“Mr. Zuckerberg, would you be comfortable sharing with us the name of the hotel you stayed in last night?” This was a question asked to the chief executive officer of Facebook during senate hearings in 2018. The hearings were in relation to privacy breaches at Facebook that led to personal information being used for unintended purposes. Issues of privacy and protection of personal information have been at the forefront of many legal and political debates in the last couple of years. 28 Oct 2024 Read more As corporate South Africa and the rest of the world celebrates Global Ethics Day today (Wednesday, 16 October), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has warned that workplace misconduct is worse than ever, with almost nine out of 10 employees saying they don’t feel like they work in an ethical workplace culture. 16 Oct 2024 Read more Having recognised the exceptional talent abroad, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has stepped up to honour those making remarkable contributions beyond our borders, extending recognition to talents across various fields – not just accounting. 1 Oct 2024 Read more Building on the foundations of last year’s inaugural summit, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) hosted its second Public Sector Summit on Friday, 23 August 2024 to deliberate on matters relating to transparency, accountability, sustainability and collaboration in the sector. 6 Sep 2024 Read more Renewable electricity contracts, or power purchase agreements, are in high demand as companies and governments seek sustainable solutions, leading to growth in solar and wind energy purchases to meet net-zero carbon emission targets and reduce environmental impact. 29 Aug 2024 Read more The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued amendments to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS Accounting Standards) as part of its annual improvement process. 23 Aug 2024 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is urging government institutions to prioritise the creation of a more positive and supportive working environment for qualified professionals. As government continues efforts to professionalise the public sector, attracting and retaining professionals will be amongst the key tests of success. 30 Jul 2024 Read more Technology is always great when it’s used in an ethical manner. We have a better working environment currently than some of the forebearers of the finance ecosystem. With the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), we have to also consider the risk of fraud. The question that arises is the extent to which data can be manipulated to the point that the use of that information results in suspected or intentional fraud. 18 Jul 2024 Read more The last five years have seen an improvement in the audit profession when it comes to audit failures. Is this evidence that the entire financial ecosystem finally understands the importance of taking responsibility for the audit process or is it because of the increase in legislative mandate and high scrutiny that is currently imposed on the audit profession? 17 Jul 2024 Read more While many audit tools and methods have evolved over time, the practice of audit has been in existence for years. But how do we as auditors stay ahead of the curve of emerging technologies? 10 Jul 2024 Read more In the dynamic landscape of small businesses, effective communication stands as a cornerstone for success. It’s not merely about exchanging information but fostering relationships, aligning goals, and driving growth. Clear and strategic communication can transform the trajectory of a small business, enhancing productivity, team morale, and customer satisfaction. Let's explore how mastering effective communication can unlock the full potential of small businesses. 9 Jul 2024 Read more More than 3,350 high school learners will attend the Fasset Saica development camps across South Africa’s nine provinces this youth month to harness their academic potential and achieve the results needed to pursue careers in high-demand professions. 21 Jun 2024 Read more To improve the information available to investors about business acquisitions, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has issued an Exposure Draft (ED) with proposed amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. 4 Jun 2024 Read more The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) released an Exposure Draft (ED) in November 2023 to address ambiguities in IAS 32 and to enhance comparability in financial statements. 3 Jun 2024 Read more The governance ecosystem is touted to give accountability, transparency, fairness and responsibility as the pillars on which corporate governance is built to all stakeholders and sanction or root out perverse conduct in an appropriate and balanced manner. This should keep the equilibrium of all stakeholders’ rights and obligations in check. 25 Apr 2024 Read more The retirement funds industry is poised to implement the long-awaited two-pot system, effective 1 September 2024, granting members partial access to their retirement savings. However, there is a critical need for education and managing members' expectations due to prevalent misinformation. Members must stay informed through their respective funds’ communications to understand the process of accessing these funds fully. While many members grasp the concept of a R30,000 withdrawal, other crucial considerations remain overlooked. Kedibone Sono CA(SA), SAICA project director for members in business (technical), sheds light on these considerations, alongside the challenges members need to navigate while assessing their savings. 27 Mar 2024 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) is delighted to launch the Saica BIZ Impact Podcast, a dynamic platform which aims to simplify complex business topics and empower small medium businesses (SMEs) to thrive. 19 Mar 2024 Read more There is no longer space to think of the accountant in the traditional sense. The role, responsibility and professional competence of an accountant has grown significantly in the modern era with the profession branching into blockchain, AI and the likes, with limitless reach across the globe by means of ever improving technology. But one area where the accountant can flourish, and which does not often come to mind, is the accountant’s career options within the insurance industry. One such career is that of the loss adjuster. 15 Mar 2024 Read more The auditing profession is evolving to attract Gen Z talent, showcasing diverse career paths, a strong focus on continuous learning, and a commitment to developing future-oriented skills. These strategies address the challenges of competing with emerging Stem careers and the outdated perception of auditing being dull and theoretical. 8 Mar 2024 Read more The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) published a new auditing standard, the International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (the ISA for LCE), on 6 December 2023. This auditing standard may only be applied in territories where it has been adopted for use. The adoption of this auditing standard in South Africa is currently a highly debated topic within the South African auditing profession. 5 Mar 2024 Read more Zanele Maduna, is a remarkable trailblazing woman from Boitumelo, Gauteng, who took a giant leap to create a business with a profound mission – No-Valo. 1 Mar 2024 Read more As you embark on this exciting chapter of your life, transitioning from school to tertiary education, Saica extends heartfelt wishes for an extraordinary, fulfilling year ahead. 29 Feb 2024 Read more Over the last five years, the growth in sustainability as a topic, as a principle, and as a guideline has been quite exceptional. Sustainability is front of mind of most corporate strategy documents and is becoming a key performance indicator of note, and many digital publications these days have various images containing sustainability related visuals from rivers to trees, leaves, forests and nature; and that is all positive. 14 Feb 2024 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), in collaboration with the Accounting Standards Board (ASB), hosted the IPSASB 2024-2028 Strategy and Work Program Consultation Roundtable (the Roundtable) to give South Africa constituents an opportunity to comment on the proposed strategy and work program. The Roundtable was attended by the Staff and Board Member of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). 9 Feb 2024 Read more In a landscape where challenges exist in mathematics as a gateway subject, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) recognises the imperative role education plays in shaping the future of chartered accountancy. As the primary destination for qualified candidates, Saica is not only committed to addressing the decline in the pool of potential candidates and fortifying the profession but also making a difference through its transformation initiatives to ensure that the country’s unequal socio-economical backdrop is not a barrier to access. 8 Feb 2024 Read more The call to have a periodic review of the public interest score (PI score) and its associated requirements should not be seen as a call to have a review every two months like how the Reserve Bank has monetary policy meetings to set the interest rate. Walter Bhengu, Saica project director for Legislation and Governance explains why SAICA’s call is one that seeks to review the PI score requirements that have been in place since 2011 despite the value of the rand being eroded by inflation over the years and the commercial environment evolving. 23 Jan 2024 Read more In unlocking South Africa’s township economy, Evergrow Seedlings, an agribusiness startup founded in Soweto has grown significantly since its establishment in 2018 to become a prominent contributor in creating opportunities for locals. 11 Dec 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) congratulates Keshni Kuni, executive head of IFRS reporting and advisory, tax accounting and reporting at the Standard Bank Group South Africa, for her appointment to the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB) Global Preparers Forum (GPF) for an initial five-year term. 8 Dec 2023 Read more Senzo Ndlangamandla CA(SA), RA, head of department for accounting sciences at Walter Sisulu University and managing director at SnB Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, has been announced as the overall winner of the highly coveted 2023 Top 35-under-35 chartered accountants [CA(SA)] competition. 