As one of the world's leading professional services firms, EY - formerly known as Ernst & Young - has built a formidable global presence shaped by innovation, integrity, and impact. With roots that date back 175 years and a South African footprint established in 1903, EY is recognised as a powerhouse in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax services. Their stated purpose, "building a better working world," isn't just a mission statement - it's a daily practice that guides their more than 400,000 professionals across the globe.

At the heart of this continental journey, EY plays a critical role in driving sustainable growth, fostering transformation, and enabling clients across sectors to navigate an increasingly complex economic and regulatory landscape.

EY is a key player in EY Africa's fully integrated network. The firm reflects the values and strengths of EY's global identity: consistency in quality, bold innovation, and deep client commitment.

In KwaZulu-Natal, a region known for its industrial, logistics, and trade potential, EY provides critical support to clients across diverse sectors - from manufacturing and logistics to finance, healthcare, and beyond. By offering an industry-based perspective tailored to the local context, the KZN office ensures that global best practices are translated into practical solutions that meet regional business needs.

Assurance Services
One of EY's foundational service lines, Assurance, is pivotal in building trust and transparency in today's capital markets. The team brings world-class audit capabilities to the business ecosystem, helping companies meet complex regulatory and financial reporting requirements. Each assurance engagement is supported by multidisciplinary teams who offer deep sector-specific insights, enabling businesses to better manage risks and align more effectively with stakeholder expectations.

Whether it's through statutory audits, risk assurance or financial reporting advisory, EY ensures that clients are positioned to inspire investor confidence and meet the standards of local and international compliance frameworks.

Consulting
EY Consulting is where innovation meets trans­ formation. Focused on delivering human-centred, tech-enabled solutions, this service line helps clients reimagine their operations, adopt new technologies

and design agile business models. From enterprise­ wide digital transformation initiatives to performance improvement programmes, EV consultants work with both private and public sector organisations to unlock sustainable growth.

Their approach is not just about quick fixes, but about designing long-term strategies that are resilient and future-fit. Using global methodologies adapted to the African context, EV's consultants help clients become more responsive, efficient and digitally enabled.

Tax Services
As tax regulations become more intricate and compliance risks intensify, businesses turn to EV for clarity, foresight and expert guidance. The Tax team plays a vital role in assisting clients to navigate this complex environment responsibly and proactively.

EV's tax professionals are known for their technical precision and business-savvy thinking. Whether it's corporate tax structuring, international tax planning, or helping small businesses manage VAT and payroll tax obligations, the team ensures that clients meet their obligations while identifying opportunities for efficiencies and growth.

In a climate where tax transparency and ethical practices are paramount, EV supports businesses in achieving long-term compliance and resilience.

Strategy and Transactions
Through EV-Parthenon, the Strategy and Transactions arm of EV, clients are supported in making better capital decisions, managing transactions and driving transformation. From mergers and acquisitions to restructuring and capital optimisation, EV-Parthenon professionals offer investor-focused advice backed by Al-powered tools and deep industry knowledge.

Whether advising multinationals on investment decisions or working with local businesses on growth

strategies, the team helps shape futures with insight, precision and confidence.

Innovation and Al
As part of a globally connected network, EV benefits from access to leading technologies and tools. The firm's investment in EV.ai, a unified Al platform, reflects its commitment to using advanced tech not just for automation, but for transparency and inclusion. These tools enable teams to provide cutting-edge solutions to clients while upholding ethical standards and building trust in new technologies.

Al and data analytics are increasingly embedded in all service lines, enhancing the speed, quality and impact of EV's offerings. For clients, this translates into smarter insights, faster decision-making and more efficient operations.

A Purpose-Driven Firm in Action
EV's contribution extends far beyond client service. True to the global firm's purpose, the team is deeply invested in creating positive societal impact. Through skills development, mentorship programmes, community upliftment projects and a focus on inclusive hiring practices, EV helps build a more equitable and empowered local economy.

The firm'scommitment to transformation,sustainability, and leadership development aligns with South Africa's broader goals of economic inclusion and resilience. With a culture that prizes integrity, collaboration and excellence, EV continues to grow as a beacon of what a purpose-driven professional services firm can achieve.

Looking Ahead
As South Africa navigates a landscape marked by both challenge and possibility, EV stands ready to support progress. Armed with global strength, local insight and a fierce commitment to building a better working world, EV is not just serving clients; it's shaping the future.