OUR CONTEXT

OUR BUSINESS

Winning Organisation

We commit to being forward thinking, agile, and resilient. This includes investing in our people, processes, and technology, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and collaboration.

A Culture Shift Towards Service Excellence

To adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape, we embarked on an Organisational Review Project – later renamed Project ReCAlibrate – to support the implementation of our Strategy 2024-2028. This initiative enabled us to refine our operating model, optimise our structures, and enhance efficiencies, ensuring that roles and responsibilities align with our strategic objectives. This transformation will allow us to align more effectively with our strategic objectives, ensuring that SAICA is positioned for success in the future while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our global membership. Project ReCAlibrate has culminated in a streamlined, integrated Target Operating Model (TOM) that promotes agility, collaboration, and future-fit workforce planning, all underpinned by a revitalised change management strategy.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

I am proud to report that SAICA has made significant progress in aligning our IT strategy with the organisation’s broader strategic goals. This alignment has driven the ongoing automation of business processes and data analysis, thereby enhancing member experiences through the Ushintsho programme and other strategic IT projects. Our commitment to innovation was recognised when SAICA won the Surpass Innovation Award for our groundbreaking use of Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) technology and secure Word and Excel simulations in professional accountancy exams – ensuring modern, reliable assessments in challenging conditions. At the same time, we acknowledge that the implementation of our digitisation strategy has presented challenges, particularly in maintaining a seamless member experience. We are committed to enhancing system stability, strengthening support for members during this transition, and refining our AI models to ensure reliable and valuable insights. Read more about our digitisation strategy here.

Appreciation

I am immensely grateful for the tremendous support I have received from our dedicated team, as well as from Council and the Board. It is a privilege to lead SAICA into the future, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to every member and stakeholder who has contributed to our success.

Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts

Advancing Audit Quality

As we address issues of public interest - including quality assurance - we are uniting the profession as one voice of advocacy. A key initiative is the establishment of the Centre for Audit Quality (CAQ). This initiative, following the state capture review, incorporates recommendations from Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. It highlights the importance of collaborating with other professions, including legal experts, to address the evolving demands of our industry and support sustainability.

Building Sustainability Capacity

We are committed to structured capacity building in sustainability. SAICA will introduce a certification programme and a new designation in sustainability to ensure our members are fully supported in providing assurance in this critical area.

Strengthening Collaborative Advocacy

In collaboration with other professions, we will launch an advocacy platform to highlight our proactive efforts and the outcomes of our collective initiatives. This collaborative approach is essential as we adapt to a rapidly changing landscape that demands a united voice on assurance and advisory matters linked to sustainability.

Ensuring Long-term Financial Sustainability

To ensure long-term financial sustainability and the continued regulatory compliance, Project ReCAlibrate focused on developing financial diversification strategies and diversification strategies and the enabling structures. The Board approved model will be implemented with due consideration of the requirements of section 30B of the Income Tax Act and aligned with the ongoing review of the SAICA Constitution ensuring that the interest of members remains central.

Focusing on Strategic Growth

Looking ahead, SAICA’s strategy for the next five years will concentrate on:

Enhancing operational efficiency and digital integration

Addressing the root causes of low ITC and APC pass rates

Advancing sustainability skills and digital acumen

Driving audit reforms and strengthening stakeholder engagement

Collaboration and strategic partnerships will expand our resources and expertise, amplifying our transformative impact. Guided by the SAICA Board, our strategy will undergo annual reviews to ensure it remains dynamic and aligned with the evolving professional landscape. Balancing immediate priorities with long-term goals, and ensuring that the needs, interests and expectations of all our members are considered, I am confident that SAICA will continue to grow sustainably, serve the public interest, and shape a resilient accountancy profession for the future.