5 Dec 2023 Read more SAICA hosted its inaugural Climate Change Conference on Wednesday, 25 October 2023, coinciding with the passing of SA’s Climate Change Bill ahead of COP28 in the UAE in late November, to deliberate on local challenges, market solutions, financial instruments, and leverage on existing opportunities. 5 Dec 2023 Read more In the 2013 Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC Report), one of the recommendations provided was the need for South Africa to consider enacting a law that would allow audit firms to organise as limited liability partnerships (LLPs). A lot of jurisdictions across the world have, since the 1990s, passed legislation allowing their audit firms to become LLPs. This includes both developed and developing economies. Thandokuhle Myoli, project director: audit and assurance at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, provides more information on this matter. 1 Dec 2023 Read more Parliament is currently in the process of reviewing comments received from stakeholders on the Companies Amendment Bill, 27 of 2023. While the Bill seeks to address pertinent matters within the South African economic context, there is one particular issue that has not been considered in the proposed amendments; this relates to the Public Interest score (PI Score). The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) made oral and written submissions to Parliament highlighting the need to review the PI score. Thandokuhle Myoli, project director: Audit and Assurance at SAICA, gives more insight on this matter. 30 Nov 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) announces the fifth anniversary of its flagship event, Finance Leaders. 13 Nov 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) says that South Africa does not have a revenue problem, it has an expenditure problem. Somaya Khaki, project director: tax operations and administrative advocacy at Saica explains why, despite this, there is growing pressure on Sars to increase collections from the current taxpayer base. 7 Nov 2023 Read more Under the global development goals agreed to in 2015, government has pledged to provide access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. Speaking on behalf of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), Piet Nel, project director for Tax Professional Development at Saica, explains that in Saica's view, the biggest obstacle to achieving these goals is a lack of accountability and the enforcement of consequences for management, for which there seems to be very little political will. 6 Nov 2023 Read more On 1 November 2023, the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement for 2023 was presented to Parliament. So, what is the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) or as it is commonly known, the "Mini Budget"? 3 Nov 2023 Read more Over the last 10 years, there has been large-scale domestic and international financial fraud in South Africa, and in some respects, trusts have been involved. Lisa Kahanovitz, project director: Tax Guidance at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), sheds more light on this topic. 2 Nov 2023 Read more On Wednesday 1 November 2023, the Minister of Finance will table the Medium Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in the National Assembly. Lesedi Seforo, Project Director: Tax Advocacy at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), will attend the statement proceedings. He gives more insight on what the country can expect. 1 Nov 2023 Read more August marked another milestone for Saica's Thuthuka bursary fund, as Christiaan van den Berg CA(SA) and Heine Bellingan CA(SA), embarked on an inspiring journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro - a first for them and Thuthuka's Education Upliftment Fund (TEUF). Hein and Christiaan are two passionate chartered accountants, who embarked on a remarkable journey that would fulfil their lifelong dream and ignite a spark of hope in the hearts of many aspiring young chartered accountants, a career often seen as unattainable for those facing economic hardships. 31 Oct 2023 Read more In its 10th year, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) proudly presents the finalists for the prestigious Top 35-under-35 CA(SA) competition. This milestone edition not only highlights the outstanding achievements of young professionals under 35 but also underscores a decade of commitment to nurturing and celebrating exceptional talent in the field of chartered accountancy. 30 Oct 2023 Read more South African chartered accountants [CAs(SA)] have earned the top position in a groundbreaking global professional trust survey conducted by Edelman, a respected research firm, on behalf of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW). 19 Oct 2023 Read more Like medical professionals, says Wayne van Zijl CA(SA), professional accountants might benefit from taking an oath. While doctors have a direct impact on saving lives, accountants' actions can equally influence the lives and livelihoods of thousands. The extent of their impact depends on their roles, the organisations they're associated with, and the public interest they need to protect. Even in the academic environment, accountants have a critical window of opportunity to shape the decision-making of future professionals, who will eventually hold the well-being of others in their hands, albeit indirectly. 9 Oct 2023 Read more As many as 3,200 learners were part of this year's annual Saica Fasset Development Camps which aim to harness their academic potential and achieve the results needed to pursue high-demand professions. 6 Oct 2023 Read more With retirement reforms finally taking shape in South Africa, the demand for skilled professionals within the retirement fund industry is continuously on the rise. However, through engagements with industry stakeholders, a concern was raised that South Africa is currently facing a significant scarcity of fund accountants within the sector. This article delves into the reasons behind this scarcity, its potential impacts on the industry and the broader economy, and what steps can be taken to address this pressing issue. 14 Sep 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) is thrilled to welcome its first female chief executive officer, Patricia Stock CA(SA), effective 1 December 2023. 29 Aug 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) successfully concluded its highly anticipated Inaugural Public Sector Summit that was held on 15 August 2023. The summit brought together a broad array of industry leaders, stakeholders, Saica members, the broader accountancy profession, and society from across the public sector landscape. The summit marked a significant step forward in Saica's commitment to making a positive difference in the public sector. Following the summit, Saica has been reflecting and debriefing, a process being undertaken to ensure that actionable strategies are adequately derived from the proceedings. 24 Aug 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has received concerns from members and stakeholders to play a more active role in the public sector to assist the government in rebuilding the economy and improve service delivery as public trust in government continues to deteriorate. To achieve sustainable economic growth and development, all stakeholders, including citizens, government officials, civil society organisations, and the private sector, must come together and actively participate in driving an accountable public sector. 8 Aug 2023 Read more Global challenges are becoming increasingly complex each day, and South Africa is no exception. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), and its members and associates (members) are unwavering in their commitment to utilise their specialised skills and knowledge for the betterment of the country. As a leading accountancy body, Saica, together with its members, is a committed partner in making a positive difference in South Africa, offering support to the government, members, and stakeholders in this endeavour. 4 Aug 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is pleased to announce the accreditation of the North-West University (NWU) and the University of Pretoria (UP)'s academic programmes for purposes of SAICA's Associate General Accountants [AGAs(SA)] designation. 12 Jul 2023 Read more Sustainability reporting is about to be revolutionised thanks to the International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) two new standards, which are due to be launched globally on 29 June 2023. Milton Segal, executive director for Standards at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), believes these standards will bring about positive changes and reforms in the way we approach sustainability. 27 Jun 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) acknowledges the need for appropriate sanctions in the profession where required. However, Saica is concerned about the publication of fines without a clear framework or public education on the basis for these proposals. 23 Jun 2023 Read more South Africa's best mathematics teacher for 2022, Tebogo Mokwene, 33, is pleased by the impact of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountant's (Saica's) development camps in holistically reshaping and developing learners' schooling careers. 22 Jun 2023 Read more On 25 May 2023, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) recognised 13 of its members at its annual Chairman's Difference Makers Awards for making an indelible socio-economic impact. Among those honoured were David Shapiro, chief global equity strategist and Jeff van Rooyen, chief executive of Uranus Investment Holdings. 5 Jun 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) urges government to fast track professionalisation of local government finance units. 2 Jun 2023 Read more On 4 May 2023, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) announced proposed amendments to the JSE Listings Requirements and JSE Debt Listings Requirements, relating to the Auditor Accreditation Model. 19 May 2023 Read more The recent saga with the issuing of late-night government gazettes, justification thereof and subsequent 'temporary' retractions has certainly heightened the awareness of the general public around the importance of corporate reporting. 25 Apr 2023 Read more 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. 19 Apr 2023 Read more Saica welcomes the withdrawal by National Treasury to exempt Eskom from disclosing irregular and fruitless and wasteful expenditure in its financial statements. 6 Apr 2023 Read more 'Inflation' is the increase in prices over a specific period and which leads to a reduction in the purchase power of money. 