Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) updates
1. Compliance Crackdown Intensifies
South African Revenue Service (SARS) updates
1. Tax Statistics and Revenue Performance
COP30: Key Outcomes from the Amazon Summit
The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, was billed as the “Implementation COP,” aiming to turn climate pledges into action. While progress was made on several fronts, the summit exposed deep divides on critical issues.
How SMEs Can Incorporate Forest Bathing into Strategy Sessions
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face intense pressure to innovate and make decisions quickly. Yet, the traditional boardroom setting can stifle creativity and well-being. Enter forest bathing—a Japanese practice known as shinrin-yoku—which involves immersing oneself in a natural environment to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. Integrating this into strategy sessions can transform how teams think and collaborate.
Scam Alert: Beware of “Final Demand – Debt Management” Letter
Taxpayers should be alert to a rising phishing threat - fraudsters are sending out fake PDF letters with subjects such as “LEGAL RULING SUMMON DEMAND AS AT 21 10 2025” (though the subject line may vary).
SARS Expands Oversight of Crypto Transactions
South Africa’s tax authorities are preparing to implement new reporting standards that will bring cryptocurrency transactions squarely within the formal tax net. The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has released draft regulations to adopt the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), alongside updates to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Tabled for 12 November: What to Expect
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver South Africa’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 12 November, outlining the government’s fiscal and economic plans for the next three years. Often referred to as the “mini-budget,” the MTBPS provides a crucial update between February’s main Budget speeches, setting the tone for spending, borrowing, and reform priorities.
King V: A New Era for Corporate Governance in South Africa
The forthcoming King V Code of Corporate Governance marks a major milestone in South Africa’s governance landscape. Developed under the auspices of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), King V is set to launch on 31 October 2025, following a national consultation process earlier this year. The draft was released for public comment on 24 February 2025, with submissions closing on 4 April 2025.
Treasury Eyes Foreign Pensions: What It Means for Retirees
Recent proposals from the National Treasury suggest a major shift in how foreign pensions and retirement benefits are taxed in South Africa. Currently, under Section 10(1)(gC) of the Income Tax Act, lump sums, pensions and annuities from foreign sources tied to past employment are exempt from income tax for South African residents.
VAT Modernisation SA: Guiding Businesses Through South Africa’s Real-Time VAT Transition
South Africa is on the path to a real-time VAT reporting system, with full implementation expected by 2028. This will see a shift away from periodic self-reporting toward e-invoicing and direct, automated data transmission to SARS.
Static VAT Threshold is Placing Administrative Strain on Small Businesses
South Africa’s VAT registration threshold has remained unchanged at R1 million in annual turnover since 2009. In the intervening years, inflation has eroded the real value of this threshold. If it had been adjusted annually, analysts estimate it would now be closer to R2.1 million.
SARS Relief Possible for Taxpayers
A forthcoming legislative change could offer relief to South African taxpayers, but only under stringent conditions. Under the proposed amendments in the 2025 Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), individuals and businesses may be allowed to suspend payment on estimated assessments issued by SARS, provided certain criteria are met.
National Treasury and SARB publish 2025 draft tax bills and regulations for comment
On 16 August 2025, National Treasury and SARS released the 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB), Draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (TALAB), and revised VAT regulations for public comment. These proposals give effect to tax measures announced in the 2025 Budget Review and the May 2025 Budget Overview.
IRR Warns Parliament Against SARB Amendment Bill
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has called on Parliament to reject the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill, arguing that it is unconstitutional and economically unsound.
How AI Can Streamline Administration and Accounting in SMEs
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to cut costs, improve efficiency, and reduce administrative burdens. From automating invoices to predicting cash flow, AI is reshaping the way smaller businesses manage their back offices.
CIPC Automates Reinstatement Applications for Companies and Close Corporations
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has launched a fully digital process for reinstatement applications for companies and close corporations, marking a significant step toward modernising business services in South Africa.
NCOP Passes 2025 Appropriation Bill and Eskom Debt Relief Amendment Bill
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, completing South Africa’s budget process for the 2025/26 financial year. This legislation authorizes government departments and entities to spend allocated funds on essential services, infrastructure projects, and social programs such as healthcare, education, and social grants. It also supports initiatives aimed at economic growth and job creation.
Tools for Estate Planning
Estate planning is a critical process that ensures the effective management and distribution of an individual’s assets during their lifetime and after their death. It involves a variety of tools and strategies tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the estate planner. Below, we explore some of the most important tools for estate planning.
U.S. Tariffs on South Africa: Economic Shockwaves and Strategic Responses
The United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African exports marks a significant turning point in bilateral trade relations. Effective from August 2025, the tariffs apply to a wide range of goods, including manufactured products, automotive components, steel, aluminum, and certain agricultural exports. While critical minerals such as platinum and gold remain exempt, the measures threaten key sectors that underpin South Africa’s export economy.
Finance Minister Clarifies Monetary Policy Amid SARB Rate Cut
South Africa’s monetary policy landscape shifted this week following the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%, the lowest level since 2022. This move, announced by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), aims to support economic activity amid sluggish growth and subdued inflation, which currently sits at 3%, the bottom of the 3–6% target range. The MPC signaled that inflation is expected to average 3.3% for 2025, with risks assessed as balanced.
AI Revolutionizes Operations in SMEs: A Game-Changer for Growth and Efficiency
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Once considered a luxury reserved for large corporations, AI technologies are now more accessible and affordable, enabling SMEs to compete on a more level playing field.
Doing business in South Africa: An overview
The following are some of the key factors shaping South Africa’s current economic climate:
South Africa Secures US$1.5 Billion World Bank Loan to Modernize Infrastructure
The Government of South Africa has signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement with the World Bank to support critical structural reforms aimed at modernizing infrastructure and driving inclusive economic growth. This landmark partnership seeks to address the country’s pressing challenges of low economic growth and high unemployment.
SARS Expands Auto-Assessment Program for 2025 Tax Season
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched its most ambitious auto-assessment initiative to date, marking a significant shift in how taxpayers engage with the annual filing season. The 2025 rollout includes not only standard taxpayers but also provisional taxpayers and individuals who have made withdrawals under the new two-pot retirement system.