has been that flexible, agile and resilient organisations are the ones that will survive and flourish. As we gradually start emerging from the health crisis, it is clear that these traits will be as essential in the future as they have been to date Kevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU…
It’s that time of the year again when we begin to relax and unwind and give ourselves permission to dream about the future. And while releasing memories of the fading year, we pick up our notebooks or open a fresh document on our screens and start to type … Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Passionate about women…
‘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.…
Surviving Survivor Kiran Naidoo CA(SA) first heard of Survivor (like a lot of us) in the early 2000s during its first season. After watching one episode as a nine year old, he has been hooked ever since. What started off as a love for the physical challenges that reminded him of giant obstacle courses eventually…
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…
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.…
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…
Shiluba Mawela CA(SA) Managing Partner: Tshiamo Impact Partners – an impact advisory and impact fund management firm. There are numerous pathways in which members and organisations can drive social impact in the country. These include traditional philanthropic giving, volunteering time along with deploying catalytic capital, or innovative finance tools to effect change. The business of…
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…
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…
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…
Take-outs from the agricultural sector In a series of interviews I explore the approaches of business leaders (all of them chartered accountants) to strategy This month I was in conversation with Corné Kruger CA(SA), Group Chief Financial Officer at Senwes. We were joined by Chris Koch, Manger: Risk and Strategy at Senwes. Our conversation highlighted…
Always looking for an adventure, Greg Maslov CA(SA) decided to explore life in New York after completing his articles. ‘I grew up in Johannesburg and lived there until the age of 27. I wondered how I was going to survive in a city like New York, but I was quite ready for a different experience,’…
Focusing on things that matter 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 Jeneen Galbraith, partner at the SMP (small-medium practices) firm of Galbraith Rushby based in Woodstock, Cape Town The same themes usually come to…
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…
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…
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…
‘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…
In 2018, amendments were made to section 11(j) of the Income Tax Act to provide specific criteria for determining doubtful debt allowances. Further amendments have now been introduced which take effect for years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2021. This means that the new rules will effectively apply for the first time…
The other day I was looking for something in a shop. A packer noticed my confusion and cheerfully offered to help. He took me from aisle to aisle until I found what I was looking for. He did not need to help me but he did, with all his heart. He taught me a few…
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…
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…
‘Never accept the unacceptable … Once we all start to look not only inward but outward at the things that are not acceptable in the world, we will find ourselves (and much more) in the good that we do for each other’ − Richard Branson Usha Maharaj CA(SA) Passionate about women empowerment and human potential…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
As a profession anchored in the principles of acting in the public interest and empowered to make a valuable contribution in shaping communities, economies and society, SAICA encourages members to make a difference by creating employment and other opportunities for the youth and people of this country Entrepreneurship (including social entrepreneurship) is important because it…
While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe economic impact on just about every country in the world, there will inevitably be nations that will have to endure significantly more severe economic fallout in the years to come. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe economic impact on just about every country…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Missing piece of a puzzle But how can it be neutral? In the first of his new Nicholls & Dimes series, social value expert (and optimist) Jeremy Nicholls responds to the recent Reith lectures delivered by former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney – and asks how eminent economists can explore new notions of ‘value’…
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…
With the struggle to overcome poverty high on the South African national agenda, it is particularly relevant for leaders in all sectors of the economy to examine the UN’s SDG 1 and the progress being made locally towards attaining it. The aim of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) is stated briefly and…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A registered VAT vendor on the invoice basis that fails to make payment within 12 months after the expiry of the tax period in which the deduction was made must account for an output tax adjustment to SARS calculated on the unpaid amount. Recent amendments clarify the value of the output tax adjustment CREDITOR: IMPLICATIONS…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Business Innovator and CatalystAs we usher in 2021, I am sure that many of us will be happy to know that 2020 is square in the rear-view mirror. Although we cannot drive forward while fixating on the pile-up of cars 2020 left behind us, we can certainly glance back at the 2020 calamity and recognise…
Innovator and bloggerIt’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. Chief Innovation Officer: Tencent Africa This is a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Speaker, Facilitator, CoachWho would have thought that thriving at work post COVID-19 would be an issue? Businesses have had to evolve and transform in order to survive. And as business rewrites its ‘new normal’ and navigates ‘business unusual’, employees need to consciously do the same. Usha Maharaj CA(SA)Passionate about women empowerment and human potential Thriving…
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…
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…
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…
Being an educator in South Africa is truly inspiring, as we facilitate learning and development for our students in the post-school space and assist them in developing their competence (this includes knowledge, skills and attributes) in the professional accounting arena. The development of these competencies is what builds capacity and improves our economic outlook over…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
When operating in a distress economy such as we find ourselves in these days, it is an inevitable consequence that shareholders will find themselves disposing of companies for less than they paid for them, whether the companies were formed or purchased by those shareholders. But when can losses on shareholders’ loans be claimed as a…
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.…
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…
Auditors will be augmented with technology towards becoming Augmented Auditors 4.0 (Audit 4.0) if the profession wants to remain relevant. As a profession, auditors currently find themselves somewhere between Audit 2.0 and Audit 3.0, with many still relying on outdated tools in a modern business environment. Given the volume of transactions which businesses process daily,…
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,…
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…
Empowers Equips EducatesWhen I think of 2020, I am reminded of the opening line ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’ in Charles Dickens’ book A tale of two cities. 2020 has been the year when what was planned became irrelevant and what was unplanned suddenly became very relevant. Wadzanai…
Public Speaking TrainerThere are a host of options to present using online platforms: MS Teams, Skype, Zoom, Go-To-Meeting, and WhatsApp video calling, to mention a few. Your objective is to become comfortable to present using any of these mediums – think of these as a venue in which to present. Let us look at what…
