On 22 October 2025, MaxProf and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) hosted a Business Breakfast at the Capital On Park, Sandton. This event brought together key voices from across different sectors. Tax practitioners, representatives from the Tax Ombud’s Office, financial institutions, and members of the broader business community gathered to unpack the impact of SARS’s direct recovery mechanisms particularly bank attachments on businesses, with a special focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Opening Reflections: Neil Pollock on the Power of Incremental Change
Neil Pollock, SACCI Deputy President, opened the morning with a compelling address that reinforced the value of small, consistent improvements. Drawing on the philosophy that even a 1% shift can lead to meaningful transformation over time, Pollock framed the day’s discussions as part of a broader journey toward systemic change. “Progress is rarely about one big leap,” he noted. “It’s about the steady, collective steps that move us all forward.” His message resonated deeply with attendees, setting the tone for a morning rooted in constructive engagement and shared purpose.
Setting the Tone: Pratish Ramdas on Connection and Opportunity
MaxProf CEO Pratish Ramdas followed with an energising welcome, quoting Michele Jennae: Mr Ramdas emphasised the importance of meaningful dialogue in creating opportunities for growth and positive change. He encouraged attendees to engage fully, ask questions, share perspectives, and build connections that strengthen the business community. His message reinforced the breakfast’s role as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
Navigating Complexity: Andiswa Matutu on SARS Enforcement and Strategic Solutions
MaxProf Director Andiswa Matutu delivered a powerful presentation that delved into the complexities of South Africa’s tax environment. Her talk addressed:
- SARS enforcement and direct bank attachments
- The disproportionate impact on SMEs
- SARS’s evolving collaborative approach
- MaxProf’s strategic solutions for compliance and risk management
Panel Discussion
Our panel discussion, featuring Standard Bank’s Nokhanyo Ntshingila, SACCI’s Neil Pollock, the Tax Ombud’s Fundiswa Ngqeleni, and MaxProf’s Sanjeevan Bisnath, sparked honest and engaging dialogue around bank attachments, taxpayer accessibility, and the importance of cooperation between institutions and practitioners.
Nokhanyo Ntshingila addressed the bank’s legal obligations when SARS issues requests for direct attachments, offering a practical and operational perspective on how financial institutions manage these complex scenarios. Neil Pollock and Fundiswa Ngqeleni highlighted the challenge of underserved taxpayers those affected by the digital divide or limited access to quality service provision. Sanjeevan Bisnath spoke to the role of intermediary organisations in facilitating engagements with SARS and leveraging their expertise to support businesses. The panel provided a rich platform for sharing diverse perspectives, tackling real challenges, and exploring actionable solutions. It underscored the importance of collaboration and open dialogue in shaping a more equitable and effective tax system.
A heartfelt thank you to the MaxProf and SACCI teams, and to our speakers from Standard Bank, the Tax Ombud, SACCI, and MaxProf for sharing their expertise and perspectives.
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