Updates on CIPC company governance and ownership oversight
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission has issued new guidance on remuneration governance and beneficial-ownership compliance.
Treasury publishes 2026 draft tax bills for public comment
National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service have released two draft bills containing the tax measures announced in South Africa’s 2026 Budget. The proposed legislation is open for public comment until 28 August 2026.
Revenue growth and reform financing strengthen government’s fiscal position
South Africa recorded stronger national government revenue during the first three months of the 2026/27 financial year, while new multilateral financing has helped government meet its foreign-currency borrowing needs on favourable terms.
Online customs declarations now compulsory for South African travellers
Last month, we reported on SARS’s broader move towards digital customs administration, including the introduction of online declarations for foreign-registered vehicles and the rollout of the South African Traveller Management System. From 1 July 2026, the next phase of that reform is now in effect: almost everyone entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.
SARS Customs Goes Digital: What Importers and Travellers Need to Know
SARS is increasingly extending its digital compliance approach beyond income tax and into customs, travel and cross-border trade. Recent changes suggest that border compliance is becoming more data-driven, more immediate and less tolerant of gaps in documentation.
Auto-assessments at SARS: convenience, but still requires verification
For the 2026 filing season, taxpayers selected for auto-assessment will receive notices between 1 and 12 July, before the broader filing period opens for non-provisional taxpayers on 13 July. The aim is to reduce the burden on taxpayers by using information SARS already receives from employers, banks, medical schemes, retirement funds and insurers.
CIPC Moves to Mandatory Case Management
CIPC has moved further away from email-based submissions, making its Case Management System the mandatory channel for several important processes. This is a practical change for companies, directors, practitioners and advisers who still rely on legacy email addresses when dealing with CIPC.
Your Tax Deadlines for June 2026
05 June: PAYE submissions and payments
Non-Compliant Trust? Penalties are Piling up…
This tax season marks an important shift for trusts, which are now subject to heightened reporting requirements, regardless of activity, as well as automated penalties for non-compliance starting on 4 May 2026.
The Small Business Trends You Should Be Paying Attention To
While everyone’s talking about AI, trends are emerging that show the most successful small businesses have returned to the fundamentals: maximising every minute and tightening the leaks in local operations.
Top Tips for Handling Your Employee’s Personal Crisis
Personal crises, such as bereavement, divorce, illness, and mental health challenges, are a reality of life, and how you respond when your employee is struggling says everything about you as a leader.
Business Budgeting Strategies for Navigating Volatile Markets
Particularly in volatile economic times like these, effective budgeting is a critical driver of business success. This is because a budget enables sustainable growth by aligning financial resources with strategic business goals.
SARS Tightens the Net: What 2026 Means for Taxpayers and Businesses
South Africa’s tax landscape is undergoing a significant shift as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) accelerates its move toward stricter compliance and digital enforcement.
SARB Monetary Policy Committee Statement Signals Caution
The South African Reserve Bank’s May Monetary Policy Committee statement points to a more difficult economic environment than seemed likely only a few months ago. The MPC increased the policy rate by 25 basis points to 7%, with four members supporting the move and two preferring no change. The decision was driven mostly by a sharp deterioration in the global inflation outlook, particularly following the escalation of the Middle East crisis and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Moody’s Positive Outlook Reflects Early Signs of Fiscal Repair
Moody’s decision to change South Africa’s outlook from stable to positive marks an important shift in how the country’s credit prospects are being assessed. While South Africa’s sovereign rating remains unchanged at Ba2, the improved outlook signals that Moody’s sees a stronger possibility of an upgrade if recent fiscal and reform trends continue.
Directors Face New Duties as AI Governance Takes Centre Stage Under King V
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is redefining corporate governance in South Africa, with the newly introduced King V Code placing clear responsibility on boards to oversee its ethical and strategic use.
Your Tax Deadlines for May 2026
07 May – PAYE submissions and payments
Annual Employee Tax Recon Due End May
"Only accountants can save the world — through peace, goodwill, and reconciliations." (Unknown)
“Invisible Work”: 3 Labour-Intensive Things Customers Will Never Pay For
"There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." (Peter Drucker, Author of “The Effective Executive”, 1966)
The 40% Rule: Do You Have Too Many Eggs in One Basket?
"Don’t put all your eggs in one basket." (Idiom)
Selling Your Business to Retire? Get This Tax Relief!
“A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in.” (Nicole Snow)
Why Boards Need a Combined Governance and ESG Framework
Boards are operating under increased scrutiny, with stronger regulatory enforcement, rising stakeholder expectations, and greater personal accountability for directors. In this environment, it is no longer sufficient to rely on high-level commitments. Boards are expected to demonstrate structured decision-making, clear governance processes, and effective oversight of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks.
SARB Monetary Policy Review: Inflation Risks Rise Amid Global Uncertainty
The latest Monetary Policy Review from the South African Reserve Bank highlights a more uncertain economic environment, with inflation risks shifting to the upside despite recent progress in stabilising prices.
CIPC Steps Up Enforcement: Non-Compliance Now Comes with Public Exposure
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) is strengthening its approach to statutory compliance, elevating what was often treated as an administrative task into a clear regulatory and reputational risk.