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…
Blockchain SpecialistCentral banks have an opportunity to keep pace with technological change and enable the evolution toward the future of money. With COVID-19 and the risk that banknotes could be infected, digital payment solutions are increasingly top of mind and what citizens want. A major vulnerability today is that depositors could lose their deposits due…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Business Innovator and CatalystAs leaders, our decisions are powerful. They have ripple-like effects, both positive and negative, that in large we cannot always anticipate. I offer no insight as to how to be a better oracle when making decisions but merely offers anecdotal macro trend information on some of the unexpected consequences of the global…
Financial Consultant & CoachAs South Africans, we are used to facing multiple challenges and conquering those challenges. We are warriors. We are strong. We are survivors. We were hit hard but we will fight this. We will come out stronger than before. Ronel Jooste CA(SA)Director at FinanciallyFiTLifeand author, speaker and radio talk show host Cash…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Business AdvisorResistance to change is human and normal – but when change is needed, it can also be a recipe for disaster. This is especially true when it comes to the software systems that keep our businesses running. Kevin Phillips CA(SA)CEO of IDU Group What do people really want? Terry Pratchett suggests it is ‘only…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Business Innovator and CatalystAdversity is one of the most powerful forces driving progression, innovation and entrepreneurship. Depending on your approach it’s either an insurmountable obstacle or a ramp for your successful trajectory. It will force you to choose to bring out the best or the worst in you. Paul Plummer CA(SA)Founding Member of Blackslope There…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Leadership AdvisorA little boy steals a pencil at school. His teacher phones his father who promises to deal with the matter. ‘Why did you take the pencil?’ he asks. ‘You know that there are hundreds of pencils at daddy’s work. Just ask and I’ll bring you as many as you need’ Brett Tromp CA(SA) CFO…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Presenting and public speaking can be both daunting and exhilarating. In this article, I will share with you a three-step approach to awaken the speaker within you. READ FULL ARTICLE
According to National Treasury, fewer than 3% of South Africans are able to retire comfortably without having to make drastic changes to their lifestyles. Do you want to work hard all your life only to struggle financially when you are retired? READ FULL ARTICLE
Zero-based budgeting can be a powerful tool to engage and empower line managers, increase budget transparency and make sure your spending actually supports your business goals. Doing it purely as a cost-cutting exercise will undermine all the benefits, though READ FULL ARTICLE
64% of US large-cap funds under performed the S&P 500 over 1 year, and 82% over five years! At home, only 34% of equity funds under performed the S&P South Africa DSW over one year but, sadly, 91% under performed over five years (2018 SPIVA Scorecard) READ FULL ARTICLE
In society, conventional wisdom holds that it is difficult to lead or negotiate or make demands from a position of perceived weakness. Leaders tend to adopt more of a stern, sometimes tyrannous attitude as a means to be taken seriously. Therefore, people, especially leaders, are expected to never show vulnerability. It now turns out that…
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…
Just as the Internet and digital records transformed financial markets, there will be a natural integration of blockchains into stock exchanges over the next decade for those that are prepared to embrace the disruptive nature of this technology. READ FULL ARTICLE
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…
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…
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…
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
How often do you sit back and critically look at your finances? Or are you so busy making a living and building a career that you never find time to assess your personal financial wellbeing? READ ARTICLE
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
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
By Selina Bieber, Regional Director for Turkey and MENA at GoDaddy EMEA If you ask any female entrepreneur why she decided to strike out on her own rather than working for a boss, one of the more common reasons you will hear is “I wanted more flexibility and freedom”. Half of South African small business…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Change in any form has a destructive streak. “Within organisations change can often weaken work commitment,” says Helene Vermaak from corporate cultural experts The Human Edge. “The key to avoiding the destructive streak that change can leave on an organisation is for the leadership team to build a burning level of job commitment, as soon…
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…
National Treasury yesterday released the draft bills for public comment, which once approved will serve to effect the legislative amendments announced as part of the 2019 Budget Review. Of interest to the individual taxpayer and especially one whom has surplus funds available for investment is the proposed changes to cap the tax deduction available in…
By Darryn Faulds, Fund Manager at MeTTa Capital Negativity around South Africa Inc. has been building for some time with questions swirling over the performance of the country’s economy, its struggling equities market, corporate scandals as well as heated politics. Amid strained performances for many stocks on the JSE, a growing chorus of commentators have…
The increase in the tax return threshold On the 6th of June this year, the head of SARS, Edward Kieswetter, announced that the threshold for submission of tax returns has been increased from R350 000 to R500 000. This means that if you earned less than R500 000 in the 2019 tax year, you do not have to…
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…
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…
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, during his address at The Directors Event in Sandton, highlighted the issue of board and other leadership appointments in the public sector. “I think we should begin to think about tests that people must be subjected to before they can be elevated to positions of high responsibility,” he said. “It is…
The demanding nature of the CA profession means that time is often a commodity. While the pressurised environment can start from as early as undergraduate level, this does pay off, with CAs earning an average salary of close to R500 000 pa once fully qualified. However, full-earning potential is only realised later in life, which can…
Investec is introducing new leave and dress practices for all South African employees. Staff will have the option to move onto a new leave system which will not seek to limit the number of days they can take per year. The new dress policy will give staff the freedom to choose how to dress based…
Authored by: Marisa Jacobs, Director at Xpatweb President Cyril Ramaphosa shared an optimistic lookout on the future for the Business and Government sectors within South Africa, at his State of Nation Address (SONA) on 20 June 2019. During the address, President Ramaphosa continuously encouraged Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) confirming that they continue to build a…
Despite chartered accountancy being one of those fields that faces a critical skills shortage, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Top 100 scarcest skills in the country notes that there continues to be a shortage of chartered accountants entering the profession. Moreover, 70% of those in the chartered accountancy profession are white. With the…
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…
From managing a large retirement fund to ensuring safer skies in the country, Thomas Kgokolo, interim CEO of Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), is passionate about creating a positive impact in corporate South Africa through good governance and sustainable leadership. Read the full article here. Watch the video interview below:
Horatio is a part of a group chat that comprises members of similar interests. A group decision has been made but Horatio does not agree with it. He realises that it is time to leave the group. He is struggling to press the exit button. What is holding him back? Read the full article here.
