Director vs Founder: Where Governance Begins in an SME
In many South African SMEs, the person who starts the business is also its first director, but those two roles are not the same. The founder brings the vision; the director carries the responsibility. Understanding where those lines cross is critical for long-term business success. The distinction between director vs founder often only becomes clear […]
Why Managing CIPC Compliance in Spreadsheets Is a Risk You Can’t Afford
In South Africa, managing CIPC compliance across multiple client entities is one of the most critical — and time-consuming — responsibilities for accounting and company secretarial firms. Yet, many still rely on Excel or Google Sheets to track Annual Returns, Beneficial Ownership updates, and company changes. At first glance, spreadsheets seem convenient. But when it […]
Who Is Prohibited From Being A Director?
Confused about who can’t be a director in South Africa? Learn the disqualification rules and how to avoid appointing a disqualified director. Prevent legal issues, protect your company, and ensure good governance.
Limited Liability: What It Really Means for South African Directors
Ask almost any new business owner what “Pty Ltd” stands for, and they’ll tell you it means limited liability. It’s the phrase that gives founders confidence to take risks — the idea that the company’s debts and mistakes won’t follow them home. But limited liability, while powerful, isn’t a magic shield. For directors, it comes […]
Your Business, SARS, and the Public Officer in Between. The Compliance Role You Can’t Ignore
Essential Tax Compliance Insights for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses As an entrepreneur or small business owner in South Africa, you know that navigating the complexities of the tax landscape is crucial for long-term success. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is appointing a SARS Public Officer. This article explains the role, responsibilities, and […]
Do South African NPOs actually have to file “beneficial ownership” with the CIPC?
If you run an NPO in South Africa, you’ve probably bumped into the phrase beneficial ownership (BO) and wondered whether it has anything to do with you. After all, you’re not in this for profit, and you don’t have shareholders lining up for dividends. So why is the CIPC suddenly part of your Tuesday? Here’s […]
What’s new in Intersect? June 2025 & Q2 Wrap
No less than 112 platform updates! At Intersect, every quarter, we look for ways to make compliance management smoother, smarter, and more valuable for our users. This quarter has been no different, with updates ranging from small usability improvements to major product enhancements, all designed to reduce friction, increase accuracy, and help you deliver compliance […]
Real-World Guidance for South Africa’s Information Officers – what happens after a data breach?
A Breach Has Happened. Now What? In our previous article, we explored the role of the Information Officer (IO) and their responsibilities under South Africa’s POPIA and PAIA. But let’s talk about what happens when things don’t go as planned, because, in reality, mistakes do happen. Maybe a laptop with sensitive data gets stolen, an […]
Becoming an Information Officer: What You Need to Know Before You Say “Yes”
Congratulations! You’ve either volunteered or been appointed as your organisation’s Information Officer (IO). It’s a significant responsibility—and one worth fully understanding before diving in. Since South Africa’s POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) and PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act) have come into full effect, the visibility and importance of the IO role have […]
From Pitch to Platform: What the Proteas’ ICC Test Championship Victory Teaches Us About Building a SaaS Startup
Introduction The South African Proteas have just made history by winning the ICC Test Championship for the very first time. For decades, they’ve weathered heartbreak, near-misses, and reinvention. Their recent triumph isn’t just a sporting milestone it’s a powerful metaphor for every founder and team building something from scratch, especially in the high-stakes world of […]