CHIEF EXECUTIVE

OFFICER'S REVIEW

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REVIEW

Mr. Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo

SAICA Chief Executive Officer (SEE FREEMAN’S BIO)

“As we reflect on the events of 2022, we recognise both the introspection it brought and the significant outcomes it produced.  As an institute with a crucial role in our economy, society, and regular regulatory bodies, we have faced challenges in serving the best interests of our members and stakeholders.  However, our success is not measured by our failures, but rather how we rise above them with renewed energy and focus to achieve our mandate.”

In 2022, SAICA remained steadfast in delivering value for its members and society by advancing strategic initiatives while ensuring financial sustainability. Thanks to strong member fee collections, the SAICA Group generated a surplus of R44 million to bolster reserves. Furthermore, SAICA’s donors demonstrated their unwavering support for national imperative projects that advocate for the chartered accountancy profession and contribute positively to key issues facing society.

As we celebrate our successes, I want to acknowledge the challenges we have encountered in the past year and how we have responded to them.

In this review, I talk to a few of the main achievements and challenges of the year and refer readers to achievements in executing strategic initiatives as well as SAICA’s balanced scorecard, which provides externally assured ratings of how we performed against our goals for the year.

Mr. Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo

SAICA Chief Executive Officer (SEE FREEMAN’S BIO)

“As we reflect on the events of 2022, we recognise both the introspection it brought and the significant outcomes it produced.  As an institute with a crucial role in our economy, society, and regular regulatory bodies, we have faced challenges in serving the best interests of our members and stakeholders.  However, our success is not measured by our failures, but rather how we rise above them with renewed energy and focus to achieve our mandate.”

In 2022, SAICA remained steadfast in delivering value for its members and society by advancing strategic initiatives while ensuring financial sustainability. Thanks to strong member fee collections, the SAICA Group generated a surplus of R44 million to bolster reserves. Furthermore, SAICA’s donors demonstrated their unwavering support for national imperative projects that advocate for the chartered accountancy profession and contribute positively to key issues facing society.

As we celebrate our successes, I want to acknowledge the challenges we have encountered in the past year and how we have responded to them.

In this review, I talk to a few of the main achievements and challenges of the year and refer readers to achievements in executing strategic initiatives as well as SAICA’s balanced scorecard, which provides externally assured ratings of how we performed against our goals for the year.

OUR MEMBERS ARE DIFFERENCE MAKERS

SAICA recognises that its members are difference makers and has inaugurated several initiatives under the Difference Makers organising concept.

Through these initiatives, SAICA is committed to restoring the reputation of the profession and building future leaders of the profession, economy, and country.

The first is the Chairman’s Difference Makers Awards, which seek to recognise SAICA members and associates who are #differencemakers in various areas of business and society.

These awards acknowledge individuals who make a valuable contribution in shaping communities, economies, and society while applying the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability.

We believe that recognising and celebrating those who go above and beyond in their professional and personal lives is essential to inspire and motivate others to do the same.
The second initiative is the Difference Makers Economic Conference, which was inspired by the Eastern Region. Through a collective approach with SAICA and its members, we aim to unite as active participants to support, advocate for, and serve as change agents to contribute to economic development and growth. SAICA and some of its members, as well as external advisors, have developed an economic recovery blueprint for South Africa, which will drive proper economic development initiatives to be put in place to grow the South African economy. This will drive the future strategy for SAICA through a stakeholder-inclusive approach.

The third initiative is the Anti-corruption Summit, where key stakeholders participated in devising solutions to address issues raised by the Zondo Commission and contribute positively to the broader fight against crime. Restoring the reputation of SAICA and the profession remains a priority. Professional integrity, adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct, and avoiding conflicts of interest are the bedrock of the accountancy profession. We take allegations against members extremely seriously and note the members mentioned in the Zondo Commission report. All members who are found to have contravened SAICA’s Code of Professional Conduct will be held accountable.
Furthermore, through the Trainee Trailblazer and Top 35-under-35 competitions, we aim to build the future leaders of our profession, our economy, and our country. The Top 35-under-35 competition, which commenced in 2014, recognises young CAs(SA) who are not only excelling in their professional capacity but also making a meaningful contribution to society. SAICA’s Trainee Trailblazer competition, now in its second year, exists to find stand-out SAICA trainees who are forging ahead in their career by embracing the competencies expected of them under the CA2025 project.