South Africa should look to harnessing digital technology to improve transparency and underpin ethical practices in accounting and auditing. Read the full article here.
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued three exposure drafts for quality management at firm and engagement levels in February 2019 with a deadline for comment of 1 July 2019. The suite of quality management exposure drafts includes ED-ISQM 1 discussed here. Read the full article here.
The time is now for CFOs to consider those aspects that will equip their companies to adapt to future challenges. Read the full article here.
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.
The CA profession has an important role in the recovery of the South African economy because it is the catalyst that will produce these diverse leaders. Read the full article here.
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…
Gender equality is not about being politically correct and keeping the peace – it’s proven to be a factor in whether or not societies thrive and has been identified as a business competitive advantage. Your business needs to ensure you’re enjoying the benefits of improved gender parity to give you the best chance at sustainable…
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…
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.
We recently lost a colleague and friend, Dr Beric Croome. When thinking about Beric and the legacy that he leaves behind, we find all the answers to the question, ‘What makes a good leader?’ Read the full article here.
In February 2019, the IAASB released exposure drafts for quality management at firm and engagement levels for public comment. This article provides an overview of the key proposed changes in the new and revised requirements Read the full article here.
Councillors are urged to appoint CFOs who meet the minimum competency levels in order to improve the effective financial management of municipalities, as one of the root causes for poor audit outcomes is key officials lacking appropriate competencies. Read the full article here.
Organising for speed has become a critical component in today’s consumer market. Here are six things companies must get right Read the full article here.
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.
It is no longer sufficient to hire leaders based solely on performance data or the word of top executives. To ensure leaders not only deliver performance results but are also great people requires a more thoughtful view of hiring that considers a range of factors and procedures. Read the full article here.
When is mid-career malaise a signal to change course, as opposed to changing how you think and feel? Midlife is not too late: the mid-career crisis can be a spur to radical, vitalising change. Read the full article here.
Debbie Ransby has more than 20 years’ extensive corporate multinational experience and she has learnt a great deal along the way. Earlier this year she decided to make a career change as MD of Takeda and launch her very own business coaching practice. She felt it was time to help others achieve their dreams and…
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…
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…
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…
Opinion by Lee Stacey, Chief Broking Officer in Aon South Africa’s Commercial Risk Solutions Division The overall risk readiness for the Top 10 risks identified in Aon’s 2019 Global Risk Management survey has dropped from 53% in 2017 to 51% in 2019. Failure to innovate and meet customer needs is one of the top ten…
Andrew Möller, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Citadel One of the oldest debates in investment circles is whether asset allocation or stock selection is the main driver of portfolio performance. As with the active versus passive debate, however, any successful investor will have realised by now that it is foolish to be in either camp,…
As the world continues to evolve to be more centred around digital services, everything – from the way we purchase and consume media, to the way we bank – is affected. But, as the way we buy and sell changes, the implications are deeper than just developing secure payment gateways… In fact, the entire way…
Business investment is dependent on political and policy stability and time is running out The South African economy is in desperate need of a boost and business holds the key. But before businesses will start committing to the significant investment that the domestic economy needs, policy certainty is crucial. This was the overall sentiment from…
The Department of Trade and Industry’s amendments to the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice on Friday, 31 May, were published in the government gazette with very little fanfare considering the significant impact they may have on generic entities in the country. Rajan Naidoo, director of Edupower Skills Academy, takes a closer look at the changes…
SARS released its notice today announcing the up-coming 2019 tax return filing season for individual and trust taxpayers. Various changes have been announced which according to SARS will make it simpler and more convenient for taxpayers to file their tax returns. The 2019 tax season will start on 1 July 2019 where taxpayers use eFiling…
Jolawn Victor, Head of Emerging Markets at Intuit. Growth and change are not only necessary for businesses to thrive, they are crucial for bolstering the growth of the economy and ensuring a stable environment. In fact, they are a national imperative. This was shared by acclaimed business mogul, Vusi Thembekwayo at a series of Fuelling…
By Felix Antonysamy – Business Development Manager, Banking for Africa, Wipro Limited In the South African context, financial services companies have been slow in adoption of cloud services however, the last year or two has seen a significant shift in this mindset, with all South African banks steadily moving their infrastructure to the cloud. It…
By Joon Chong, a Partner and Wesley Grimm, an Associate (assisted by Jayshall Vassen) at Webber Wentzel Some South African tax residents working abroad, often referred to as “expats”, are grumbling about changes to the Income Tax Act, 1962 (the Act) which comes into effect on 1 March 2020. Expats who may have previously benefitted from not…
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…
If you missed the 2019 edition of SAICA’s Finance Leaders Symposium, here is a quick look back to what you missed. Click here to view the Finance Leaders Symposium special feature in the new ASA.
By Hemant Harie, Managing Director at Gabsten Technologies 30 May 2019 Digital transformation is essential if any organisation is to remain relevant today and future proof their foundation. Cloud platforms and services are part and parcel of this, and there is a general understanding that organisations ‘must’ migrate to the cloud. However, despite this, many…
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.
Chris van Zyl is known in rugby circles as the hot captain of the Western Province rugby team, but most South Africans do not know that Chris is also a chartered accountant who successfully runs his own consulting business. And it has not come easy. Chris has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and resilience to realise his…
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.
Robyn Franconi AGA(SA) describes St Helena as a small and quaint island where everyone greets and where both motorists and pedestrians politely wave at every car that passes by. St Helena is mid-way between South America and Africa and is famously known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death Read the full article…
Small and innovative renewable energy projects battle to raise funds through formal channels. One possible solution is to reach out to communities with an interest in those projects to help fund them through crowdfunding initiatives Read the full article here.
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.
In late 2017, Alfa released its first SUV in South Africa. It was a contradiction for an Italian car manufacturer that was known for sporty cars to have a family SUV. Read the full article here.
