The Consumer Protection Act Changes the Rules of Voetstoots Sales
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) has significantly curtailed the use of voetstoots clauses in South African law. While these clauses are still recognised in certain contexts, the CPA strengthens consumer rights and places strict limits on when and how liability for defective goods can be excluded. What the Law Says Under South […]
The R2.3 Million Threshold: A New Era for Small Business Growth
For the first time in 17 years, the goalposts for small businesses in South Africa have shifted. As of 1 April 2026, the compulsory VAT registration threshold has increased from R1 million to R2.3 million. This change finally acknowledges how much the cost of doing business has increased since 2009. While this may feel like […]
RA vs TFSA: What Is the Advantage of a Tax-Free Savings Account?
In his Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance announced an increase in the annual tax-free savings account (TFSA) contribution limit from R36,000 to R46,000 – the most significant boost to this allowance in years, and a timely reminder of just how powerful this vehicle can be. When used properly, it can deliver completely tax-free returns […]
Budget 2026 Explained: Where Taxpayers Gain and Where They Don’t
After last year’s “third-time lucky” Budget, many predicted doom and gloom this year. There was talk of the need for an additional R20 billion of tax hikes – whether in the form of the much-maligned VAT increase proposal rearing its ugly head, or direct personal income tax hikes. That didn’t happen. In presenting his 2026 […]
Pocket Money as a Tool Against Youth Financial Illiteracy in South Africa
In 2026, South Africa continues to grapple with one of the most severe youth unemployment and financial literacy crises in the world. According to the United Nations in South Africa, unemployment stood at 31.9% at the start of 2026, while youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 34 still exceeded 46%. Financial illiteracy compounds this […]
Death Is Unavoidable, But Estate Taxes Can Be Planned For
Estate duty is one of those taxes that many people know about in theory, but very few actively plan for. It only becomes real when a loved one passes away and the estate is wound up, often revealing how much value quietly leaks away to taxes, fees, and avoidable inefficiencies. The reality, however, is that […]
Payroll Under Pressure: SA’s SMB Survival Guide 2026
South Africa’s economy in 2026 presents a complex picture: inflation is moderating, yet the pressures on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are anything but easing. From ballooning salary budgets to sophisticated payroll fraud and an evolving cyber threat landscape, lean business teams are being asked to do more with less, all while navigating tighter compliance […]
Why South African Business Owners Must Plan Their Succession
With only 30% of family businesses surviving to the second generation, the time to act is well before you’re ready to step away. Every business owner reaches a point where the question shifts from “how do I grow this?” to “what happens when I’m gone?” For South African entrepreneurs approaching retirement or considering succession in […]
Your Company Structure Should Evolve as Your Business Grows
In the early days of a business, structure is often accidental. People wear multiple hats, reporting lines hang loose, and “being agile” usually means figuring things out as you go. This flexibility can be an advantage at the start. But as your business grows, what once felt dynamic can quietly become a risk. At its […]
SARS AI Audits: Why Your Accounting Partner is Your Best Defence
South African taxation has undergone a significant digital shift. As we move through 2026, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has firmly adopted a data-driven, risk-based approach to compliance, often described as “compliance by design.” The days of random spot-checks have been replaced by automated systems that analyse taxpayer information in real-time. SARS now relies […]