All these initiatives affirm that the CA(SA) profession is rooted in the principles of acting in the public interest and that SAICA members are empowered to make a valuable and meaningful contribution in shaping society and economies.

OUR MEMBERS ARE DIFFERENCE MAKERS

SAICA recognises that its members are difference makers and has inaugurated several initiatives under the Difference Makers organising concept.

Through these initiatives, SAICA is committed to restoring the reputation of the profession and building future leaders of the profession, economy, and country.

The first is the Chairman’s Difference Makers Awards, which seek to recognise SAICA members and associates who are #differencemakers in various areas of business and society.

These awards acknowledge individuals who make a valuable contribution in shaping communities, economies, and society while applying the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability.

We believe that recognising and celebrating those who go above and beyond in their professional and personal lives is essential to inspire and motivate others to do the same.
The second initiative is the Difference Makers Economic Conference, which was inspired by the Eastern Region. Through a collective approach with SAICA and its members, we aim to unite as active participants to support, advocate for, and serve as change agents to contribute to economic development and growth. SAICA and some of its members, as well as external advisors, have developed an economic recovery blueprint for South Africa, which will drive proper economic development initiatives to be put in place to grow the South African economy. This will drive the future strategy for SAICA through a stakeholder-inclusive approach.

The third initiative is the Anti-corruption Summit, where key stakeholders participated in devising solutions to address issues raised by the Zondo Commission and contribute positively to the broader fight against crime. Restoring the reputation of SAICA and the profession remains a priority. Professional integrity, adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct, and avoiding conflicts of interest are the bedrock of the accountancy profession. We take allegations against members extremely seriously and note the members mentioned in the Zondo Commission report. All members who are found to have contravened SAICA’s Code of Professional Conduct will be held accountable.
Furthermore, through the Trainee Trailblazer and Top 35-under-35 competitions, we aim to build the future leaders of our profession, our economy, and our country. The Top 35-under-35 competition, which commenced in 2014, recognises young CAs(SA) who are not only excelling in their professional capacity but also making a meaningful contribution to society. SAICA’s Trainee Trailblazer competition, now in its second year, exists to find stand-out SAICA trainees who are forging ahead in their career by embracing the competencies expected of them under the CA2025 project.

All these initiatives affirm that the CA(SA) profession is rooted in the principles of acting in the public interest and that SAICA members are empowered to make a valuable and meaningful contribution in shaping society and economies.

A POINT OF REFLECTION AND INTROSPECTION

As the CEO, I acknowledge the challenges that arose during the APC examination sitting in December 2021. We took the lessons learned and implemented changes, resulting in a successful rewrite in March 2022 as confirmed by internal auditors. Our goal is to create a conducive environment for our candidates, where they can focus on their tasks without distractions. Our efforts have paid off with a combined 72% pass rate for both exam sittings in December 2021 and March 2022. We will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations.

 

Since 2013 SAICA became a recognised controlling body for tax practitioners. In 2015 the reporting requirements increased and SAICA was not adequately resourced to respond which led to a backlog of cases. In 2022 SAICA disciplined the affected members, resulting in an outcry due to the lateness and severity of the sanctions. The pain and inconvenience suffered by members is regrettable. There may be a need to amend the constitution to allow a more efficient process in the future and avoid another occurrence.

