Diversification is treated as a business virtue so unquestioned it borders on dogma. Expand the product line. Enter new markets. Hedge every risk. Spread exposure everywhere. Yet for many entrepreneurs, diversification may actually bring more risk than it solves.
As we approach the end of the tax year, now is an ideal time to make a few strategic adjustments that can strengthen your financial position.
Business culture is obsessed with speed. In a world where motion, and constant optimisation is the dream, doing nothing can look like failure.
The second provisional tax deadline for the 2026 financial year is just days away on 27 February 2026. This is an important and tricky deadline, because this second provisional tax estimate must be quite accurate (within 80–90% of actual taxable income) to avoid SARS’ stiff under-estimation penalty.
South African taxpayers are heading into the new tax year with a clearer picture of what to expect - and the message is unmistakable: stricter enforcement, deeper data‑driven scrutiny and limited tax relief.
At its first policy meeting of 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank held the repurchase (repo) rate steady at 6.75%, maintaining a cautiously neutral stance in the face of global and domestic economic uncertainties. This decision, effective from the January 29 meeting, reflects a backdrop of easing inflation and stabilising growth, but also persistent risks in the external environment.
South Africa’s National Treasury, led by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, played a prominent role at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from 19–23 January 2026, using the global stage to highlight the country’s economic reform achievements and growing investment potential.
South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in its financial governance journey with its removal from the European Union’s list of High-Risk Third Country Jurisdictions, a designation that took effect on 29 January 2026. The announcement was welcomed by the National Treasury, which highlighted the development as a positive step for reducing barriers to international financial engagement.
The South African Government has officially announced that the 2026 National Budget Speech will be delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on 25 February 2026.
South African taxpayers face two high‑stakes tax developments in the coming year - both tied to SARS’s intensified enforcement drive. The first issue centres on undeclared foreign properties. The second relates to Permanent Establishment (PE) risk, which poses significant challenges for both non-resident companies operating in South Africa and South African businesses expanding overseas however in this article we will focus only on South African businesses operating potential PEs in foreign tax jurisdictions.
Whatever your line of work, moving from solo-business or freelancer to taking on staff is a big choice usually prompted by steady demand you can’t handle on your own.
To offer taxpayers a way to settle outstanding tax debt swiftly and to regularise their tax affairs on more favourable terms, SARS has launched an expedited tax debt compromise process.
Helping others should be the simplest thing in the world, but the truth is there’s a lot more red tape than you might expect. You’re just trying to run a community project, but then you’re told you need to register as an NPO, but everyone’s calling you an NGO, your accountant says it might help to become an NPC and your donors are asking if you’re a PBO.
Finding time to relax is difficult in today’s fast-paced business world. Taking leave over the holidays may seem like a luxury, a weakness, or even an impossibility.
1. Compliance Crackdown Intensifies
1. Tax Statistics and Revenue Performance
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.
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.
South African taxpayers are in for a few unpleasant surprises if the proposed 2025 Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill becomes law. Released by National Treasury and SARS in August, the draft legislation aims to close loopholes and broaden the tax base—but critics warn that it could erode savings and increase costs for ordinary citizens.
For many South Africans, dealing with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) can be a daunting experience, especially when disputes arise over tax matters. While SARS is mandated to collect revenue efficiently and fairly, there are times when taxpayers feel aggrieved by administrative delays, poor service, or procedural errors.
Extending payment terms to 30, 60 or 90 days may feel like a smart business decision – but beneath the surface these terms could be draining your company more than you realise.
Leading a business is time-consuming. There are myriad distractions vying to take your attention away from your core role of growing the business.
Trust Tax Season 2025 opened in September and SARS has already issued reminders to trustees that all trusts, including those that are not economically active, must file a tax return before 19 January 2026.
The end of the year is the perfect time to wrap up loose ends, assess your business's performance, and prepare for a successful year ahead.