23 Feb 2023 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) is pleased to announce the accreditation of the Institute of Accounting Sciences' (IAS) Integrated Learning Professional Course (ILPC), effective January 2023. 1 Feb 2023 Read more Mathabo Makhaya, group financial manager at Harmony Gold Mining and chairperson of the Investment Committee Mineworkers Provident Fund, has been announced as the overall winner of the highly coveted 2022 Top 35-under-35 chartered accountants [CA(SA)] competition. 8 Dec 2022 Read more The auditor-general of South Africa (AGSA) released the 2021-22 National and Provincial Audit Outcomes General Report on Thursday, 23 November, which reflected a gradual improvement in audit outcomes. However, there continues to be poor audit outcomes in key service delivery portfolios and state-owned enterprises. Furthermore, lack of accountability has led to service delivery failures. 2 Dec 2022 Read more During COP26, the world witnessed the launch of the global sustainability standard-setter, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). To meet the demand from international stakeholders, the objective of the ISSB is to provide sustainability-related information that will enable investors to make better economic and investment decisions. 2 Dec 2022 Read more Mabatho Sedikela is one of those people who work in the public sector as an act of patriotism. She grew up in a large family in Limpopo and as the older sister, she was tasked with setting an example for her siblings. One of her responsibilities was to help her parents manage the family business. That was how she first discovered her natural talent for numbers. 17 Nov 2022 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) hosted its Difference Makers Economic Conference at the Durban International Convention Centre where industry and thought leaders convened to chart a collective approach to reigniting a resilient economy. 16 Nov 2022 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has announced this year's finalists for its Top-35-Under-35 CAs(SA) competition. 5 Oct 2022 Read more Much has been said about corruption in the public sector in the last two months... about 1,300 pages worth to be precise. At the heart of this discourse is deliberate bribery and corruption to secure contracts worth billions of rands, inserting pliable individuals into key positions, and the intimidation of those who had any courage to stand up and be counted 26 Aug 2022 Read more At 73 years of age, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kurt Sartorius, will set out on an expedition that nearly broke him 50 years ago. 5 Jul 2022 Read more Small medium practices (SMPs) are adversely impacted by complex regulations and standards. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) have introduced a series of workshops to help SMPs bridge the regulatory gap. Hlakudi Ramphelane, MCom CA(SA) and a senior lecturer in external auditing at Unisa, and a member of Saica's Assurance Guidance Committee, gives more insight. 5 Jul 2022 Read more With youth unemployment still being staggeringly high in our country, there comes a time where young people must find the grit to stand up and make things happen for themselves. This is precisely what 27-year-old Itumeleng Makgato, founder of Something About Francis had done. This is the wonderful unfolding testimony of a young lady with dreams to start a business. 5 Jul 2022 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (Cima) have agreed to sign a revised agreement that will make it more accessible for members who wish to use both the chartered accountant (CA(SA)) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. 2 Jun 2022 Read more Section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) states that one of the responsibilities of an accounting officer of a department, trading entity or constitutional institution is to ensure effective, efficient, economical, and transparent use of the resources of the department, trading entity or constitutional institution. However, it has been noted that many accounting officers are failing to comply with this on contract management of service providers. 1 Jun 2022 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) welcomes the real-time audit that will be performed by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) on the emergency flood relief funds that government made available to the flood victims in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape. 31 May 2022 Read more It is often said that actions speak louder than words. The true measure of leadership lies in the actions we take when inspired by noble causes, dreams and plans to make a difference. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) recognised 11 of its members at its inaugural Chairman's Difference Makers Awards Dinner. Among those honoured were: Professor Wiseman Lumkile Nkuhlu, the first black chartered accountant in South Africa; Ajen Sita, CEO of Ernst and Young (EY) Africa; and the late Thembekile "Kimi" Makwetu, South Africa's former Auditor-General. 31 May 2022 Read more Petri Basson CA(SA), quickly realised during articles that technology would have a massive impact on the accounting industry and that he would have to upskill himself to keep up with it. Even today, he says, things are changing so fast, one can never just sit back and rely on your existing knowledge. He has become an avid learner cultivating a habit of continuous learning. 17 May 2022 Read more Following the outcry on accessing retirement savings in order to minimise the financial impact Covid-19 has had on households and as an overall fragment of the retirement reforms, the National Treasury has issued a proposal introducing a two-pot system which restructures retirement savings by allowing limited pre-retirement withdrawals, with conditions, and a mandatory preservation at resignation. 16 May 2022 Read more One of the most frequent points people make when they think about a career change is the pull they feel to do work that makes a difference. And that's exactly what Bruce Vivian did. 13 May 2022 Read more What does our country's economic landscape look like in the next few years? Can we hope for economic sustainability? 10 May 2022 Read more Driven by a mutual desire to improve the lives of South Africans through building a democratic and capable state, two CAs(SA) took on an adventure in the United Kingdom (UK) to broaden their horizons and hinge on international expertise, privy to a pandemic that would change life as we know it. 17 Mar 2022 Read more Motivated by using numbers to tell the story of how public entities are meeting the needs of South Africans, Bongi Ngoma, head of Audit at the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), was recognised by the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) as the chief financial officer (CFO) of 2021, and was historically awarded the Transformation and Empowerment Award in the public sector at the annual CFO awards of the same year. 17 Mar 2022 Read more A week ago, South African President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered the highly anticipated State of Our Nation, and what measures need to be put in place to restore South Africa's pre-Covid-19 state of affairs. That State Of the Nation Address painted a gloomy picture - a land so full of hope and beauty, a people with an entrepreneurial and defiant spirit, yet tainted by corruption on a grand scale as revealed through the first two Zondo Commission reports. 8 Mar 2022 Read more Tax surplus has facilitated financial relief for the everyday consumer 8 Mar 2022 Read more The National Treasury announced in the 2022 Budget Review that the corporate tax rate will be lowered to 27% for years of assessment that end or on after 31 March 2023. Practically, for most companies, this means that the reduced rate applies for years of assessment that start on or after 1 April 2022 and some companies may already enjoy the effect of the reduction in 2022 when making provisional tax payments. Companies with a February year-end must however wait for their financial years that end on 28 February 2024 for the reduced rate to take effect. 8 Mar 2022 Read more The 2022 Budget Speech, delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 23 February 2022, saw many changes to South Africa's carbon tax regime. Carbon tax, levied on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was introduced to South Africa in 2019 with the intention of lowering South African GHG emissions to meet our international climate commitments. 8 Mar 2022 Read more The country has high expectations that the budget 2022 will provide direction to our nation's increasing debt cost and stagnant economy. Of paramount importance is how the average South African experiences the economy and what they could be expecting. 21 Feb 2022 Read more Between 2014 and 2019, South Africa lost over R1.5 trillion to corruption, state capture and failures by the guardians of governance. Now, with the release of the second instalment of the Zondo Commission's report, South Africa is reeling from the details of just how deep the hornets' nest of corruption and racketeering within Transnet and Denel truly was. As more details emerge, the Unite 4 Mzansi™ movement has come out in strong support of the principles outlined in the Commission's reports and states that it will stand behind these principles and will play its part to ensure that rampant abuse of public trust finally comes to an end. 7 Feb 2022 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) confirms that it will investigate all members implicated in the Zondo Commission Report including Ms Yakhe Kwinana as recommended in part 1 of the report. 7 Jan 2022 Read more Akona Gazi-Babana (34), a senior lecturer and programme director for BCTA at the University of Johannesburg, received the Influence award in Saica's Top 35 under 35 CAs(SA) competition. 21 Dec 2021 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) deeply regrets the challenges experienced by Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) examination candidates around the country. 3 Dec 2021 Read more Sandiso Gcwabe, a CA(SA) and the CFO of the Western Cape Liquor Authority, calls on peers to help bolster and strengthen the civil service. 2 Dec 2021 Read more If you don't know the difference between digitisation and digitalisation, or AI and automation, it's time to brush up on your knowledge. The good news, though, is that keeping pace with technological development isn't nearly as complex - or daunting - as it may seem. 23 Nov 2021 Read more According to chartered accountant [CA(SA)] Mandy Muchnick, the answer is "absolutely!". As the chair of the African chapter of One Young World and founder of Imagine.Nation, an NGO dedicated to furthering education, she should know. 18 Nov 2021 Read more The Hope Factory celebrated the successful delivery of the Asisa Foundation's Financial Literacy and Micro Enterprise (Flame) Programme in Qonce (also known as King William's Town) in the Eastern Cape at the end of October 2021. 