Rachel Kolisi to deliver keynote address at Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025
The Standard Bank Top Women Conference, South Africa’s premier gender empowerment platform, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 22–23 September under the bold theme: “Her Power. Africa’s Future.” Now in its ninth year, this two-day conference will convene over 1 000 influential leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers committed to advancing women’s role in shaping Africa’s growth story. It has become a rallying point for women who are not only participating in South Africa’s progress, but actively defining it. This year’s theme underscores the unstoppable force of women entrepreneurs as visionaries whose strength, innovation, and resilience are transforming industries, communities, and borders. “I believe platforms like the Standard Bank Top Women Conference are vital because they don’t just recognise women’s achievements, they ignite conversations and connections that lead to real change. For me, the most powerful part of this journey is seeing how collaboration between visionary leaders, sponsors, and entrepreneurs creates lasting impact. As we launch the 20th annual Top Women Leaders Publication, it’s a reminder that women are not waiting for the future…we are building it.” – Twaambo Judy Chileshe, Head of Brand, Top Women A powerful line-up of topics and leaders The two-day programme is set to deliver an impactful experience, featuring inspiring keynote addresses from visionary leaders, dynamic panel discussions, SheLeads Dialogues, and a wealth of networking opportunities designed to accelerate inclusive growth across South Africa. Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in PitchPower Networking sessions, where they can deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches to showcase their business, product, or service to an audience of peers, potential partners, and investors. Programme highlights include: From sustainability and governance to creative industries, youth entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, the agenda reflects the full entrepreneurial journey and the ecosystem of support needed to help women thrive. READ: 3 ways to use events to boost your organisation’s reach and revenue Keynote voices of change This year’s keynote speakers include: Together, these leaders and many others will bring their expertise, experience, and passion to discussions that champion inclusive enterprise and women-driven innovation. Building legacy through partnership The Standard Bank Top Women Conference continues to grow as a collaborative platform thanks to the support of its valued partners and sponsors: Platinum Partner: Standard Bank Gold Partner: merSETA Host City Partner: Gauteng Tourism Authority Silver Partners: Merchants, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Guerbet SA, KFC South Africa Bronze Partners: Enel Green Power, Barloworld Limited, Bridging & Associates, MSD Southern Africa, South African Airways, SIBANYE Still Water Showcase Counters: CorpsAfrica, Mancosa, Godrej Consumer Products, Euphoria Telecom, The Gordon Group, CCG Systems Lifestyle Partners: Nespresso, Mr Price Sport, L’oreal, DHL Their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in business and society is central to the conference’s impact and longevity. INTERVIEW: How Rachel Kolisi balances it all Join the movement – Shape Africa’s future Delegates will leave empowered with actionable strategies, new connections, and a renewed vision of how women-led enterprises can shape Africa’s economic and social future. Event Details:Venue: The Ballroom, Sandton Convention Centre, JohannesburgDate: 22–23 September 2025 Tickets: https://qkt.io/X98Pay
Narrowing workplace gender bias needs strong leadership
“PWC’s recent insights into gender equity, released in March this year, highlight significant gender empowerment gaps globally, and in previous years have honed in on South Africa, where men remain more empowered in the workplace than women.”
Can SARS tax you on bonuses and incentives?
By Jessie Taylor Incentives and bonuses are often viewed as rewards for hard work and high performance, offering employees a welcome boost to their earnings. However, many South Africans are caught off guard when their long-anticipated bonuses appear significantly smaller than expected due to tax deductions. To make the most of these additional earnings, it is crucial to understand how the South African Revenue Service (SARS) treats bonuses and incentives for tax purposes. This is what you need to keep in mind: 1. Bonuses form part of your taxable income Bonuses and incentives, whether they take the form of performance bonuses, annual 13th cheques, commissions, or productivity-linked rewards, are considered part of your taxable income in South Africa. SARS does not treat these payments as separate or exempt; they are lumped together with your monthly salary and taxed at the same marginal rate applicable to your income bracket. The misunderstanding often arises from the assumption that bonuses are taxed at a higher flat rate. In truth, they are subject to the same progressive tax system as regular income. The issue is that receiving a lump sum can temporarily push your total monthly income into a higher bracket, increasing the PAYE deduction for that specific month. For example, if your monthly salary is R30 000 and you receive a R20 000 bonus, your total income for the month becomes R50 00. The tax is then calculated on that combined figure. Even though this may lead to higher tax withholding at the time, the final tax owed for the year will be calculated based on your total annual income. If too much tax was deducted, SARS will refund the difference when you submit your annual tax return. 2. There are different methods of taxing bonuses Employers may apply one of two SARS-approved methods to calculate the tax on bonuses: the annualisation method or the balance of remuneration method. Annualisation of income is the more common approach. It works by calculating the tax you would pay if your monthly income (including your bonus) were earned every month for the year. So, your income for the month is multiplied by 12 to project an annual figure. The tax due on this amount is then divided by 12 to determine the PAYE for the month. Since the bonus inflates the monthly figure artificially, this method often results in a higher-than-normal PAYE deduction for that month. Balance of remuneration separates the bonus from the regular salary when calculating tax. First, the tax on your usual salary is computed. Then, the bonus is added, and the total tax due on the combined amount is calculated. The difference between the tax due on the total and the salary alone is the tax payable on the bonus. This method is often more precise and prevents excessive deductions but is used less frequently. 3. Non-cash incentives can also be taxable While most people think of incentives in cash terms, non-cash rewards can also be taxable. These include items such as company cars, accommodation, travel vouchers, or gifts. Known as fringe benefits, these perks are assigned a monetary value and may be taxed accordingly. For instance, if you are awarded a R5 000 shopping voucher or a weekend away as a reward for excellent performance, your employer must declare this to SARS and potentially withhold PAYE on its value. However, SARS does allow for small, infrequent gifts to be exempt, such as long-service awards or minor holiday gifts below a certain threshold. Employers must be careful to categorise and report these correctly to avoid penalties. Bonuses and incentives are valuable tools for recognising performance and boosting morale, but they come with important tax implications. In South Africa, these payments are taxed as part of your regular income, and while the immediate PAYE deduction may feel steep, SARS ensures fairness by assessing your full-year income and tax liability. Employees expecting a bonus can take steps to plan for the tax impact: Employees should understand how SARS calculates tax on bonuses and explore options for managing and possibly minimising the impact. By being informed and proactive, you can ensure that your bonus works for you – not against you. Sources: FA News | Tim Tax
Future of HR Awards 2025: Celebrating the architects of tomorrow’s workplaces
“We’re not just handing out trophies. We’re shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes who manage the most unpredictable, complicated, and vital aspect of any organisation – its human capital.”
