OUR CONTEXT

Our strategy centres on providing exceptional value to our members, adapting to their evolving needs.

In line with our commitment to creating meaningful member experiences, SAICA made a significant shift this year. Moving beyond traditional events, we introduced an experiential approach that integrates learning, community-building, and recognition. These activities not only celebrate achievements but also create opportunities for members, associates, and stakeholders to connect, grow, and thrive professionally.

By incorporating member feedback into our decision-making processes, we can ensure that our initiatives are attuned to the authentic needs and preferences of those we serve.

SAICA actively sought feedback from a significant portion of its membership during the annual billing process, with many members expressing high levels of satisfaction. A notable percentage of members indicated contentment with the value and recognition associated with the CA(SA) designation. In response to areas of dissatisfaction, we engaged a diverse group of members, both domestically and internationally, to gather more in-depth insights and better understand their concerns. These findings were analysed through two lenses: the Member Value Proposition (MVP) lens, focusing on SAICA’s core services and relevance, and the Hierarchy of Member Expectations (HoME) lens, capturing members’ emotional and aspirational needs, guiding SAICA’s response to member concerns.

Read more on how we interpreted member feedback.

We acknowledge the concerns of members, and improvements have been made, including better monitoring of query trends and increased oversight by Manco and ExCo. We have also implemented clear role allocations and accountability measures to streamline our processes. Recognising the need for greater agility, we are committed to making the necessary improvements in line with our strategic pillar, ‘Winning Organisation,’ as described on the following page.

SAICA has adopted a holistic approach to advancing both professional growth and member well-being, ensuring that members feel connected, supported, and empowered. We have placed strong emphasis on wellness initiatives, with three dedicated wellness events, reflecting our commitment to mental wellbeing. Initiatives like the Mental Wellbeing Toolkit, spearheaded by the Resilience Institute and Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), provide practical resources and support for members facing mental health challenges.

The accountancy profession must remain at the forefront of addressing pressing economic and social issues, from climate change to financial transparency.

Our research on public sector career mobility and consultants is shaping future member support initiatives and informing the Public Sector Professionalisation Plan. We elevated our Public Sector Committee to a prescribed committee to ensure our members’ views are integrated into advocacy efforts. Through engagements with the Accountant General and focused discussions on transitioning to accrual accounting and enhancing public sector audit committees, we have supported the government in overcoming key challenges.

SAICA continues to lead on sustainability by making key submissions to regulatory bodies and actively participating in global forums. We engaged with the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW) and Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) subgroups on sustainability and contributed to the IFRS Foundation. A highlight was our joint event with the JSE and the Sustainability Stock Exchange (SSE), where we analysed the ISSB standards with regulators, investors, and preparers. In addition, our second Climate Change Conference, focused on net-zero strategies, and our new guidance on materiality assessments for sustainability reporting emphasise our commitment to these pressing issues.

Recognising the growing number of members and associates exploring entrepreneurial ventures, we have enhanced our community-building and learning initiatives. Targeted consultations with SMPs, including face-to-face engagements with 30 practices nationwide, provided valuable insights into their challenges and needs, allowing us to develop tailored interventions. The SAICA Biz Impact podcast continues to deliver expert-led business insights, empowering SMMEs to achieve economic viability.

In support of our broader impact on societal transformation, we have established a dedicated skills development programme focused on unemployed individuals and those from previously disadvantaged communities. By nurturing talent and creating job opportunities, this initiative contributes to sustainable economic growth for future generations.

View one of our success stories here.