A POINT OF REFLECTION AND INTROSPECTION

As the CEO, I acknowledge the challenges that arose during the APC examination sitting in December 2021. We took the lessons learned and implemented changes, resulting in a successful rewrite in March 2022 as confirmed by internal auditors. Our goal is to create a conducive environment for our candidates, where they can focus on their tasks without distractions. Our efforts have paid off with a combined 72% pass rate for both exam sittings in December 2021 and March 2022. We will continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of our operations.

 

Since 2013 SAICA became a recognised controlling body for tax practitioners. In 2015 the reporting requirements increased and SAICA was not adequately resourced to respond which led to a backlog of cases. In 2022 SAICA disciplined the affected members, resulting in an outcry due to the lateness and severity of the sanctions. The pain and inconvenience suffered by members is regrettable. There may be a need to amend the constitution to allow a more efficient process in the future and avoid another occurrence.

GROWING AND TRANSFORMING THE PROFESSION

In 2022, SAICA proudly welcomed 2 703 new CA(SA) members, 711 AGAs(SA), and 78 ATs(SA). We also had the pleasure of bringing 4 169 new trainees into our pipeline, who will one day become future members of our organisation.

 

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thuthuka, we are thrilled to see the initiative’s continued growth and success. Our commitment to transforming the industry remains unwavering, and we are pleased to report that Thuthuka students continue to achieve excellent pass rates in the ITC surpassing overall averages. The positive results of our Thuthuka ITC Repeat Programme further solidify our efforts in this regard.

 

SAICA’s Thuthuka school initiatives, including the SAICA development camps, have impacted the lives of over 600 000 learners across the country, and we are actively involved in promoting mathematics education. However, we are concerned about the differential pass rates between African and White students, which are deterring historically disadvantaged candidates from entering the CA programme. This issue is a top priority for us, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that nothing impedes our efforts to increase representation and diversity in the industry.

GROWING AND TRANSFORMING THE PROFESSION

In 2022, SAICA proudly welcomed 2 703 new CA(SA) members, 711 AGAs(SA), and 78 ATs(SA). We also had the pleasure of bringing 4 169 new trainees into our pipeline, who will one day become future members of our organisation.

 

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Thuthuka, we are thrilled to see the initiative’s continued growth and success. Our commitment to transforming the industry remains unwavering, and we are pleased to report that Thuthuka students continue to achieve excellent pass rates in the ITC surpassing overall averages. The positive results of our Thuthuka ITC Repeat Programme further solidify our efforts in this regard.

 

SAICA’s Thuthuka school initiatives, including the SAICA development camps, have impacted the lives of over 600 000 learners across the country, and we are actively involved in promoting mathematics education. However, we are concerned about the differential pass rates between African and White students, which are deterring historically disadvantaged candidates from entering the CA programme. This issue is a top priority for us, and we remain dedicated to ensuring that nothing impedes our efforts to increase representation and diversity in the industry.

DRIVING MEMBER VALUE

Our efforts to understand our members through focus groups, surveys, and face-to-face engagements have yielded positive results. We also hosted several successful CEO roadshows, both online and in person, as well as Standards roadshows specifically focused on members’ technical requirements and expectations. In 2022, SAICA hosted 149 events, that were attended by more than 42 420 delegates – proof that our events offering remains relevant and in demand.

In the interests of transparency and accountability, we must acknowledge the tax practitioners who are aggrieved by the length of time taken to prosecute non-compliance. This will be a key matter of focus for the year ahead. SAICA acknowledged last year that the Ushintsho project was behind schedule and promised to find a more efficient and cost-effective way to complete it. After appointing a new service provider, the project is now progressing smoothly, with stage two set to be delivered by the end of April 2023 at a significantly lower cost than the original estimate, resulting in a potential 30% saving. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2024, providing members with a stable, reliable, and user-friendly platform accessible through mobile applications from anywhere.

SAICA’s employees are the primary source of value for our members and our human interface with stakeholders and the world. Human capital priority remained, ensuring ongoing employee-centric holistic wellness programmes, heightened staff engagement, and increased investment in skills development.

