Management

The C-suite has long left data resilience and cybersecurity in the hands of security and IT teams. It has been a case of ‘leave it to the experts’, and for a long time, that made sense. But as organisations have become increasingly dependent on technology and breaches have become a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if,’ cybersecurity has become a part of everyone’s day-to-day.

As organisations enter the new year, many are refreshing strategies and refining goals. They are doing this amidst a rapidly changing landscape. About 80% of companies consider change part of their long-term vision and 100% of C-suite executives anticipate workforce transformation. Yet, only 30% feel confident in their ability to manage change.

Read our exclusive cover story titled King V - the next chapter for good corporate governance by Parmi Natesan, CEO and Ansie Ramalho, Chair of the King Committee, Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA), plus a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics.

In the 2025 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana unveiled a proposed staggered increase to the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. This move, designed to address economic challenges and fund key government initiatives, will undoubtedly add pressure to small businesses, especially those who are already struggling with cash flow. However, it’s worth understanding who pays VAT, how VAT contributes to total tax revenue, and how you as a small business can manage this change.

Leaders set the tone for workplace culture. They influence performance, productivity and profitability. Leaders also shape the environment in which employees either thrive or disengage. A study conducted in US in response to the Great Resignation, which saw employees leave their jobs in record numbers after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three months into 2025, most new year “trends” articles have run their course. It is helpful to know what is coming. Businesses also need to understand where they must evolve to stay relevant. However, one constant remains clear in all this. Communication continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.

Leaders must navigate increasingly complex challenges. These include economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, evolving workforce requirements and stakeholder demands. Within this context of leadership in uncertain times, traditional skills no longer suffice.

In what may be their boldest digital transformation, the government is reportedly engaged in clandestine talks with billionaire tech magnate Elon Musk. The project’s goal is to develop an advanced AI "eSkomBots" system to replace civil servants nationwide.

Can you really have it all? As a leader, balance often feels like an illusion. Lately, I have been thinking differently. Maybe leadership is not about balance but about rhythm. Within that rhythm, one feeling often surfaces yet remains unspoken: self-doubt.

Forget outdated consumer demographics and marketing personas. Even knowing your customers’ names and preferences is no longer enough. According to a Marketing & Sales Practice report by McKinsey, 71% of consumers now expect personalisation. This expectation raises the bar for customer retention and engagement.