There’s no doubt you will notice Mphahlela ‘Pat’ Mokgatle in a crowd. He’s the guy that will be dressed in a suit that will definitely catch your eye and you’ll probably think to yourself: ‘wow, that guy has some style!’ but there’s more… Read the full article here.
2018 was a bleak year for South African investors – arguably the worst time since the 2008 financial crisis. And 2019 is still a rollercoaster. Read the full article here.
Ready, set, go … The effective date of IFRS 17 is fast approaching and even though the date of application has been deferred for one year (subject to due process), companies need to ensure that they are ready for implementation. With such a complex standard, early preparation should be a high priority. Read the full…
Though Cape Town has many legendary and swanky hotels, they have been kicked off the top spot by the unique artistic and luxurious The Silo Hotel. Read the full article here.
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.
An ethics strategy and a supporting ethics plan are essential for all organisations and it is more than just trying to reduce unethical behaviour. Read the full article here.
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.
Can you recall a time in your life when you placed yourself in a particular ‘state’ to achieve an objective? Let’s look at the factors that help you to be in a ‘speaking state’. Read the full article here.
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…
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…
Business can be done today in ways that the founders who have gone before us could only dream of. Streamlined dashboards, live access to financial information, direct access to your target market through digital channels. Business management in 2019 is a new ball game. Read the full article here.
Every month the #CAlife team will share new products, developments and things to do or restaurants and destinations to consider on your next vacation or business trip. Read the full article here.
Innovations and disruption are affecting finance and financial services across the board. We spoke to financial leaders from a range of organisations to find out more about what lies ahead in this brave new world. Read the full article here.
While struggling to keep the business afloat, deadlines tend to come and go. There are penalties payable for late submissions and late payments – a cost most small businesses are usually unable to carry. Read the full article here.
Governing bodies, and the role they play, are under the spotlight like never before. How should members of governing bodies ensure that they are covering all the bases? By Parmi Natesan Thanks to the litany of recent governance failures, and the high-profile scandals in the private and public sectors, governance has shot up the public…
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…
Helene Vermaak, Business Director at The Human Edge Research conducted by organisational culture experts The Human Edge suggests that only half of the South African working population sees their work environment as psychologically safe, with only 24% of those people surveyed willing to recommend their current employer as a place to work to a friend.…
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…
PwC is proud to announce the appointment of Shirley Machaba as its new CEO for Southern Africa, effective from 1 July 2019. Machaba is the first black African woman to be appointed in this role within PwC in Southern Africa, marking a significant milestone for the firm. Machaba takes over the reins from Dion Shango,…
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…
The latest unemployment rate percentage in South-Africa, was announced on 14 May 2019. The unemployment rate rose to 27.6 percent in the first quarter of 2019 from 27.1 percent in the previous period. It is the highest jobless rate since Quarter 3 2017. “Reward and HR professionals, as well as SARA, know they have a…
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…
– Leading global bitcoin marketplace Paxful hopes to drive entrepreneurship in the bitcoin economy. – Paxful has +2 million users globally; South Africa is one of the top markets for Paxful internationally. Statistics South Africa on Tuesday announced that the unemployment rate has seen its highest increase since 2017. Alarmingly, the youth unemployment rate remains at…
How will the future workplace function? Will the rise of digital dictate our working life as well as our social life? Chief Executive of global design and innovation studio Brilliant Basics, Anand Verma gives his thoughts on the future of work and how managers and organisations will have to start adapting to their employees with…
Section 12R of the Income Tax Act 52 of 1962, as a consequence of an initiative by the Department of Trade and Industry, was introduced in 2014 to enhance trade through the Special Economic Zone Act 16 of 2014 and attract direct foreign investment. The benefits Companies qualifying under section 12R are not taxed at…
Mining has always been an intensive industry, from the perspective of resources, time, labour and people safety. The ability to analyse and derive intelligence from vast amounts of data generated across the various aspects of any mine is a revolution in this sector. With the incorporation of the Internet of Things (IoT) as well as…
While most organisations recognise the need for a compliance function, the complex nature of this essential structure renders many unsure of how to establish a comprehensive, dynamic and specific programme that addresses the basics and ensures the organisation remains compliant in all spheres. Designing a programme or framework that identifies risks helps an organisation to…
On the African continent, there is appetite for major infrastructure developments that are only hampered by challenges of capacity, whereas the picture is almost inverse in South Africa at present. “We are sitting on a GDP growth rate of 1.5% at present that affects infrastructure investment, which is further exacerbated by an investment freeze as…
When it comes to breaches, there are many areas that attackers focus on to try and gain entry to a company’s data. One that is often overlooked by the security team is privileged accounts. “While many companies manage their privileged accounts and credentials in the same way they do the rest of their entry points,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) has issued a proposed guideline on The Application of Materiality to Financial Statements (ED 168). This article outlines the board’s key proposals in ED 168.
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.
How will the CA profession meet the challenges of the 21st century? Michael Izza, Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), shared his thinking at SAICA’s recent Courageous Conversations. Read the full article here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:…
The chartered accounting profession faces an almost Darwinian scenario where its survival may depend on its ability to adapt to the changing environment in which it finds itself. Read the full article here.
Reduce negative emotions. The ability to effectively manage our own negative emotions is key to ensuring they don’t overwhelm us and affect our judgement. To change the way we feel about a situation, we must first change the way we think about it. If a colleague does not return a call, you might think they…
Ever noticed that the most accomplished people seem to add more accomplishments to their already glowing CVs, while the rest of us battle to shine at our 9−5? Bojane Segooa is one of that shiny set. She shares her knowledge and experience as a regular edu-tech conference speaker and was an honouree at last year’s…
How best can you take advantage of future opportunities offered by an increasingly digital world? Move quickly, get with the change, and stay agile. The revolution cannot be ignored. Read the full article here.