5 strategies to scale your business
“Standard scaling advice is: build systems, hire smart, watch your cash flow. But after years of helping founders navigate exponential growth, I’ve discovered that sustainable scaling requires something deeper than just tactical execution.”
‘When women lead, everyone rises’ – Lessons on entrepreneurship
“Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a small business owner or navigating the nuances of scaling, here are a few key lessons that I believe every woman entrepreneur should hold close.”
We all procrastinate – what’s the impact?
“Understanding these patterns is the vital first step towards regaining control and living with greater purpose. As we move forward, the focus shifts to action.”
3 ways to incorporate micro-wellness into your day
“Whether you’re a manager trying to energise your team, or an individual looking for balance, remember, small steps, done often, create lasting change. So, take a stretch break right now — your spine will thank you later. “
Sanlam, Sasol and SARS among 2025 Nedbank Top Empowerment Award winners
The prestigious Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards 2025 took centre stage on the night of 31 July 2025, celebrating the exceptional individuals, companies, and organisations driving transformation and empowerment across South Africa. Held under the theme “Defying Limits, Empowering Change,” the event gathered the country’s foremost leaders, changemakers and visionaries in a powerful tribute to inclusive growth and economic justice. Hosted by the renowned broadcaster Leanne Manas, the evening commenced with a welcome address by Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, who acknowledged the remarkable progress being made in economic empowerment. The event featured insights from the esteemed judging panel during a live Q&A session with Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, and Gavin Fitzmaurice, Partner at Webber Wentzel, who reflected on the calibre of this year’s entries. Guests were further inspired by a powerful keynote from Mfundo Nkuhlu, Chief Operating Officer of Nedbank Group, followed by an address from the Honourable Minister Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who spoke to the critical role of digital transformation in building an inclusive, empowered future. Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the categories: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: FAST GROWTH BLACK-OWNED SMME OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Bono Property Group Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: PUBLIC SECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: South African Revenue Service (SARS) Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: ENTERPRISE AND SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Mondi Zimele (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Schneider Electric Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Nestlé ESAR Highly Commended: Isanti Glass Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Sanlam Life Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Vaxowave Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Sasol Limited Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: LIFETIME ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD Honourable Minister Enoch Godongwana – Minister of Finance for South Africa MUNICIPAL WOMEN LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD, Sponsored by SALGA NEDBANK OLIVER TOP EMPOWERMENT LEGENDS 2025 TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: JOB CREATION OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Geeks4Learning (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Mondi Zimele (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: PUBLIC SECTOR LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Edward Kieswetter – South African Revenue Service (SARS) Finalists: RICHARD FLETCHER ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Patricia Tshitema – Bono Property Group Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD (UNDER 40) Winner: Beverley Siwisa – Afrizan People Intelligence (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Sindisiwe Dlamini – Pamodzi Unique Engineering Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Oceana Group Limited Highly Commended: Isanti Glass Finalists: The 2025 Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards not only recognised excellence but reignited the national conversation around transformation, equity, and sustainable development. As the winners and finalists take their well-deserved place among South Africa’s top empowered leaders, this year’s event stands as a bold reminder that meaningful change is not only possible – it is already in motion. A heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors whose support made this celebration of empowerment possible: Nedbank, our Platinum Sponsor; SALGA, also proudly supporting our Category Awards; and our esteemed Lifestyle Sponsors — L’Oréal, Jenna Clifford, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa — for adding their unique touch to the evening. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who continue to inspire, innovate, and lead the way forward.
‘Winnie Mandela thought that was an assassination attempt’ – Mathews Phosa
“In this Business Unusual Podcast Mathews joins Ralf Fletcher to reflect on an eventful career in politics which saw him play a key role in the Codesa negotiations, serve as Premier of the Mpumalanga province, and advise all five of South Africa’s democratically elected presidents.”