The accounting and auditing profession is at a turning point. Accuracy, compliance and long-standing client relationships are still non-negotiable, but they are no longer enough. Technology, AI, and shifting client expectations have moved the goalposts and, therefore, the game plan within corporate. To stay ahead and be leading requires a new strategy - think Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks. Sentiment is long gone. 1. Relevance: What Keeps You in the Game Do clients still e

If you are a large company, you most likely have a proper induction or onboarding system in place. HR is there to drive it and make sure all the boxes are ticked. Medium-sized businesses in South Africa, however, are quite a different story. Companies barely have disciplinary codes that are well-explained to employees, let alone the induction or onboarding process. What is an induction process? Firstly, one needs to take note that it is a process! It integrates the new employ

Healthcare costs can place a significant financial burden on individuals and families. To help offset some of these expenses, South African taxpayers are allowed certain tax benefits related to medical aid contributions and qualifying medical expenses. Understanding these benefits can help taxpayers maximise their tax relief when filing their annual returns. This article explains the two primary tax benefits related to medical expenses in South Africa: the Medical Scheme Fees

Operating a commercial farming enterprise often requires significant capital, typically necessitating engagement with commercial banks for substantial credit facilities and loans. When securing these essential funds, directors of farming companies and trustees of family trusts are frequently asked to sign personal guarantees or trust-backed sureties. A recent Free State High Court judgment, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited v Wiid and Others, serves as a stark warnin

Global accounting software company Xero has announced major advances in its use of artificial intelligence (AI), signalling a new era of intelligent, conversational accounting for small businesses and their advisors. The company’s latest AI developments include the rollout of its Just Ask Xero (JAX) assistant and enhancements to its core automation features, designed to reduce repetitive bookkeeping work and deliver real-time business insights. A Smarter Way to Manage Finance

In today’s competitive business landscape, agility and strategic financial planning have become essential ingredients for growth. Yet, many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), still view commercial finance as a last resort. They turn to lenders or funding partners only when cash flow dries up or when an emergency threatens operations. This mindset needs to change. Commercial finance should not be a reactionary tool; it should be a growth enable

For South Africans, investing has always been a global game. It’s not only because Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act has allowed investors to include up to 45% offshore assets in their portfolios for the last three years, or even because South Africa’s economy and stock market are small compared to the rest of the world’s. It’s also because the JSE itself is becoming increasingly global in nature, with about 54% of JSE Capped SWIX constituents earning the bulk of their i

The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, No. 75 of 1997 (BCEA), sets out the minimum standards for sick leave for all employees covered by the Act. It also guides employers on their responsibilities regarding sick leave. What is the “Sick Leave Cycle” A “sick leave cycle” is 36 months (3 years) of continuous employment with the same employer. During each cycle, an employee is entitled to the number of days they normally work in a six-week period as paid sick leave. Example:

Over the past year, insurers have observed a significant rise in Fidelity Guarantee claims, particularly within Body Corporates, Homeowners’ Associations, and Property Management environments. While Fidelity Guarantee cover is intended to protect an insured entity against financial loss caused by fraud or dishonesty, the effectiveness of this protection depends on the strength of governance and internal controls in place. Why Claims Are Being Declined A large portion of claim

The 2026 Budget has introduced several meaningful updates that may impact your investment strategy, retirement planning, and long‑term financial goals. Below is a clear breakdown of the most important changes, along with what they mean for you. Savings and& Retirement Reform – 2026 The latest budget introduces several enhancements aimed at encouraging South Africans to save more efficiently and enjoy greater flexibility at retirement. Key Updates Higher annual tax‑free saving

Let’s be honest, nobody really enjoys talking about their own death. It’s uncomfortable, it’s emotional, and it feels a long way off. But as the Dutch philosopher Hugo de Groot once famously defined it, a last will is essentially your final declaration of what you want to happen to your property when you're no longer here to oversee it. Think of it as the blueprint for your entire estate plan; the document that sets everything in motion the moment you pass away. Because it’s

Description It is any property designed for a specific type of business where the property value reflects the trading potential of that business. In other words, the profitability of the business in the TRP (Trade Related Property) will determine the rental levels the business can afford to pay, and hence the price a buyer will be prepared to pay. This is a specialised type of valuation. Examples are: Hotels Guest houses Fuel filling stations Caravan site Racecourse Brewery

The world already hums with roughly four hundred million company logos, and another three hundred and twenty thousand to five hundred and twenty thousand appear every single day. Most come from new ventures getting off the ground, periodic redesigns, and the surge in freelancers, agencies, and DIY or AI tools. Founders see the mark as a day-one kit. More than 78% create a logo before launch. That instinct is sound. People recognise familiar shapes in a blink. A logo can regis

In today’s fast-changing digital world, technology has transformed how we communicate, store, and share information. Artificial intelligence (AI) now enables us to generate, edit, and replicate documents and images with incredible ease and realism. While these innovations offer many benefits, they also introduce new challenges for auditors and clients alike, particularly in verifying the authenticity of documents used as audit evidence. Why authenticity matters more than ever

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The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (“CIPC”) recently provided updated criteria for the reinstatement process for...