Tag: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

Parliament tabled the 2025 budgets on 19 February 2025, but they were not approved. The budgets proposed a 2% increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate. The proposal suggested raising the VAT rate from 15% to 17%.

Business confidence in its most basic form is the optimism or pessimism of business in future economic conditions. This in most instances drives their willingness to invest, hire people and expand operations. According to a report by United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), several factors beyond economic determinants are increasingly shaping investment decisions.

Those in the know say building a house can cost anything from R10,000 to R20,000 per square meter. Factors such as location, quality of the material used, and design complexity can significantly raise costs. High-end houses can cost upwards of R25,000 per square meter. It is a hefty price to pay, but one well worth it.

The impact of excessive government regulation and control is the harm to businesses and employees caused by excessive workloads and stress. This reduces productivity, morale and overall efficiency in public services. The state is intended to function in an efficient, economical and effective manner.

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?

Collaboration between government and business is vital to realising economic growth. Government should set up a conducive environment for businesses to operate while businesses ensure that they help grow the economy and employ citizens. This partnership must ensure that socio-economic goals are also met for the benefit of citizens.

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? As audit professionals we often find ourselves facing unique challenges ranging from misalignment with auditees to insufficient identification of changing risk areas with technology advances and keeping pace with emerging technologies while ensuring the integrity of financial information.

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?

During Parliamentary debates on amendments to the Companies Act in 2023, it was noted that the biggest opposition to the amendments related to the disclosure of remuneration. With the President signing the Companies Amendment Act on the 26th of July 2024, debates on the new remuneration requirements will resurface.

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.