The skills required to deliver an effective auditing service are undergoing fundamental change and practitioners need to be aware of these if they wish to ensure continued relevance for themselves and to be of value to the industry. In the past, an auditor needed to have a good general knowledge of accounting (IFRS standards) tax…
We tend to think that higher pay will always equate to higher levels of employee engagement. And yet research shows that’s not the case. What is employee engagement? According to Forbes’ Kevin Kruse, employee engagement is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organisation and its goals. Read the full article here.
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…
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…
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…
Businesses and third parties share complex relations. While each will prioritise their own bottom line, they need each other in order to operate. But deciding to go into business with a company requires many background checks to ensure you are making a wise decision that will not put your company’s reputation at risk. It is…
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…
An ETF aims to passively mimic the performance of an overall index, such as the JSE, by tracking the movements of the underlying basket of shares or assets that make up that index. These instruments differ from actively managed investment products like unit trusts in that they tend to have very low costs as they…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
After qualifying the long way as some would say, Damian Judge pursued the gruelling ‘part-time studying, full-time working’ route to become a CA(SA). He worked his way to financial director for two companies, Advanced Polymers in Johannesburg and Kaytech in Durban. When moving into commerce, Damian admits Advanced Polymers took a chance on a young…
In any team or organisation, some individuals are consistently more likely to come up with ideas that are both novel and useful. These ideas are the seeds of innovation: the intellectual foundation for any new products and services that enable some organisations to gain a competitive advantage over others. However, organisations are often unable to…
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…
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…
We all know South Africa needs more entrepreneurs to ignite our economy and job creation, but access to finance is a major stumbling block to business success. Louw Barnardt, Dana Pretorius and Jacques Le Grange, founders of Outsourced CFO (OCFO), at just 30 years old have helped entrepreneurs raise over half a billion rand. And…
The results of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) – the final hurdle in the seven-year (minimum) chartered accountancy qualification journey – recently released yielded critical insight into the quality of newly qualified CAs(SA) being produced for business. While the results reflect a decline in the pass rate, which stands at 68% for the 2018…
SAICA adopted a new Code of Professional Conduct which will become effective 15 June 2019. The code focuses on the fundamental principles and assists accountants on dealing with threats to compliance.
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…
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?
A strong finance function is integral to the long-term sustainability of a company. After all, financial information is a key consideration when external stakeholders make a decision about a company. But what happens in SMEs which by their very size and nature cannot afford to have a sufficiently staffed finance function that adds value to…
It is officially a quarter past 2019, and most (if not all) of our New Year’s resolutions have been forwarded as unread mail for 2020. What is it that keeps us from achieving the goals we set out to achieve?
As entrepreneurs we are much better off Breaking Bad (inactivity habits) than watching The Days of Our Lives pass by … Business ideas are like sand through the hour glass of our mind, and all be the movement of these little opportunity grains mesmerising. Unless you do something, you are really just watching time pass…
South Africa has a high rate of start-up failures, and the negative connotation associated with failure often means the end of the road. To overcome some of the planning mistakes I’ve seen, these are some common areas entrepreneurs fail to consider in planning their business strategy.
With South Africa’s unemployment rate at more than 27%, we need to stimulate entrepreneurship as a sorely-needed creator of wealth and economic opportunities. Hear from the below entrepreneurs by reading the full article.
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…
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…
Are you a CA(SA) or do you know any fellow CAs(SA) that is an extraordinary young businessman and woman? Then it’s time to enter or nominate yourself or someone else for this year’s Top-35-Under-35 Competition. This initiative recognises and rewards young CAs(SA) who are trailblazers and leaders in their own right. The Top 35-Under-35 awards…
You’re invited to speak at an event. Your travel and accommodation will be paid for and you get to tour a new city! It doesn’t matter if this city is in your own country or abroad, every audience is different and you are still perceived as the ‘foreigner’. So, here is what you do…
Maybe you just need to take that leap of faith and step out of your comfort zone to start living your passion and desired lifestyle. Accountants are often perceived to be resistant towards change. Trust me, I was too … A comfort zone is known as a place or situation where you feel safe and…
There have been several recent incidents where big corporates were taken on by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or consumers. It is time that large corporates start acting in the best interests of SMEs . Woolworths has recently admitted that its baby carrier is ‘strikingly similar’ to Shannon McLaughlin’s Ubuntu Baba carrier and has stopped…
At the start of every new year, people are highly energised, focused and readily reaffirm their psychological contracts with the people and organisations around them. By some magical stroke of the clock, the mind is able to reset and start again in a symbolic slate cleaning process. Organisation Development Advisor Paolo Giuricich CA(SA)Founder and owner…
Ponzi scheme! South Sea Bubble! Tulip mania! The dotcom bubble! These are some of the dramatic comparisons being made with the rise of cryptocurrencies and the blockchain. But Kevin Phillips has a different view. Business AdvisorKevin Phillips CA(SA) CEO of IDU Group
Alcohol, tobacco, pollution, gun control and discrimination are but a few of some very emotive issues and at the forefront of current debates. Increasingly, they take prominence in who we vote for, who we do business with and where we invest. But should you trade off ethics and investing? Wealth AdvisorMike Lledo CA(SA) Independent Financial…
XBRL stands for eXtensible Business Reporting Language, which essentially is a global web-based computer language designed for business reporting. It is being adopted by regulatory bodies around the world and South Africa is following suit, starting with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission of South Africa (CIPC).
Technology has advanced rapidly over the last few decades, particularly with regard to artificial intelligence (AI). This advancement has professionals across disciplines fearing the unknown and more specifically, questioning their role after the implementation of these new technologies. The chartered accountancy profession is no exception.