18 Nov 2021 Read more South Africa is facing a series of stumbling blocks - each seemingly more daunting than the last. Surmounting them requires ethics and leadership, says Professor Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State, president of Business Unity South Africa and Unite 4 Mzansi™ Chair during his recent appearance at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' 2021 Trainee Summit where he took SAICA's aspiring chartered accountants through his thoughts on ethics and leadership. 18 Nov 2021 Read more Miles Kubheka's entrepreneurial evolution is a story of audacity, perseverance and inspiration - and it all started with one daring idea. He recently shares his story (and some tips) with aspiring chartered accountants at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' Trainee Summit. 18 Nov 2021 Read more If you were to compile a list of careers that require courage as a core competency, you may include firefighting or game ranging - but accounting? Actually, yes, says Schalk Engelbrecht, chief ethics officer at KPMG South Africa and this is what he recently told the next generation of chartered accountants at South African Institute of Chartered Accountants; Trainee Summit. 16 Nov 2021 Read more SME development has been on the agenda since the days of the Mandela presidency - and yet, South Africa's small businesses continue to flounder. 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 30%, it is more important than ever to take action. Will it ever come right? Well, according to the panelists taking part in a recent Courageous Conversation hosted by the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (Saica) and facilitated by Daily Maverick investigative journalist Pauli van Wyk, SMEs will continue to find it difficult to forge their niche in the mainstream economy until we find a way to fix deep-seated societal problems. 16 Nov 2021 Read more Driven small business owner Devaksha Maharaj, shares her story on how she was selected to join the Energy Sector Gender Ministerial Advisory Council earlier this year as part of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality (WEGE) Strategy implementation plan. 15 Nov 2021 Read more Unite 4 Mzansi™ notes with sadness the news of Athol Williams' recent departure from South Africa. Williams is a celebrated social and ethics philosopher, corruption whistle-blower and Unite 4 Mzansi™ advocate. Williams' departure comes after he received a host of warnings from his associates about what could happen to him for speaking out and giving evidence at the Zondo Commission in August. 15 Nov 2021 Read more Chartered accountant, Mahomed Haffejee believes that each of us should have some accounting knowledge - after all, every single individual has to take accountability for their salary. That's why he's an enthusiastic proponent of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Accounting Technician [AT(SA)] qualification. 11 Nov 2021 Read more The accounting profession is currently facing significant pressure both locally and internationally, mainly due to corporate failures, alleged governance failures and alleged audit failures, all of which have had a paramount impact on the economy. 11 Nov 2021 Read more In the mid 1980s, Arnold Schwarzenegger's The Terminator provided an extreme exploration of what happens when humans lose control of the intelligent machines that they themselves have developed, writes Tiisetso Tsiki, CA(SA) and senior finance officer at Medscheme (Bonitas). 9 Nov 2021 Read more The business ideals of profit and shareholder wealth maximisation cannot be sustainable if ethics are not engrained in the DNA of the business operations. Kwena Maseko, senior lecturer, University of Pretoria, sees the dominance of ethics in current leadership discourses as an appreciation of ethics as the cornerstone of organisational leadership. But what is the role of the professional in all of this? 9 Nov 2021 Read more The United Nations' SDG 7, 'Affordable and clean energy', is fundamentally important to the development of South Africa's economy, because income and energy consumption go hand in hand. 5 Nov 2021 Read more "The Accounting Technician [AT(SA)] designation has been an eye-opener for me. I would not be doing this well had I not participated in the SAICA Enterprise Development Khulisa iBiznis programme." 5 Nov 2021 Read more How Thuthuka changed Sharné Damons' life. 4 Nov 2021 Read more 2020 was a year like no other in our lifetime, with the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the global economy. Despite the many challenges, women around the globe continued to show up, step up, and lead. 21 Oct 2021 Read more 2020 was a year like no other in our lifetime, with the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the global economy. Despite the many challenges, women around the globe continued to show up, step up and lead. 20 Oct 2021 Read more The internal audit department of the Kannaland Municipality in Ladismith is in good hands. While building up the department as its current head, chartered accountant [CA(SA)] Enrico Kleinbooi is also responsible for the training and development of two young professionals pursuing their Institute of Internal Auditors of South Africa internal audit designations. A beneficiary of the Thuthuka Bursary, Enrico shares his story... 12 Oct 2021 Read more Doing more and better with less 1 Oct 2021 Read more Robyn Vilakazi is a seasoned public sector financial management professional who has spent her career serving citizens 28 Sep 2021 Read more Nyawa Dikwayo loves numbers because they help identify developmental needs and create accountability. 28 Sep 2021 Read more CA(SA) trainee, Thokozani Mazibuko, speaks about how Thuthuka changed his life. 13 Sep 2021 Read more 'A career that is more than just a job' 9 Sep 2021 Read more The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) has named Morné du Toit as its new CEO. His appointment, effective 1 September 2021, will put Du Toit firmly at the helm of helping thousands of missing middle students fulfil their ambitions of becoming university graduates. 7 Sep 2021 Read more Kamala Harris made history for being the first black female US vice-president elect. Most of us as young professionals have become the first in our communities or families to graduate, to qualify, or to be a finalist in the Saica Top 35 Under 35 competition. This is commendable and a great personal achievement; it's worth a celebration. It's proof of personal resilience, patience, and determination, writes Millycent Mashele, founder and managing director, The Legacy Centre. 30 Aug 2021 Read more Business risks refer to all the factors that may lead to lower profits or even cause a company to close and fail. Lungile Phakathi, a CA(SA) and the managing director for the Modern Firm, gives practical advice on how you can identify and manage risks in your business. 27 Aug 2021 Read more The words 'the first woman to...' are still often included in news headlines or photograph captions - indicative of an issue that remains relevant and sensitive: one - that still requires laws and regulations to eradicate misconduct and unfair historical practice. In business, gender equality remains a thorny issue with often unwritten rules, and where sensitive yet fair implementation is still at issue. 27 Aug 2021 Read more The International Integrated Reporting Council defines Integrated reporting (IR) as an opportunity for organisations to explain how different types of capital are being managed in the context of their operating environment to generate value for stakeholders. This type of reporting yields benefits including, inter alia, improved financial returns and lower costs of capital, enhanced risk management, increased innovation, enhanced stakeholder communication and a lower impact on the environment. South Africa is well regarded for its efforts to advance IR and for the quality of its listed companies' integrated reports, writes Dusan Ecim CA(SA), Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand. 24 Aug 2021 Read more Can you imagine living without clean water and sanitation? Waking up and not being able to have a hot shower, clean water to brush your teeth, flush your toilet or prepare your coffee? For most of us, it's only when our water main breaks or when Cape Town almost ran out of water in 2018 that we begin to feel some of the discomfort that so many people in our country live with on a daily basis. It's only, as the famous quote from Benjamin Franklin says, "when the well is dry that we know the value of water". 23 Aug 2021 Read more The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is a non-profit foundation established as part of the response to the South African #feesmustfall movement of 2015. Aimed at the poor and missing middle (R0 - R600,000 p.a. household income), the programme funds the undergraduate studies of successful applicants on a full bursary. The programmes funded are driven by the Occupations of High Demand as defined by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The current partnership includes a total of 11 public universities. 16 Aug 2021 Read more It is amazing what one can tell about a company from a deep and thorough analysis of its financial statements. Wayne van Zijl, a CA(SA) and a senior lecturer at Wits University, shares his views on IFRS. 4 Aug 2021 Read more If you care about your community, working in the public sector can give you a deep sense of satisfaction. This was the experience for Annalene Marais. 3 Aug 2021 Read more Exciting new prospects for those who studied BCom Accounting at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) after 2015. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has accredited this degree for admission into its mid-tier Associate General Accountants [AGAs(SA)] designation. 21 Jul 2021 Read more With a passion for sustainable economic growth and a vision for transformation, Saica Enterprise Development remains committed to many customised enterprise and supplier development projects within various industries in South Africa. Saica ED forms part of the nation building division under the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) and one of our key projects, the EneGro project - which plays an active role within the energy space. 12 Jul 2021 Read more How can you claim to uphold the law if you are not transparent about your tax compliance status? 