In This Issue

South Africa needs urgently to reflect on a landmark legislative initiative that is unfolding in the United States of America. Designed to curtail the expansive authority of federal agencies which can issue economically significant regulations without congressional approval, this effort marks a pivotal attempt by American lawmakers to reclaim their constitutionally enshrined role as the nation’s primary lawmakers.

The way we hire is being rewritten - not by chance, but by code. As organisations grapple with increasing hiring demands, limited HR bandwidth and fierce competition for top talent, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged not just as a tool, but as a transformational force across the entire recruitment lifecycle.

Peak performance, real motivation, and true engagement aren’t separate goals - they are the interconnected foundation of sustainable leadership. Productivity shouldn’t be the end goal, but the outcome of a thriving work culture. Drawing on the insights of Stulberg, Fowler and Lencioni, leaders are offered a practical blueprint for building workplaces where people don’t just show up - they excel.

South Africa’s graduate unemployment rate has surged from 8.7% last year to 11.7% this year, which has prompted questions about the value of a university degree in a struggling economy. However, the question should not be about the value of further education, but rather the systemic - yet clearly identifiable and addressable - issues that continue to cause barriers to employment post-graduation.

Payment gateways play a critical role in transaction processing. The transaction messages are processed through them while they broker the approval of the transactions from the source (generally customer or merchant) to operators (generally issuer).

Thinking Seriously is a three-part series for anyone who suspects their brain might be quietly sabotaging them at work. Starting with thoughts - the architects of our decisions - then moving through emotions and behaviours, this series unpacks the invisible mechanics driving how we think, feel and act in the ambiguous chaos of modern business.

Read our exclusive cover story titled Digital payments - securing the gateways by Dean Friedman, Partner and Rupesh Vashist, Associate Director, KPMG Southern Africa, plus a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics.

The tax court, in a reportable judgment handed down on 13 January 2025, considered whether raising fees are finance charges which are similar to interest, and therefore, tax-deductible on the same basis as interest.

Public Relations (PR) is more crucial than ever in the age of Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). AI-driven search engines no longer just scan social media or reviews - they prioritise authoritative, editorial content. This shift is redefining online reputation and elevating PR’s role in shaping brand credibility.

Family businesses are economic entities ideally positioned to lead in the stewardship of ethical and sustainable practices. Legacy and wealth protection have long informed family business strategy and decisions, stemming from the unique blend of family and business - the relational approach.