What are cryptocurrencies? According to the South African Reserve Bank (SARB): Cryptocurrencies (that is, decentralised convertible virtual currencies) are a sub-set of virtual currency. Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ripple are examples of cryptocurrencies. Legal tender are notes and coins issued by a bank. Although not legal tender, cryptocurrencies are exchangeable for legal tender and may be…
Leadership Advisor BRETT TROMP CA(SA) CFO of Discovery Health What sort of leadership does the digital age demand? In a techdriven world, fast-paced change and ambiguity are the only certainty. Successful leaders are comfortable following a direction over a destination and give those they lead the same confidence. Are you ready for ‘Leadership 4.0’?
Blockchain SpecialistMONICA SINGER CA(SA)Blockchain Evangelist for ConsenSys The field of accounting owes almost its entire existence to the creation of double-entry bookkeeping. It is believed that the double-entry system was invented by medieval merchants in the Middle East. From there it was popularised by the major trading families of the Italian citystates of Florence, Genoa,…
Leadership and Success Strategist: USHA MAHARAJ CA(SA)Brain-based Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and HR Consultant Decisions are like the steering wheel of a car which can only travel in the direction it is steered. Every decision made either takes you closer to or further away from your destination. But how can you increase your ability to make…
Lungelo Ngobese, a 21-year old student from Richards Bay studying at Stellenbosch University, clinched the winning spot for his insightful and solution-driven essay at SAICA’s 10th annual leadership summit. He details how CAs(SA) can improve the communities and hometowns from which they come. Read the full article here.
In 2011, the New York Times published an article specifying the top 10 reasons small businesses fail. Number 4 on the list was ‘poor accounting’. The thrust of the theory is that an external accountant cannot keep a watch over the business; business requires an internal interested professional to perform that function. Read the full…
Inevitably innovation challenges the typical ways of doing things and regulation always seems to lag progress. How can we balance protecting personal identification information with the opportunities offered by blockchain? Read the full article here.
Flourishing organisations have an amazing ability to harness energy for growth, through their culture and people. They also have energy in reserve for tough times. How are we able to work with energy and notice what increases and depletes energy? Read the full article here.
Let’s not fool ourselves. South Africans are stressed and with the challenges in the economy, financially stressed. And that goes all the way back to the workplace. Read the full article here.
The Q&A session is a unique opportunity to entrench your professionalism, showcase your expertise, and re-entrench the key principles within your talk. Below are Q&A scenarios with advice on handling it. Read the full article here.
There is a lot of negativity around us. People feel negative, talk negative and do negative. Newspapers, television and social media are flooded with negative stories. How can we stay positive in a Financial Consultant & Coach world filled with negativity? Read the full article here.
Never before has it been more urgent for business leaders to rethink their incentive models in measuring performance than now. One of the biggest culprits in the stagnation of economic growth is short-term financial results. Read the full article here.
The training contract period can be tough but so valuable. Take the opportunities presented and use them to maximise your experience. Ask for support at home and at work and allow yourself the time to grow and learn. Read the full article here.
Given that we spend most of our day in the workplace, a healthy working environment is important, and so is how we are led and managed. The concept of leadership and management can be taught, but it is not easy to apply, because you need certain characteristics as well as experience to make a success…
We all dream of spending our time, energy and passion on the things that really make us tick. Focus on making that a reality in your team and you’re guaranteed better results, increased engagement and higher levels of loyalty from your people. Read the full article here.
I want to explore the possible link between social entrepreneurship and the concept of egalitarianism, and the potential of social entrepreneurship to contribute towards an egalitarian society, by introducing the advantages of enhancing female entrepreneurship and leveraging technology. Read Priya’s full article here.
Launched in 2017, Balanc3 recognised the need for fiscal transparency during the token sale hype of the past few years. As more and more decentralised applications, token sales, and token holders enter the market, there is an increasing need for financial clarity in the blockchain ecosystem. Much like public companies that have their shares traded…
Personal bias affects every decision that every person makes every day; it always has, and it always will. It is an intangible that either contributes to or takes away from the value we add as human beings in our personal roles as well as in a professional capacity. Development is a journey, and as you…
Taxpayers are not alone in their obligations. Government is expected to spend tax revenue responsibly and to raise tax revenue fairly. These expectations have come under severe pressure in recent years. Are we in an era of real change? Can a revitalised government expect a renewed commitment from the public? Read Muneer’s full article here.
As a CFO, working for a great CEO means everything to my job satisfaction, my ability to perform, grow and lead others. Do you experience that dynamic? Would you turn down a higher-paying gig to stick with your boss? Read Brett’s full article here.
Darrel Scott describes himself as ‘working in London and living in South Africa’, although he admits he doesn’t get here as often or for as long as he would like. The financial accounting specialist is based in the UK – his office is a short distance from St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern Gallery,…
Rooting out ‘negligent procurement spend and invisible inventory’ – the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) dilemma By Dr Jan Nell Executive Summary How does MRO spend affect your statement of profit and loss and balance sheet? ‘How do we put our balance sheet on a diet?’ Introduction According to Brian Andrew, a speaker at…
One issue stands out for every middle-market business that operates internationally: the struggle to find and retain the most skilled and innovative employees − those who will drive growth and company performance. Read the full article here.
The trend of big data is being propelled by an enormous growth in computing capability, our ability to capture, store and apply sophisticated analytics to data from many new sources, and innovative ways to share and develop our knowledge, says a new report. Read the full article here.
In today’s ‘cult of busy’ we wear our ‘busyness’ like a badge of honour. But this Industrial Revolution thinking could be what is blocking our future success. Perhaps we should start doing less and thinking more. Read the full article here.
In today’s world, we work at breakneck speed. The innovation and creative demands are unprecedented. Do we take stock of our experiences often enough and reflect how to become the best we can be? Our collective and reflective narrative sustains our growth. Read the full article here.
Last year, life insurers paid benefits of R14,4 billion (34 100 claims). Medical schemes (2016/17) paid R136 billion in ‘relevant healthcare expenditure’. Our consumer debt is estimated at over R1,6 trillion with 11 million consumers over-indebted. Read the full article here.