10 Jun 2021 Read more The rapid growth in technological innovations that demand structural transformation, economic development and social change (against a backdrop of profound demographic imbalances and how these interlinked processes are expected to shape the future of work), leaves one wondering where jobs will come from and what they will look like? 10 Jun 2021 Read more Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, South Africa (ACFE SA) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) sign a new Memorandum of Understanding 14 May 2021 Read more Join Professor Mervyn King's 5th Good Governance Academy Colloquium to see how 12 May 2021 Read more How Thuthuka changed my life - Ipfani Hope Singo's story 23 Apr 2021 Read more South Africa continues to experience a shortage of skills in the engineering sector. One avenue of funding available to aspiring engineers who are classified among the 'missing middle' is through a partnership between the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) and the Central University of Technology (CUT). 22 Apr 2021 Read more How Thuthuka changed my life - Zanele Maduna's CA(SA) story 20 Apr 2021 Read more By the end of 2020, approximately 3.1 million (29,8%) out of 10,3 million young people aged 15-24 years were unemployed in South Africa, summing to an alarming 63.2% youth unemployment rate, according to Statistics South Africa (Q4:2020). This statistic is still on the rise and thus it is imperative that we can find solutions and job opportunities to guide and place unemployed youth and graduates. 20 Apr 2021 Read more Every professional, regardless of whether they are an engineer, lawyer, doctor or accountant, exists to serve society. 6 Apr 2021 Read more Saica would like to focus on two significant developments related to the future of sustainability reporting in South Africa and globally, writes Loshni Naidoo, Saica project director for sustainability, integrated thinking and reporting. 24 Mar 2021 Read more 5 March 2020 was a momentous day in that it marked the day where the first Covid-19 case was reported in South Africa. The year that followed was arguably one of the most difficult in our lifetime, with South Africa and the rest of the world facing numerous challenges across all facets of life, writes Jeanne Viljoen, Saica project director for ethics and practice. 15 Mar 2021 Read more Former president Nelson Mandela once said: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." 12 Mar 2021 Read more Corporate reporting has undergone, and continues to undergo, substantial changes, upgrades, advances, and methodological enhancement. The nature and scope of reporting today has had a paradigm shift compared to forty years ago. 12 Mar 2021 Read more 2020 was a tough year for education. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the matric results that the Department of Basic Education released earlier this week. They show a dip of 5.1% as the pass rate fell to 76.2%. While not surprising considering the serious and direct impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on education, what is worrying is that the number of learners who are passing grade 12 with bachelor passes remains low at just 36.5%. More significantly, that number is not enough to support the country's dire skills shortage as the majority of those who do achieve bachelor passes do not perform adequately in 'gateway' subjects like mathematics to truly aid the country's economic growth and development by entering occupations of high demand, says the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica). 24 Feb 2021 Read more As we begin a new year, many of us start the year with new hopes, dreams and goals. With 2020 and its many challenges behind us, we look forward to 2021 with the hope of new beginnings and a better future for all. However, one pandemic has been with us for several years, and if we do not make concerted efforts to address it, it will continue to plague us for many years to come. It is the pandemic of the 'missing middle'. 16 Feb 2021 Read more As we all know, Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the world economy. Although markets have recovered quite well since 2020, small businesses in South Africa and around the world have arguably been the worst hit. 15 Feb 2021 Read more Compliance, one of the most essential and often overlooked business functions for small business owners. For many entrepreneurs, the primary concern is revenue generation and ensuring profitability for their company, however, business compliance is a legal requirement not often prioritised due to business owners being unaware of their responsibility to maintain the compliance status. Covid-19 has forced many small business owners to adapt and or repurpose their business strategies to adjust to the changing environment and the importance of compliance and operating business compliantly has become more apparent. 12 Feb 2021 Read more SAICA launches #SustainableSA, a project that will provide focused monthly information on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so all South Africans can join the journey and take action. 21 Dec 2020 Read more Thursday, 3 December 2020, saw 141 small businesses led by historically underserved entrepreneurs graduate from the bespoke Funding Accelerator Programme, aptly named 'Khulisa iBiznis', meaning 'Grow your business'. This 12-month programme was developed and implemented in collaboration with J.P. Morgan, The Hope Factory NPC and SAICA Enterprise Development (SAICA ED). Despite the context of Covid-19 we saw an 85% full time employee retention rate as well as our top three SMMEs averaging at a 608% percentage increase in revenue. This unique programme catalysed growth and resilience in these SMMEs, assisting them to adapt their business models towards greater sustainability post Covid-19. 15 Dec 2020 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is pleased to announce that Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), is the first institution in the country to offer a specific degree for students who want to become Associate General Accountant [AGA(SA)]. 7 Dec 2020 Read more On 19 November 2020 ACAUS (The Association of Chartered Accountants USA) and Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) joined together to form Chartered Accountants. 23 Nov 2020 Read more Municipalities are the most basic units of government. Tasked with providing basic services and fostering development in the regions they control, they have the challenging role of mobilising their economic resources and using them to improve the lives of all citizens by providing basic services necessary for good health, well-being and human dignity. Their role is so vital, in fact, that South Africa municipalities are constitutionally tasked with providing sustainable and effective services to the public. But you only need to look at the myriad of basic service delivery protests that plague our country year in and year out to see that they're failing dismally to meet this mandate. 12 Nov 2020 Read more Rob Paddock, founder of GetSmarter digital learning platform, explains micro-credentialing and the need to provide a post-industrial era education model, which offers affordable, accessible and quality education to all. 28 Sep 2020 Read more Recently Sizwe Nxasana, Founder of Future Nation Schools, spoke at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA's) Future of Education webinar about his chain of affordable schools, and whether his innovative methods can be adopted at tertiary and post-CA(SA) qualification levels. 25 Sep 2020 Read more Society has undoubtedly painted a picture of coders being male. What can be done to change this? 25 Sep 2020 Read more Covid-19 is forcing us to have many conversations we probably should have initiated a long time ago. One of which is whether our education systems need to change. Recently, author, futurist and strategy consultant Graeme Codrington spoke at the Future of Accounting Education, Learning and Professional Development hosted by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to unlock what the future holds for tertiary education, learning and professional development, in the aftermath of Covid-19 23 Sep 2020 Read more Virtual training and virtual training environments are designed to simulate the traditional classroom or learning experience. Transnet Pipelines (TPL) together with The Hope Factory (THF) saw the need to equip their current SMMEs on the Enterprise Development Programme for Entrepreneurs with Disability with the tools needed to go 100% virtual from the comfort of their own homes. Boosting SMME support whilst staying safe was one of the biggest highlighted needs to stay resilient through our current pandemic challenges. 22 Sep 2020 Read more How many times have shareholders and other users of financial statements questioned the quality of financial information that companies provide in financial statements? The manner in which financial information is presented and disclosed could impact how the users of financial statements perceive the content and context provided in those financial statements. Financial statements are an important tool for communicating the financial performance, financial position and cash flows of a company. In addition, financial statements enable users to form an opinion, for example, on the liquidity and solvency of the company. They are also a mechanism that can be used to hold management accountable for the resources entrusted to it by shareholders, writes Bongeka Nodada, Saica project director: financial reporting. 11 Sep 2020 Read more In 2019, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) sent out a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the market's appetite for the potential comprehensive review and overhaul of financial reporting for Small Medium Enterprises (IFRS for SMEs), writes Milton Segal, SAICA Senior Executive: Corporate Reporting. 9 Sep 2020 Read more Kerryn Kohl, co-founder of 4thTalent, recently spoke about developing competence for the future world of work as part of a series on the Future of Education run by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). 7 Sep 2020 Read more Are you a Saica trainee with a passion for citizenship or do you know a Saica trainee who is? Don't underestimate yourself, your achievements or your desire to change the world. If you're making a real difference in society, you have what it takes to be the first Saica Trainee Trailblazer. 