Tag: BDO South Africa

In an increasingly uncertain global and domestic landscape, the banking sector delivers steady performance while demonstrating resilience and strategic clarity. Through disciplined management, digital transformation and customer-focused innovation, the country’s leading banks continue to maintain stability despite economic headwinds.

The numbers tell a sobering story. South Africa welcomed 5.85 million international tourists from January to July 2025. This marks a 14% increase over 2024. Yet, we remain frustratingly close and still far from our pre-pandemic peak. We are just 33,000 visitors short of 2019 levels, a mere 1%.

The tragic collapse of an apartment building in George earlier this year, which resulted in the loss of 34 lives, serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to best practices in construction to manage risk and ensure compliance.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently announced the completion of the observation period for the South African Rand Overnight Index Average (ZARONIA). This development marks a pivotal shift in South Africa’s financial landscape, transitioning from the Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR) to ZARONIA as the primary reference rate.

While the internal audit function has undergone significant transformation, the rapid pace of change is only set to accelerate in the foreseeable future. I shed some light on some key industry trends that have emerged, and the some key areas of transformation we can expect to see defining the sector over the next five years.

We can learn a thing or two from the global movement of rugby players, applying similar principles to business that will give organisations a competitive edge.

The integration of finance and technology, known as fintech, has revolutionised traditional banking and payment systems, transforming how we live, work and travel. Similarly, travel technology, or traveltech, has empowered travellers with convenient booking platforms and personalised experiences.

Zombies are one of the most recognized horror tropes, which has become more popular in the last decade than ever before. However, beyond our screens, zombie companies exist in the business world as well. Despite limping along, it appears that these companies may be reaching their natural end.

As organisations navigate the maze that is the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), many still struggle to understand the implications and requirements of the Act. The importance of bridging the gap between cyber and legal aspects when addressing data privacy concerns under POPIA is highlighted.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations face a critical challenge: the need to stay ahead in an era of constant change and innovation. With 70% of C-level leaders feeling their skills are falling behind and over 80% of companies expressing concerns about hiring the right talent, it’s evident that a new approach is needed to navigate the future of work effectively.