Aristotle broke down persuasion into three essential components: logos, pathos and ethos. Let’s look at how to incorporate these components within your next speech. Read the full article here.
A finance lease is a lease where the lessor is the owner of the asset for the duration of the lease and the lessee has right of use (operating control) of the asset for the duration of the lease. There are specific VAT rules for finance leases. Read more
Success is living your own life on your own terms, true to your own nature, and emotional intelligence (EQ) is knowing who you truly are. While this is tough for most humans, it comes naturally to the birds and the beasts. Read more
Instead of tightening regulations, we need to tighten our principles around the corporate cultures and behaviours we tolerate, incentivise, or turn a blind eye to. This might just help us avoid another accounting scandal, writes Zimkita Mabindla. Read more
Professionals who keep their strengths in mind and see change as an opportunity will be able to direct impact of the prophesied vicissitudes and will be the greatest benefactors in the long run
Leading others is daunting, but it’s the reason I get up every day. To influence and lead others is a privilege – and honestly, the most exciting part of my job. Great leadership transforms societies. But how can we measure it? Read more
Centralised systems and double-entry booking have created friction and constraints in the way people and businesses interact with each other. Blockchain technology and triple-entry accounting will ultimately result in exponential economic growth which can serve the planet, as blockchain is global and decentralised. Read more
A crucial part of digital transformation is doing business in an entirely new way. And the fallout from the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) could limit our ability to build nimble, flexible, digital organisations. By Kevin Phillips Read more
If you have to ask great speakers for their secret to their success on stage, one common factor would be the amount of preparation that they conduct on understanding their audience. In this article, I will share some of the factors that to consider when tailoring your speech to your audience. Read more
‘According to the Boston Consulting Group, between 2010 and 2015, private wealth held by women grew from $34trn to $51trn. By 2020 women are expected to hold $72trn, 32% of the total’ – The Economist, 8 March 2018. Read more
Any employer value characteristics like responsibility, dedication and loyalty in an employee, but if not managed properly by the employee, burnout, illness, obesity and unhappiness can occur. Read more
Working ways have changed. Our workforce is dominated by a transformed, gender-balanced and super-energised younger generation. Our critical leadership attributes have not kept pace and a leadership culture of ‘command and control’ still exists. These days are over. Read more
Possibly one of the hardest soft skills to develop, emotional intelligence (EQ) is not only a game changer in the smart leader’s toolkit but an essential skill that when developed is worthy of superpower status. Read Usha Maharaj’s full article here.
There is a saying, ‘the only constant is change’. This also true in B-BBEE legislation. The often-heard statement that ‘the goal posts keeps shifting’ seems to carry some truth as new pieces of B-BBEE legislation is enacted all the time. Read Anton’s full article here.
The donation of an asset to a trust triggers both donations tax and capital gains tax. The sale of an asset to a trust against a low or interest-free loan previously only triggered capital gains tax. Section 7C of the Income Tax Act was inserted to correct this position by deeming a donation to also…
Leading others is daunting, but it’s the reason I get up every day. To influence and lead others is a privilege – and honestly, the most exciting part of my job. Great leadership transforms societies. But how can we measure it? Read Brett’s full article here.
According to the SAICA 2016 SMME Insight Report, over 80% of SMMEs do not do business with Government at any level. This is due to SMMEs viewing the government bidding process as being too complicated, taking too long, and lacking in transparency. Read the full article here.
One of the main reasons entrepreneurs fail is because they lack access to expert support − the type of knowledge and insight, not to mention technical skill, that keeps their businesses humming while they focus on product and market development. Help may come from an unexpected source, says Anton Colella. Read the full article here.
In modern marketing, there is a new reality in which marketers have to compete for shoppers’ attention online long before a purchase decision is mad. Read the full article here.
According to the 2016 Money Project, there are 60 major stock exchanges in the world with a total value of $69 trillion. 93% of global stock value is represented by three continents – and Africa isn’t one of them (1,5% of global share). 16 exchanges account for 87% of global market capitalisation. Read Mike’s full…
At special occasions, I observe how most people happily record the event on their mobile devices and few volunteers to conduct a toast. It seems that most people either lack the skill of toasting or feel embarrassed by the formality of doing so. Read Dineshrie’s full article here.
That the world is a much smaller place thanks to the Internet and digital communication technology has probably not escaped anyone’s notice. But are you truly harnessing this to do your business better, and to grow beyond South Africa’s borders? Read Kevin Phillips’ full article here.
In an increasingly saturated and changing marketplace, your brand needs to shine brightly in order to stand out, says Simon Grainger. Do you have a clear sense of what your ‘why’ is? Are you merely a company that offers accounting services or is there a deeper purpose underpinning your brand? Read Simon’s full article here.
Matt Knight (MK) from SAICA spoke to Carrick Wealth Director of Corporate and Client Solutions Anthony Palmer CA(SA) and Sion Gelgor CA(SA), Wealth Specialist at Carrick, about retirement planning in South Africa and offshore and asked them, first, about saving money. Hope is a false plan. The reality is that we are all retiring later,…
The global economy has necessitated working across cultures and navigating the complexities of diversity. Leaders often focus on endless ‘tasks’ and neglect the ‘process’ of achieving those tasks. Organisation development practitioners are skilled in assisting leaders to attend to ‘process’. Read Paolo’s full article by fast-tracking here.
Why are we not saving enough for our retirement? I say ‘we’ because, according to National Treasury, 94% of the population isn’t. I think that is a big enough majority to use the collective ‘we’. Therefore, listen up! Fast track to Gizelle’s article here.