21 Aug 2020 Read more Entries for the 2020 Student Leadership Summit (SLS) Competition are open. BCom CA-stream students are being challenged to put together a Sustainable Development Goal (or SDG) focused business case that illustrates how they are empowering and improving the country through a community-based project that works towards solving one or more of the UN's SDGs. 17 Aug 2020 Read more For the past 15 years, the Thuthuka Bursary has funded academically talented African and Coloured learners and students who want to become chartered accountants [CAs(SA)]. If you are one of them, don't delay; the applications window for the 2021 intake has been extended until 30 August 2020. 30 Jul 2020 Read more At Saica's recent Leadership in a time of crisis series, actuary and innovator Dean Furman spoke about how the greatest innovation is created in tough times. 28 Jul 2020 Read more In 2015, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) discovered that several candidates sitting the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) examination had allegedly breached the assessment's ethical expectations. Having concluded the investigations into 332 cases of alleged misconduct, SAICA is now at liberty to release the outcome of its inquiry. 27 Jul 2020 Read more Ian Mann, one of South Africa's most respected strategy and leadership consultants, shares his fact-based views on why the world is getting better 23 Jul 2020 Read more Saica asked two forward-thinking accountants, Peter Magner and Willem Haarhoff, about the workspace changes that have been spurred on by remote offices 20 Jul 2020 Read more Are you or your clients facing business collapse? The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) explores practical options relating to the business rescue process and turnaround interventions. 20 Jul 2020 Read more Business coach and author Douglas Kruger provides practical ways your business can survive - and even thrive - during this time of uncertainty. 20 Jul 2020 Read more Small business owner shares his journey and flexibility during the 2020 economic battle in business. 3 Jul 2020 Read more As the South African economy flails under Covid-19 and a downgrade to junk status, The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) talks to chartered accountants [CA(SA)] Ignatius Sehoole about the importance of ensuring we continue to bring top-quality CAs(SA) into the system. 30 Jun 2020 Read more In the 2019 Saica Nation Building Impact Report, Saica CEO Freeman Nomvalo says: "As Saica celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year, we remain committed to our higher purpose of building a better world and illustrating the integral role our noble profession plays in securing the future of our country... For South Africa, our top three areas of concern remain the lack of access to quality education to all, extreme poverty and unemployment particularly in the youth demographic, and the ever-growing inequality gap that exist between our citizens." 30 Jun 2020 Read more It's common company practice to stick to a three-year cycle to update and upgrade employees' computers and laptops, but many of these devices still have years of use to go. So, instead of sending them off to the recycling depot, rather follow DriveRisk's example in donating them to a worthy cause. Here's how the country benefits when you rethink your CSI donation strategy to focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of improving access to quality education, with a particular focus on the role of technology at a time when we need it most. 29 Jun 2020 Read more Dr Alex Granger shares invaluable advice on how to develop fit for purpose leaders, culture and people for a brave new world. 17 Jun 2020 Read more When the Auditor-General (AGSA) releases its annual audit outcome reports, state-owned companies (SOCs) are accused of being run poorly and not sticking to good governance guidelines. The numerous challenges Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of these organisations face - including basic upskilling of their teams to enhance the finance capabilities required to produce financial information (financial statements) that they can use it to analyse and assimilate information for their CEOs - has led the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) CFO, Inge Mulder, to take the bold step to professionalise her finance team with the help of South Africa's leading accountancy body. 12 Jun 2020 Read more For 18 years now, the Thuthuka Bursary has been empowering South Africa's youth from previously disadvantaged communities with educational support to pursue the accountancy profession as a career. One of the beneficiaries, Tennyson Botes (31), is an excellent example of how effective the initiative has been since its establishment. Botes, who was recently appointed interim CEO of the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), shares his journey toward attaining South Africa's premier business designation, Chartered Accountant South Africa [CA(SA)]. 12 Jun 2020 Read more Trudie Matthysen is a financial controller at Sandton Sun, a Tsogo Sun flagship property, and a diamond member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (SAICA's) Accounting Technicians South Africa designation or AT(SA). Her career has not only been one of self-growth but also of giving back. Here, she talks us through her journey to reaching AT(SA) diamond membership and the importance of working towards sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all, especially in these unprecedented times... 10 Jun 2020 Read more With markets in current turmoil amid the coronavirus spread, this is the time for small businesses to relook at their current business processes and understand how their business can respond in these chaotic times. 8 Jun 2020 Read more Since the lockdown was announced almost two months ago in South Africa, there are a lot of businesses who have been unable to operate. The primary focus of these businesses has been on how they can access funding in order to pay their employees and remain afloat, and how they can adapt their business strategy to enable them to operate and generate revenue by producing essential supplies. 8 Jun 2020 Read more As we celebrate Youth Month, our thoughts turn to education and the efforts that have been made to make education in this country more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all our youth. Indeed, as a profession, we too have much to celebrate in this regard especially when it comes to the advancement of our transformation efforts, writes Robert Zwane, Saica's senior executive: national imperatives. 1 Jun 2020 Read more "Collaboration, community and creativity are our best hopes for the future." This is according to fine artist Duncan Stewart, who spoke about developing and enhancing your inherent creativity as a tool to future-proof yourself at Saica's Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series. 27 May 2020 Read more As part of Saica's Leadership in a Time of Crisis webinar series, Professor Deon Rossouw, CEO of The Ethics Institute, spoke about the importance of sticking to your values during a crisis. 26 May 2020 Read more In October 2019, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) issued a notice of the withdrawal of the non-binding opinion ("this" or "the" "opinion") pertaining to Regulation 28(2)(a) of the Companies Regulations, 2011 (the Companies Regulations) to the Companies Act, 2008 (the Companies Act). This opinion applied to legal practitioners who are registered as companies in terms of the Companies Act. This opinion considered whether the holding of assets in the legal practitioners' trust accounts is regarded as part of the ordinary course of the legal practitioner's primary business. This article serves as a reminder of the requirements contained in section 90 of the Companies Act that auditors should be cognisant of in accepting the appointment as an auditor of the business accounts of a legal practitioner. 26 May 2020 Read more In October 2019, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) issued a notice of the withdrawal of the non-binding opinion ("this" or "the" "opinion") pertaining to Regulation 28(2)(a) of the Companies Regulations, 2011 (the Companies Regulations) to the Companies Act, 2008 (the Companies Act). This opinion applied to legal practitioners who are registered as companies in terms of the Companies Act. This opinion considered whether the holding of assets in the legal practitioners' trust accounts is regarded as part of the ordinary course of the legal practitioner's primary business. As a result of the withdrawal of the opinion, the business accounts of legal practitioners who are subject to the Companies Act, i.e. are registered companies, and who hold assets in trust in excess of R5m at any time during the financial year, are now required to be audited. 26 May 2020 Read more As part of SAICA's Leadership in a Time of Crisis webinar series, Willem van der Post, CA(SA) and CEO of xTech.Capital shared some thoughts on what the workplace of the future will look like, especially in a post-coronavirus world. 21 May 2020 Read more At Saica's Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, Investec's Chief Investment Strategist, Chris Holdsworth, shared insight on how the pandemic is shaping investment strategies. 18 May 2020 Read more Albert Einstein famously said: "The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." 8 May 2020 Read more William Ngobeni has followed an exceptionally long and windy path before finally qualifying as a chartered accountant [CA(SA)] in February this year, having passed the qualifying exams after over a decade of stops and starts. 7 May 2020 Read more As part of Saica's Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, CA(SA) and CFO of Discovery Health, Brett Tromp, shared his thoughts on what good leaders can do in a time of crisis. 6 May 2020 Read more As part of Saica's Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series, clinical psychologist Navlika Ratangee spoke about how to achieve mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 crisis. 4 May 2020 Read more For the last few years, a growing number of executives, managers, employees and even the self-employed have been on the receiving end of low or zero economic growth, continuous downsizing, retrenchments and budget cuts. Add to that rampant corruption and state capture, and it's easy to understand why, across the board, we're seeing an increase in mental issues in the workplace, such as depression, anxiety and burnout. Employees and their leaders are overwhelmed. And then... Covid-19 struck. The coronavirus and the fallout couldn't have come at a worse time. 4 May 2020 Read more Saica hosted a webinar on 6 April 2020 where chief economist for Investec Bank Limited South Africa, Annabel Bishop, spoke about the effects of sub-investment grade status and the coronavirus on our country's already struggling economy. 