A R2.3 billion audit finding. The supplier was good. The work got done. The price was fair. None of that helped. In the public sector, a finding is rarely about the quality of the work. It is about the process, the budget, and the outcome — and if you cannot tell the difference between irregular, unauthorised, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure, you are already at risk.

R120 billion in irregular expenditure isn’t just a number, it’s a warning. Behind every “just process it” instruction is a finance professional forced to choose between compliance and career risk. The PFMA is clear: accountability doesn’t move up the chain with verbal approvals, it stays with you. In a system where consequences are inconsistent, your judgment becomes the last line of defence between governance and failure.

Businesses need to report how they affect the environment and society. IFRS S1 is a global standard that helps companies share clear and reliable sustainability information. It ensures businesses explain their risks, plans, and progress in areas like climate change, fair work practices, and responsible resource use. Investors, regulators, and the public can then compare companies and make informed decisions. IFRS S1 makes sustainability reporting more structured and trustworthy, helping businesses show accountability and plan for the future.