Introduction

Transformation and Growth includes the responsibility for increasing the relevance to profession through transformation of the membership base, creating a corporate social investment platform and leadership programmes. There are a number of exciting initiatives that fall within this ambit. For example, the leadership programmes engaged in include a support programme to enhance the capacity and develop the skills of the local municipalities - a project run in conjunction with the Department of Local Government. The leadership programmes also include the critical role played by SAICA in the development of a Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter for the profession. The corporate social investment platform has been developed through the Hope Factory and the Enterprise Development initiatives that are driven by SAICA.

Transformation of the membership base has had to take into account the current skills environment and address barriers at each and every level of qualification. Currently, the country simply does not have sufficient numbers of skilled people to handle all the complex processes of transformation. This is also the case in the accountancy profession and accordingly SAICA was tasked with creating a transformation plan and strategy. The outcome was the establishment of the Thuthuka Education Upliftment Fund in 2002 and the Thuthuka Bursary Fund in 2005, with the express objective of changing the overall numbers and demographic representation of the profession. Since that time, a number of programmes and initiatives have been launched under the Thuthuka banner, and their impact is clear from the accelerated pace of African and Coloured membership growth and increased numbers of prospective CAs. Details of the programmes and projects are provided in the detailed sections of the initiatives. Summary – programmes and projects(30Kb PDF)

Effective transformation and growth of the chartered accountancy profession is at the heart of The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) strategic commitment to develop and empower previously disadvantaged South Africans. SAICA prides itself in leading the chartered accountancy profession as a socially responsible driver of business and skills development by supporting and encouraging Enterprise Development Initiatives. Enterprise Development is a component of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) intended to drive the transfer of skills and develop and grow small businesses. SAICA has therefore created a platform to enable the chartered accountancy profession to achieve its transformation and growth objectives. The profession's passion for nation building is evident in participation by accountancy firms as well as members individually. SAICA's commitment to Enterprise Development is delivered through two key initiatives:

The Hope Factory: An initiative that is passionately committed to job creation, training and empowerment. www.thehopefactory.co.za Black Entrepreneurship Initiative: There is an enormous wealth of knowledge, experience and skills among the members of SAICA. The Black Entrepreneurship Initiative provides members with an opportunity to share those skills and become involved in Enterprise Development. Volunteer Chartered Accountants provide mentorship, training and financial advice to black entrepreneurs. They assist in the set up and operation of basic accounting systems and financial procedures. The Black Entrepreneurship Initiative aims to grow businesses in the small, medium and micro enterprise sector. The key project aims are: To provide mentorship for black entrepreneurs and their businesses, in the areas of finance. To create a platform for SAICA members to be involved in Enterprise Development, and share their skills and knowledge, in order to make a difference in society. To contribute towards economic growth, job creation and business sustainability The Black Entrepreneurship Initiative is an exciting project that will provide mentorship for entrepreneurs, will provide an opportunity for SAICA members to become involved in Enterprise Development, and will increase economic growth for the country.