SAICA’s values were reviewed with the goal of establishing a culture of ownership throughout the organisation and promoting an integrated organisational identity. As a result, the reward and recognition programme was suitably adjusted to align with these values. The employee engagement score improved from 75% in 2021 to 78% in 2022. Not only did the engagement level improve, the response rate also significantly increased from 57% in 2021 to 90%.

DRIVING MEMBER VALUE

Our efforts to understand our members through focus groups, surveys, and face-to-face engagements have yielded positive results. We also hosted several successful CEO roadshows, both online and in person, as well as Standards roadshows specifically focused on members’ technical requirements and expectations. In 2022, SAICA hosted 149 events, that were attended by more than 42 420 delegates – proof that our events offering remains relevant and in demand.

In the interests of transparency and accountability, we must acknowledge the tax practitioners who are aggrieved by the length of time taken to prosecute non-compliance. This will be a key matter of focus for the year ahead. SAICA acknowledged last year that the Ushintsho project was behind schedule and promised to find a more efficient and cost-effective way to complete it. After appointing a new service provider, the project is now progressing smoothly, with stage two set to be delivered by the end of April 2023 at a significantly lower cost than the original estimate, resulting in a potential 30% saving. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2024, providing members with a stable, reliable, and user-friendly platform accessible through mobile applications from anywhere.

SAICA’s employees are the primary source of value for our members and our human interface with stakeholders and the world. Human capital priority remained, ensuring ongoing employee-centric holistic wellness programmes, heightened staff engagement, and increased investment in skills development.

SAICA’s values were reviewed with the goal of establishing a culture of ownership throughout the organisation and promoting an integrated organisational identity. As a result, the reward and recognition programme was suitably adjusted to align with these values. The employee engagement score improved from 75% in 2021 to 78% in 2022. Not only did the engagement level improve, the response rate also significantly increased from 57% in 2021 to 90%.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to express my pride in the progress we have made in upholding the reputation of our profession. However, success is never easy, and I commend everyone for how they managed the challenges and difficulties that SAICA faced this year. Our highlights and financial performance are a testament to our hard work and dedication.

 

I would like to extend my gratitude to every individual who stepped up to support candidates affected by the 1 December 2021 APC issues. From firms and organisations that provided additional study leave, to training offices that provided technical support at the exam venues, and to volunteers who helped invigilate the exams. I am especially grateful to the SAICA staff who offered their assistance wherever needed. Thank you for your efforts and support.

OUTLOOK

We remain committed to addressing South Africa’s economic growth challenges and contributing to global sustainability efforts. Our strategic initiatives reflect this commitment, and we continue to engage with stakeholders on these critical issues. As part of this, we participate in various forums and advocate for policies that support sustainable economic growth and development. We recognise the importance of our members and associates in driving positive change as Difference Makers in their respective industries, and we remain focused on delivering value to them through our programmes, initiatives, and events.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to express my pride in the progress we have made in upholding the reputation of our profession. However, success is never easy, and I commend everyone for how they managed the challenges and difficulties that SAICA faced this year. Our highlights and financial performance are a testament to our hard work and dedication.

 

I would like to extend my gratitude to every individual who stepped up to support candidates affected by the 1 December 2021 APC issues. From firms and organisations that provided additional study leave, to training offices that provided technical support at the exam venues, and to volunteers who helped invigilate the exams. I am especially grateful to the SAICA staff who offered their assistance wherever needed. Thank you for your efforts and support.

OUTLOOK

We remain committed to addressing South Africa’s economic growth challenges and contributing to global sustainability efforts. Our strategic initiatives reflect this commitment, and we continue to engage with stakeholders on these critical issues. As part of this, we participate in various forums and advocate for policies that support sustainable economic growth and development. We recognise the importance of our members and associates in driving positive change as Difference Makers in their respective industries, and we remain focused on delivering value to them through our programmes, initiatives, and events.

Mr Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo

SAICA Chief Executive Officer

Mr Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo

SAICA Chief Executive Officer