Petra in Jordan leaves one in awe. The beauty, mystic and scale of this Rose City are hard to comprehend, even by today’s standards. It was built around 2 400 years ago by nomadic Bedouin tribes Today, Petra is part of a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the Seven New Wonders of the…
In day-to-day operations, most businesses interact directly and indirectly with clients and service providers. Many transactions that take place during this interaction are legitimate transactions, whereas some of these transactions might raise a few questions as to the validity of the source of the money, or even just that the transaction does not make business…
It has now become apparent, beyond any doubt, that a company planning to become or remain B-BBEE compliant must have some level of black ownership. This is not because black ownership is somehow ‘compulsory’, but simply because of how the point-scoring system works. From multiple calculated scenarios we have done, more than 95% of companies…
Legislative changes have been introduced to the Value Added Tax Act 89 of 1991 to clarify the implications for both the lessee and the lessor when the lessee undertakes voluntary or compulsory improvements on leased land for no consideration. Lessee implications A deemed supply is triggered in terms of section 8(29), which deems the lessee…
Strategies for Improving Job Margin: In the first part of our article (March ASA), we looked at the pressures on an accounting firm’s profitability. Now we will explore strategies to improve the gross margin of an accountancy business as we look further at some aspects of reducing write-downs. Take three steps to receiving client records…
The robots are heading straight towards us and we are inviting them in to our homes, workplaces and vehicles. Not surprisingly, because they make our lives more convenient, our work more efficient, our buildings more sustainable and our roads safer. But at the same time we need to think about how we maximise the upside…
Millennials. They’ve come of age in a digital era. Exposed to the world’s woes − climate change, human rights abuses, recessions and more – their social and political consciousness says, ‘we expect more’. And, they’re pulling the rug from under us all. Millennials – people born in the 1980s or 1990s − have a whistle…
In 2017, amidst much fanfare, BMW launched the all-new 5 Series. With the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class starting to take centre stage and hardcore BMW aficionados expecting only the best from their beloved brand, the new 5 Series certainly had a lot to live up to. But has it delivered? To start with, the refreshed look…
In this, the first of a series of two articles, we look at the pressures on an accounting firm’s profitability There was a time when accountancy business owners were seemingly guaranteed high profit emanating from a business model that was often characterised as the 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 model. That model is also known as the…
Spatial technology allows CFOs and managers to drive massive improvements in financial management, reporting, and governance at local government level by analysing financial data within its real-world context, in other words on a map I have tremendous difficulty in explaining to my former audit colleagues exactly what our company does. The few CAs(SA) that have…
If you think of the heroes in movies or books, they often have a lot in common. They might be brave or willing to take risks. They may have special skills or different ideas to everyone else, but it is clear that one of the most important characteristics they share is resilience Resilience is the…
A reality imposed by the fast pace of change, both within the organisation and that imposed by the external environment, is that organisations cannot rely purely on formal structures for the continuous development of its people. In the daily interactions between manager and direct reports, between colleagues, and in interactions that happen cross-functionally, there are…
Meet Christiaan, an innovator who turns financial expertise into business opportunities Christiaan van den Berg, co-founder and co-CEO of JOBJACK, leveraged his solid foundation in numbers and finance as a Chartered Accountant to identify and seize opportunities in the recruitment industry. JOBJACK, the tech solution he co-created, revolutionises entry-level hiring with smart algorithms that streamline…
DetailsMeet Sinikiwe, a CA(SA), guiding aspiring young people to enter the CA profession. Sinikiwe Ngcobo, CA(SA), leverages over a decade of experience in corporate South Africa to shape impactful careers in finance. Having completed her articles at one of South Africa’s top banks and her studies at the University of Johannesburg through the Thuthuka Bursary…
DetailsMeet Amanda, an AGA(SA) mentoring the next generation of professionals and shaping new stories of excellence. Amanda, the “Queen of Properties,” uses her financial acumen to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders. With over a decade of experience as an Associate General Accountant in South Africa, she excels in investor relations and financial…
DetailsMeet Muhammed, a pioneering financial software solutions creator, making financial literacy accessible to everyday South Africans. Muhammed Ismail Bulbulia, CA(SA), is the visionary founder and editor of myCAhub, a proudly South African start-up dedicated to making financial literacy accessible to all. Leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and creative problem-solving skills, Muhammed has developed innovative software solutions…
DetailsMeet Reuben, a lecturer transforming numbers into meaningful life-changing lessons. Reuben Davids, a dedicated lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, is transforming how students perceive and apply finance. Through his unique blend of academic rigour and industry insights, Reuben empowers students to confidently navigate their academic journeys and beyond. His passion for education bridges…
DetailsMeet Sitholile, SAICA Trainee Accountant and Thuthuka beneficiary, a mentor providing you with tools and support for professional growth. Sitholile-Sithole With a BCom in Financial Accounting and a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Cape Town, Sitholile’s proficiency with numbers drives impactful change. As an Allan Gray Fellow, Sitholile excels in leadership and communication. He…
DetailsMeet Lesego Rankou, CA(SA) and digital content creator, passionate about guiding the youth on accounting career choices. Lesego-Rankou Lesego blends her mastery in finance with a vibrant digital persona to make a mark in both sectors. As a Senior Associate at GCO and a dynamic YouTube content creator, she breaks the mould of traditional accounting…
DetailsMeet Nokuhle Kumalo, a CA(SA) on a mission to help you with financial skills to plan better for the future. Nokuhle-Kumalo Nokuhle’s profound understanding of numbers has not only shaped her career but also enabled her to create a unique platform where finance meets education. With extensive auditing experience from Deloitte across three continents, she…
DetailsMeet Wamashudu Mukheli, SAICA Trainee Trailblazer 2023 winner, plugging you with educational tool and tips to help you win at varsity. WAMASHUDU-MUKHELI Wamashudu is not just any SAICA trainee; he’s an entrepreneurial innovator committed to empowering students to reach their full potential. As the Co-Founder of Campus Connect, he’s leveraging technology to create a collaborative…
DetailsMeet Oyena Dyasi, a SAICA Trainee and Youtuber committed to helping you plan and maximise your budget and achieve your dreams. Oyena is not just any trainee, she’s a visionary using her platform to impart financial literacy, career advice, and guidance on diversity and inclusion. Through her YouTube channel, she empowers young people by making…
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