Tag: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)

On 18 August 2022, we published an opinion piece regarding the decision of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to no longer extend the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs), which are set to expire on 31 December 2022.

The primary responsibility of every accountant is to serve the public interest first. But, as asked by the Roman poet Juvenal, 'Who will guard the guards themselves?' Who ensures accountants remain accountable? This is the function of professional accountancy organisations (PAOs), and it is the reason every accountant should be a member of such an association.

We have begun thinking differently about what accountancy is and needs to be in a world marked by advanced technological capabilities and extreme socio-economic conditions.

The only constant in a tech-driven world is change. Rapid advances in technology are driving change in the workplace. To remain competitive, businesses are having to implement new strategies that include technology, upskilling their workforce, employing agile leaders and promoting a culture of lifelong learning among managers and other employees.

An interview with Jennifer Barkhuizen, Head of Communications & Supplier Relations, Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE), and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing an article written by Michelle Baron-Williamson, CEO, Managed Integrity Evaluation (MIE) on the 'name and shame' register launched by SAQA which lists the known fraudulent qualifications and the consequences that may result by people who claim qualifications that are fraudulent.

South Africa’s current woes are in large part a result of a large-scale breakdown in ethics (both personal and professional) and good governance practices. One only needs to look at the goings-on at Steinhoff, KPMG, Eskom, SARS and VBS Bank to see the impact that unethical behaviour, large scale looting and unchecked business practices have had on the South African economy and on South Africans, whose confidence in the leadership of this country and those in business is at an all-time low.

This feature takes a look at how professionalism helps to build and maintain an ethical society, one that upholds the values of honesty, integrity and dependability. It explores the role professional bodies play in setting and upholding industry standards, and how professional development assists in the maintenance of those standards. It also looks at the role business schools are playing in professional development, and what skills will be needed in the future world of work.

The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI); a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognised professional body; has recently been approved by the South...