National

What is paying taxes a good sign?

A tax consulting.co.za article highlights the shrinking tax base in South Africa, exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, a situation confirmed by a study from Oxford University. While Mr. Kieswetter asserts that the tax base is not declining due to new registrations, a distinction exists between registrations and actual contributors.

ABOUT HOSTEX

Since its inception in 1986, HOSTEX has become a leading expo for food, drink, and hospitality professionals across Africa. The show provides an unmatched platform for industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to gather

Remote Work: Freedom or Fatigue?

Then there is the issue of blurred boundaries. When your lounge is your office, it becomes difficult to switch off. Emails creep into dinner time. WhatsApp messages ping long after sunset. Lunch breaks become shorter and harder to protect. Over time, this lack of structure can lead to burnout, a slow but real fatigue that creeps in unnoticed.

From Legacy to Liability: The Hidden Risks of Neglected Trusts

“Too many South Africans are sitting on neglected, non-compliant family trusts that haven’t been updated since the 1980s,” says Morne Janse van Rensburg, Managing Director at Hobbs Sinclair, a firm specialising in trust and company compliance, management and estate planning. “We regularly come across trusts where the original trustees have passed away, crucial documentation is missing, and tax returns haven’t been filed in years. It’s a ticking compliance timebomb.”

LERUO FOUNDATION’S YOUTHPRENEURS SUMMIT CELEBRATES COMMUNITY INNOVATION AND AWARDS R100,000 CHANGEMAKER PRIZE

The Leruo Foundation is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and young business leaders in South Africa by providing mentorship, funding access, and skills development. The foundation focuses on three areas including women-led enterprises, supporting youth entrepreneurship, and promoting branding companies. By taking a hands-on, grassroots approach, the foundation ensures that aspiring business owners receive practical, tailored support to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.

It takes a nation to support and guide our youth

Tracy’s advice to all young people facing challenges is to “get involved and reach out”. At university she became a member of the student council, she played sport and found other support available to students. “When you start your studies, throw yourself into the experience. There’s so much support available if you look for it. You don’t have to go through it alone.”

Editor’s Note

With just four months left of the year, I found myself reflecting on the journey so far. I’ve heard many stories, some of incredible success, and others of entrepreneurs who had to close their doors. This year has not been easy for many business owners, especially with the ongoing economic challenges in South Africa.

HBC MEMBER PROFILE – SULETTE BEKKER

My motivation is deeply rooted in seeing tangible changes in my clients’ lives—hearing their stories, witnessing their journeys from financial distress to stability, and knowing my work truly matters. Additionally, my faith, family support, especially from my husband and daughter Amanda, and a strong commitment to personal growth through constant learning and networking, continually fuel my passion and resilience. The birth of my baby, small Dawie, at the age of 43, was one of the biggest miracles of my life, and I would be nothing without the grace of God. I am by no means perfect—but I deeply love my creator and my family.