How many times do you read about a famous person doing some incredible and unique work overseas only to find out that they are from South Africa? Similarly, Wade Howard, director at Ocean Driven Media (ODM) is often asked: why would an international client hire a South African media team to work in places like Perth, Kazakhstan, or Chicago? His answer is straightforward. Because South Africans are the best,” he says with a smile.

he legal and financial environment in South Africa is evolving, and so too is the role of trusts. Once considered a clever tool for estate planning and tax efficiency, trusts that are no longer active have become costly liabilities. For trustees and financial advisors, the message is clear: if a trust is no longer serving a purpose, it’s time to close it.

Let’s be honest. When most business owners hear ‘financial compliance’, their minds zoom straight to South African Revenue Services (SARS) like a meerkat spotting a predator. And yes – taxes are important (ask Al Capone). But income tax is just one pillar of your financial house. If that’s the only pillar you’re minding, you’re basically trying to balance a four-tier wedding cake on a broomstick.