Tag: transparency

Really think about it. What would your answer be? Would you fall into the 40% of global CEOs who, according to professional services giant PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, doubt their companies will still exist in the next decade? If the answer is yes, ask yourself why. Now ask yourself: “Are the people in my company happy?”

In its drive to meet the ambitious 2025/26 revenue estimate of R1.986 trillion, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made its expectations clear. Timely, transparent and accurate tax submissions are now the new normal. Central to this approach is the expanded use of third-party data. This applies broadly, including trusts and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).

A crop that can protect itself against pests and herbicides sounds like a winning recipe. And it is. However, it only remains a winning solution when the technology behind it is managed with care and caution. Agriculture depends on limited and shared resources. This means that farmers, by definition, are stewards who must always consider the needs of the next generation and those after them.

The often-cited and widely disputed claim from a 2015 Microsoft report, that today’s consumers have the attention span of a goldfish, may lack scientific credibility. Still, it remains a compelling metaphor for the fragmented nature of modern attention. Add to that the erosion of trust caused by fake news, exaggerated claims and constant digital noise, and it becomes clear why traditional sales strategies are losing ground.

The future of payments is digital, but lasting impact will come from trust and transparency. Digital transformation is reshaping the South African payments landscape driving greater transparency, regulatory compliance and inclusive innovation. But beyond the technology, it’s also redefining how the financial ecosystem anticipates, manages and mitigates risk.

We live in a time when information is everywhere. Consumers are savvy and seek information and reviews about products and brands to make informed purchasing decisions. Consumers no longer want to be convinced; they want to be informed.

As businesses across South Africa explore alternative energy solutions, electricity wheeling has emerged as a promising option. It offers new opportunities but also presents challenges in selecting the right independent power producer (IPP). One of the main reasons for the growing interest in wheeling – which allows IPPs to generate power and sell it directly to businesses – is that it eliminates the need for on-site solar installations.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become embedded in systems that power organisations, industries and people’s daily lives. Generative AI (GenAI), in particular, is reshaping how organisations operate. In doing so, the technology is driving efficiencies and unlocking new opportunities. However, with this potential comes significant risk.

In 2016 Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum reflected on the intersection of technology and humanity. Schwab expressed concern about how technology like smartphones could affect our compassion and connection with others, possibly depriving us of meaningful engagement.

Two-thirds of professionals (63%) have admitted that one of the leading reasons for leaving a previous employer is that they did not have a ‘connection’ with their management or leadership team. A further 68% stated that their exit was due to ‘empty promises’ from management. Professionals feel that leaders who fail to act on commitments erode trust.