WHO WE ARE
FOREWORD BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SAICA NATIONAL COUNCIL
Jacobus Swanepoel
President of the National Council
'It is with great honour and privilege that I present the inaugural report of the SAICA National Council for the year 2023. The primary purpose of the Council is to serve our members and act as their collective voice within the Institute. As such, it is imperative that the structures within SAICA, including the Council, Board, and management, are optimised to effectively address the diverse needs of our members.'
Each region within our membership base presents unique challenges and requirements, highlighting the necessity for a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Furthermore, the Council recognises the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between these key entities to ensure alignment and coherence in our strategic direction and operational execution. This collaborative effort is essential in upholding the best interests of our members and enhancing the overall value proposition of SAICA. As we embark on this journey, it is my sincere hope that this report serves as a testament to our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Brief Background
The establishment of the National Council, in accordance with the new constitution ratified by SAICA members during the Annual General Meeting of 26 June 2019 represents a significant milestone. Comprising of not more than forty individuals, the Council is structured in alignment with the Council Charter, drawing representation from various regional and constituency bodies to reflect the diverse spectrum of SAICA members, including regional and international professionals, firms, Members in Business, associates, and other interest groups. To this end, the 2023 SAICA National Council was composed as indicated below:
HL President of Council - Jacobus Swanepoel
Regional Councils
International Councils
Interest Groups / Constituencies
Associate Colleges
HIGHLIGHTS
The year 2023 commenced with an introspective process within the National Council, aimed at evaluating its effectiveness since its inception in 2019. After three years of existence, the Council recognised the need to reassess its functions and mandate. This process led to the identification of critical areas hindering the Council’s effectiveness within the governance framework, including trust issues among certain members, operational deficiencies within constituencies, perceived disconnection between the Head Office and members, and bureaucratic challenges. Through candid engagements and strategic interventions, significant progress was achieved.
Notable milestones
These include:
The National Council played a pivotal role in selecting individuals to serve on the SAICA Board. Its active and vigorous participation ensured that critical observations were made about the calibre of proposed candidates. The depth of knowledge and collective expertise of Council members, deeply etched in their understanding of professional issues, is a valuable resource for the organisation’s growth. It truly has been my singular honour and privilege to have served alongside these remarkable men and women as the President of this august body. To them I raise my salute, my appreciation and immense respect. Their passion and love for this Institute is unmatched and they give of their time and resources to SAICA at no cost but to see this brand continuing to flourish and maintain its respectability and impeccable global footprint.
Jacobus Swanepoel
President of the National Council