SAICA’s commitment to ethical leadership
As the recognised gold standard of ethical leadership and governance in the accounting profession, SAICA has taken the decision to address recent media allegations directly and transparently.
While we do not ordinarily comment on internal or ongoing matters, we believe that it is important to take our members, associates, stakeholders, and the public into our confidence.
We have issued a formal press release rejecting the claims made in the Daily Maverick 168 article of 19 September 2025. The article was published without SAICA’s response, in breach of the Press Code, and contains serious inaccuracies. Furthermore, through legal counsel, SAICA is also requesting a formal apology and a reprint that considers the facts outlined in SAICA’s response.
For the sake of transparency, SAICA would like to add that following Mr. Jaco Snyman’s suspension in March 2025, he submitted several whistleblower reports implicating members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). These were not formally submitted prior to his suspension. Given the serious nature of the allegations and the parties implicated, the matter has been referred to the National Council of SAICA for independent assessment and, if deemed necessary, further investigation. As this process is currently ongoing and being conducted independently, SAICA is unable to comment further on the specific allegations or the investigative process at this time.
SAICA will issue a comprehensive statement once the assessment and/or any investigations have been concluded.
Mr Snyman is currently on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of a disciplinary enquiry into serious allegations of misconduct. Mr. Snyman was suspended on 17 March 2025. The disciplinary enquiry was initially scheduled for 18 July 2025, but it was rescheduled to 15 August 2025, and subsequently to 19 September 2025 and 23 September 2025. SAICA can also confirm that Mr. Snyman has referred numerous disputes to relevant dispute resolution tribunals which are pending. The process has been delayed multiple times due to actions taken by Mr. Snyman. As this is an internal, ongoing matter, SAICA will not comment further until the matter is finalised.
Furthermore, Mr Snyman formed part of the employees who were impacted by the Section 189 (s189) process. This was due to Mr Snyman opting not to apply for any of the roles that were advertised. As this is also an internal matter, we will only issue an update once the process concludes.
SAICA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. We are resolute in protecting the integrity of our Protected Disclosure process and continue to act in the member and public interest without fear or favour. In line with our values, SAICA will not be drawn into public litigation or media trials, nor will we be pressured into divulging confidential information, or commentary on ongoing matters. We remain guided by due processes and our constitutional obligations and doing this would be unconstitutional.
We understand that this matter raises questions or concerns, but we would like to reassure you that our members and associates are the heart of SAICA; the people we value most. Everything we do is in service of your trust, your professional standing, and the public interest you uphold. We remain open to constructive engagement and encourage our members and associates to reach out to SAICA’s Manager for Media and Public Relations, or the Head of Stakeholder Engagement, should they wish to share feedback, raise queries, or seek further clarity.
SAICA would also like to sincerely thank our members and associates for your interest in the wellbeing of the institute and profession, and for the unwavering support shown to the SAICA team as we navigate these unchartered waters. We are stronger together.
Kind regards
SAICA CEO
About SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 50 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants (CAs[SA]), as well as associate general accountants (AGAs[SA]) and accounting technicians (ATs[SA]), who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.
Chartered Accountants are highly valued for their versatile skill set and creative lateral thinking, that's why all of the top 100 Global Brands employ Chartered Accountants.
SAICA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW), a global family that connects over 1,8 million fellow Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. Together, we support, develop, and promote the role of Chartered Accountants as trusted business leaders, difference-makers, and advisers.
SAICA Media Contacts
Kgauhelo Dioka,
***@saica.co.za
Public and Media Relations Manager
Customer Experience