4 May 2020 Read more Organisation Development Consultant Paolo Giuricich shared top tips on working and managing remotely at SAICA's Leadership in a time of crisis webinar series. 4 May 2020 Read more Your age on the day when you can first write the qualification CA(SA) behind your name is of less importance than your reasons for becoming a chartered accountant. Journeys differ considerably. The drive and enthusiasm of people at both ends of the spectrum - people who qualify at a very young age and those who do so when they are more mature in years - are inspirational in different ways. Shaah Bootha, the youngest to qualify as CA(SA) at the age of 23, shares his journey and insights about the profession. 30 Apr 2020 Read more Your age on the day when you can first write the qualification CA(SA) behind your name is of less importance than your reasons for becoming a chartered accountant. Journeys differ considerably. The drive and enthusiasm of people at both ends of the spectrum - people who qualify at a very young age and those who do so when they are more mature in years - are inspirational in different ways. Vusi Nkabini, the oldest to qualify as CA(SA) at the age of 52, shares his journey and insights about the profession. 30 Apr 2020 Read more During the lockdown, you may not be able to work in your business, but investor and entrepreneur York Zucchi shares expert tips on how you can work on your business. 29 Apr 2020 Read more Last month, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) announced the results from the January sitting of the Initial Test of Competence (ITC). Candidates who were unsuccessful in January have another opportunity in June 2020 to test the application of their technical competence. To help these candidates prepare for the June sitting, Saica has secured funding from the Financial and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (Fasset) to run its Thuthuka ITC Repeat Programme - a unique support programme in support of previously disadvantaged candidates. 16 Apr 2020 Read more Before, aspiring chartered accountants [CAs(SA)] only had two options when it came to completing the compulsory Professional Programme requirement of their qualification journey. Now they have a third option. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) has fully accredited Endunamoo's Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Professional Programme. 15 Apr 2020 Read more Cami Mbulawa CA(SA), executive at RisCura and a SAICA Members in Business committee member, has a passion for serving as a non-executive board member. Usually the youngest person at the table, Cami shares her lessons in becoming a board member and making a lasting impact. 31 Mar 2020 Read more Institute encourages perseverance for unsuccessful candidates and reminds of second opportunity 30 Mar 2020 Read more Igniting hope for a better future - at the heart of The Hope Factory is the impactful change created through entrepreneurial skills development of South African individuals. Discover how The Hope Factory is empowering individuals to become financially independent through the story of beneficiary Unathi Kolanisi. 18 Mar 2020 Read more CA(SA) Leonie Meyer is a reporting strategist at GreymatterFinch, as well as an active member of the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR), where she assists in SANPARKS conservation objectives as the K9 national project treasurer, where she oversees all anti-poaching canine activities from a management level. The role suits this animal-loving books-balancer to a T, but how exactly does one end up in a career that also stokes your passion of protecting the natural environment? Leonie explains... 17 Mar 2020 Read more As the world's 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, South Africa's carbon footprint is through the roof. While it is true that these emissions are principally due to our heavy reliance on coal (particularly when it comes to our electricity grid), the World Wildlife Fund estimates that our footprint is about 2.8 hectares per person. This is concerning when you consider that the planet can only support an average of 1.8 hectares per person. With this in mind, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (Saica) Central Region Office has challenged Saica members and associates across the country to join the call to reduce climate action by taking part in the #spekboomchallenge. 3 Mar 2020 Read more Due to recent high-profile corporate failures in South Africa, questions are being asked about the relationship between auditor independence, the amount of fees and audit quality. There is a perception in various circles that lower audit fees equate to lower audit quality, writes Thandokuhle Myoli, Saica project director: assurance. 18 Feb 2020 Read more Nathaniel Japhta grew up in the Cape Flats, a life many chartered accountants [CAs(SA)] just can't imagine. He has first-hand experience with prevalent gang culture and witnessing drug abuse, explaining: "I saw friends and family with more talent than I had go to prison for life, or face no option but a life of drug dealing. I was held at gunpoint for my watch on my way to write my matric final exams. It's just one of the many experiences I had to endure and push through." Here's what inspired him to push through and help the next generation get on the safe track to a brighter future. 18 Feb 2020 Read more Today, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) announced that 2 024 of the 3 560 candidates who wrote the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) evaluation in November 2019, successfully met the assessment's requirements. 14 Feb 2020 Read more SAICA, in collaboration with One Young World (OYW) and Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), launched Finance and Business (FinBiz) 2030 in Johannesburg, South Africa on 6 February 2020 at Investec. FinBiz2030 is an initiative to unite and mobilise the finance and business community to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Finance professionals from various sectors came together as a force for change and to make a commitment to tackle some of South Africa's most pressing issues. 14 Feb 2020 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) is pleased to note that audit firms are heeding the call to prepare transparency reports. KPMG South Africa recently issued its transparency report, Driving audit quality in South Africa, following on from transparency and similar reports issued by the other large audit firms in South Africa in 2019. 13 Feb 2020 Read more The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) have signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) that came into effect on 15 January 2020. The agreement provides a pathway for South African Chartered Accountants (CAs [SA]) and US Certified Public Accountants (CPA) to have their credentials recognised in both countries. 11 Feb 2020 Read more The current economic outlook in South Africa is generally not looking good, jobs are scarce and growth is uncertain. We are however in an age where technology is rapidly developing. So how can businesses leverage off technology to save on costs and create business efficiencies? Jameel Khan, SAICA Project Manager Practice, takes a look. 10 Feb 2020 Read more Move over, number crunchers. Tomorrow's chartered accountants (CAs[SA]) are more concerned with adding value than balancing the books, says Tramayne Monaghan. And he should know - as Chief Innovation Officer of Tencent, he's a living example of this new breed. 27 Jan 2020 Read more South Africa is thankfully moving towards cleaner energy with Cabinet's latest approved 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This IRP outlines wind power contribution to the future energy mix of 18%. South Africa has therefore seen the swift appearance of larger and smaller wind and solar farms during the past few years, and this also triggers discussions about how the growing renewable energy programme contributes to sustainability and the development of new skills for the country. 20 Jan 2020 Read more While matrics around the country celebrate their success following the Department of Basic Education's release of the 2019 NSC and IEB matric results, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is concerned about the long-term repercussions of ongoing trends for the future of our economy. 20 Jan 2020 Read more Recently, Stephen Koseff, former CEO of Investec Group, tackled the tricky conversation around the national unemployment problem, currently sitting at a staggering 29%, in relation to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the 2019 Nation Building Summit held by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in conjunction with Leaderex. As a solution, he offered the need to shift from developmental state to enabling state, with a particular focus on upskilling in the tourism and agriculture industries as potential solutions and explains how civil society can get involved... 8 Jan 2020 Read more Mathematically gifted, Danielle Kleyn's future is burning bright. She's looking forward to her 2020 Matric year, having just completed her Grade 11 studies at Parel Vallei High School in Somerset West. But her enthusiasm for the year ahead comes as no surprise: her passion and talent for maths has already seen her crowned as 'Queen of Mathematics' twice at the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and first in her grade for the olympiad for the past four years. Here, Kleyn shares some actionable advice that parents and learners can use to foster their love and talent for maths... 13 Dec 2019 Read more Chartered Accountant, Sizwe Nxasana, founder of Future Nation Schools and co-founder of the National Education Collaboration Trust or NECT, reveals his thoughts on how to build better schools by improving both the teaching and learning environment. 5 Nov 2019 Read more Annie McWalter, CEO of SAICA enterprise development, recently shared a TEX Talk-style presentation on the macro-environment of entrepreneurship in South Africa, addressing our performance by positing potential solutions for developing entrepreneurs with a 'partner with us' call to action against the background and specific objectives of SAICA's Nation Building initiatives of The Hope Factory, as well as SAICA's Enterprise Development. 5 Nov 2019 Read more Recently, Tashmia Ismail, CEO of the Youth Employment Service or YES, shared a positive perspective at the 2019 Nation-Building Summit held by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in conjunction with Leaderex, against a backdrop of offering real-time solutions to youth unemployment. She stated that there is a way to climb out of this growth trap - provided everyone in the room says 'yes to YES' and shift the economy from pear-shaped to peachy... 