MaxProf was proud to participate in the 2025 State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Conference, held in Cape Town from 06 – 07 November 2025. This important gathering brought together South Africa’s foremost leaders in government, business, and civil society to reimagine the future of SOEs and their role in national development.
This year the conference took place at an important moment as the nation struggles with the complex difficulties that major SOEs like Eskom, Transnet, and South African Airways are confronting. Together, the delegates examined bold plans to revitalize these establishments and rebuild public confidence.
The agenda focused on:
- Tackling SOE debt and promoting fiscal responsibility to ensure long-term sustainability
- Enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks to strengthen oversight and compliance
- Maximising budget utilisation for improved efficiency across SOEs and local government
- Strengthening board effectiveness, oversight, and risk management
- Building powerful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to unlock innovation and investment
These themes reflect a growing consensus: that SOEs must evolve into agile, accountable, and financially sound entities capable of driving inclusive economic growth.
Day 2 of the conference continued to deliver powerful insights. One standout session was led by Kemantha Govender, Communications Manager at the Wits School of Governance. Her message was clear and compelling: the crisis in SOEs is rarely just operational, it is often rooted in weak governance. She emphasized the importance of transparency, whistleblower protection, and institutionalised resilience planning as non-negotiables for sustainable reform.
At MaxProf, we believe that trust is earned not only through technical excellence, but through consistent, transparent engagement especially in times of uncertainty. Whether we are supporting clients through complex tax disputes or navigating shifting regulatory landscapes, our approach remains grounded in ethical practice and clear communication.
Our presence at the SOE Conference reflects our broader mission: to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of South Africa’s public institutions. We are here to share insights, forge partnerships, and support the evolution of SOEs into engines of national development.
At the end of the conference one thing was evident, while the road to SOE reform is difficult, it is not impossible to travel. It is possible to rethink South Africa’s state-owned businesses as engines of development with the correct balance of supervision, accountability, and cooperation. MaxProf remains committed to walking this journey alongside our partners, bringing clarity, integrity, and strategic insight to every engagement.