4 Nov 2019 Read more An exciting partnership between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury has had far-reaching results, entrenching a culture of accountability in the department while creating opportunities for the province's youth. 4 Nov 2019 Read more In 2018, owner Kholofelo Nengwenda entered a competition, and the prize for second place was securing a seat in the SAICA Enterprise Development programme, which she was thrilled with. This was a chance for her to increase her business knowledge, especially her financial acumen, and garner all the practical tools to make her business a success. 4 Nov 2019 Read more The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a framework for the changes the world needs to make to solve poverty, world hunger, poor health, the lack of quality education, climate change, gender inequality, environmental issues, and more. That's why this year's South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (SAICA's) annual Student Leadership Summit (SLS) challenged BCom CA-stream accounting students from around the country to think bigger. To enter, students had to come up with community-based solutions for one or more of the goals. Earlier this month, University of Johannesburg's (UJ's) Bonginkosi Kalipa's Team3 Farm project won top honours. 24 Oct 2019 Read more Fact: there are more than 51 trillion pieces of microplastic in our oceans - that's more than 500 times more than the number of stars in our galaxy. With around 8 million tonnes ending up in our oceans every year, three Port Shepstone accounting firms banded together on International Coastal Clean-Up Day (21 September) to demonstrate their commitment to the United Nation's 14th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by cleaning up and removing plastic litter from their local beachfronts. 22 Oct 2019 Read more More than two million people in Limpopo live below the breadline. So it is no wonder that there was great joy in the province on Friday, 18 October 2019, as students, academics, members of the chartered accountancy profession, government officials and VIP guests gathered in the University of Venda's (UNIVEN) auditorium to celebrate the accreditation of the University's BCom (Accounting Sciences) undergraduate degree by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). 22 Oct 2019 Read more The new and revised auditor reporting standards became effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016. With more than two years of post-implementation experience, this SAICA article provides an overview and analysis of the revised format of the auditor's reports of certain entities listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange JSE. 11 Oct 2019 Read more It's a long way from Acornhoek in Bushbuckridge to Tambov in Russia - but that's where Akani Sikwile and Emmanuel Mashaba, both former participants in Thuthuka's Mpumalanga Development Camp, find themselves studying medicine. 7 Oct 2019 Read more The Hope Factory and SAICA Enterprise Development have again partnered with Transnet Pipelines SOC to provide SMME development support for small Black Businesses owned and run by people with disabilities. The 10 SMMEs, from a range of different industries, have been selected from Johannesburg and KwaZulu Natal. 27 Sep 2019 Read more In 2018, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) again performed its Global Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Survey asking practitioners from small and medium practices across the globe to provide feedback. The survey was designed to be completed by senior SMP professionals, whose clients are predominantly small and medium entities (SMEs). The survey results are aimed to provide a snapshot of key issues, and tracks important trends and developments facing SMPs. This provides a better understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities SMPs and SMEs face globally. 25 Sep 2019 Read more Aaron Naidu (Eden College) and Emmanuel Rassou (South African College High School) were honoured for their performance in the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO). The two learners beat more than 91,000 learners nationwide to be crowned as the overall winners of the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO). 23 Sep 2019 Read more The proverb goes: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." This saying has been attributed to the Chinese, the Italians, Native Americans and others. But whoever said it first, matters less than its implication: helping others to help themselves is at the heart of sustainability and also of many successful NGOs who succeed in reaching their objectives. 17 Sep 2019 Read more Entries for the 2019 Student Leadership Summit (SLS) are now open. This year, instead of being a thought leadership essay writing competition as it has in the past 10 year, students are being challenged to put together a Sustainable Development Goal (or SDG) focused business case that illustrates how they would empower and improve the country through a community-based project that works towards solving one or more of the UN's SDGs. 29 Aug 2019 Read more Energy management is vital, even at times when there is no national energy supply crisis - and the small business sector is not helpless in terms of effecting changes that benefit themselves as well as their customers and clients says Annie McWalter, CEO of SAICA Enterprise Development. 19 Aug 2019 Read more Training is often seen as a 'nice to have' rather than a pressing need. Some think of training programmes as expensive, hard to plan and difficult to execute efficiently on a long-term basis. However, its importance is undeniable, especially in growing economies with large backlogs of highly skilled people. 19 Aug 2019 Read more Chartered accountant (CA[SA]), Peace Mabaso is a financial manager at FNB's private bank lending business unit, as well as executive member of the Ekulindeni Reunion Foundation (ERF). He's a shining example of a CA(SA) flourishing in the office while also helping others step onto the road to success. But Peace wouldn't be where he is today without several boosts from SAICA's Thuthuka programmes - the first of these when he was still at school. 16 Aug 2019 Read more As a recently qualified chartered accountant [CA(SA)] Fulufhelo Siphuma's career has moved swiftly. But it's not a case of "all work, no play", this fitness coach also finds the time to put her sustainable development goal (SDG) passions to play. This fitness coach also puts the UN's SDGs to work. 13 Aug 2019 Read more The skills to obtain and manage funding are highly sought after by entrepreneurs and SMMEs. Annie McWalter, CEO of SAICA Enterprise Development, comments on some of the ways in which SAICA has mobilised the chartered accountancy profession to addresses some tough issues hampering sustainable SMME development. 30 Jul 2019 Read more There is still much work to be done in South Africa to create an even playing field for women. In her role as president of African Women Chartered Accountants, Zama Khanyile is playing her part. A fund manager at the National Empowerment Fund, she also leads a team that provides access to capital for some of the country's most inspiring black females. 22 Jul 2019 Read more Here's how the accountancy profession's Thuthuka initiatives, of which sponsorship of the South African Mathematics Olympiad is but one, changed the life of this young South African by unearthing his mathematical gift. 16 Jul 2019 Read more In South Africa there are many initiatives to support entrepreneurial development from different educational, professional and business angles - and almost always one of the most pressing issues experienced by participants is that of financing. Annie McWalter, CEO of SAICA Enterprise Development, addresses this issue. 12 Jul 2019 Read more Bojane Segooa has a lifelong passion for education. Not only is she currently completing her Master's degree in Innovation, while working as a senior lecturer at Unisa's department of financial accounting, she also followed through on her dream of becoming a CA(SA), and has since been nominated by SAICA as one of its Top 35 Chartered Accountants under the age of 35, for her exceptional community development talent. 11 Jul 2019 Read more Having lived through poverty as a child, chartered accountant (CA[SA]) Makoena Mabusela is passionate about helping others break out of the cycle 11 Jul 2019 Read more The newly appointed CEO of Fasset, Ayanda Mafuleka CA(SA) is passionate about using her position to better the lives of South Africans by steering the organisation's strategy towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work (SDG 8) and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). 5 Jul 2019 Read more Sean Beautement CA(SA) is on a mission to make the UN's second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - that of zero hunger - a global reality by 2030 through his involvement with Rise Against Hunger. 5 Jul 2019 Read more Can you take socially responsible consumerism and turn it into a business? Naomi Ledoux, a working mom from PE with a CA(SA) background, has by turning trash into handcrafted handbags. 5 Jul 2019 Read more The new Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) new website, with electronic registration, claims and submission of returns on one system, has its fair share of teething problems. 13 Jun 2019 Read more The minister of finance issued the Municipal Regulations on Minimum Competence levels on 15 June 2007 which was later amended to 26 October 2018, in an effort to address the lack of competency levels of officials responsible for financial and supply chain management at municipalities and municipal entities. Currently, there is no minimum competency levels for officials employed at public entities and departments. 6 Jun 2019 Read more The public can have their say on the draft Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Chartered Accountancy Sector Code. 15 May 2019 Read more The King IV report makes this clear: It is crucial for an organisation to get the right mix and balance of people to sit on its board. The report implies there is a positive correlation between the diversity of skills present on the board and its effectiveness. 10 Dec 2018 Read more The accounting profession is under pressure at the moment to improve public perceptions on whether they, and more specifically chartered accountants, are still behaving ethically. 13 Aug 2018 Read more |
| |
|
|
