South Africa has an extensive and well-developed professional services industry.
The advertising industry in South Africa is dynamic and extremely competitive, and has earned international respect over the years for its talent and innovation.
Media advertising options include print, radio, television, outdoor advertising and the Internet. The allocation of new private radio and TV licences in recent years has increased advertising options and led to increased competition within the industry.
Key issues facing the industry include:
- freedom of commercial speech
- the retention of self-regulation
- the effect of legislation such as that concerning tobacco products, baby food marketing, broadcasting policy, etc
- getting to grips with the role of advertising on the Internet
There are a variety of professional bodies associated with the industry.
Most of the major international advertising networks are represented in the country, having bought into or built associations with South African agencies.
The country also has a large number of marketing and market research organizations, including a number of international companies.
The South African legal system comprises a number of court structures, including the highest court of appeal on non-constitutional matters, The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, provincial and local divisions of the Supreme Court and lower courts.
The Constitutional Court has national jurisdiction, being charged with the protection, interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution. A number of Special Courts deal exclusively with specific matters such as land claims and small claims.
Key issues facing the attorneys and advocates in the legal profession include: representation of previously disadvantaged groups in the profession, the introduction of a myriad of new laws associated with socio-political transition and the introduction of contingency fees competition from consulting firms.
Werkmans Attorneys is a prominent firm in South Africa. For more information, see the Werkmans Attorneys Business Guide.
The South African Information Technology industry has been characterised by rapid growth and expansion by a large number of companies. Towards the end of the 1990’s a number of these companies began moving overseas in order to expand and tap into new markets.
The accounting profession in South Africa is well established and operates according to strict standards. South African companies are required to keep accounting records and prepare financial statements which are legally subject to an annual audit.
Most of the major international firms are represented locally. The trend is for these companies to adopt a multidisciplinary approach and offer ancillary services such as management consulting, legal services and IT consulting.
Issues being addressed by the profession include
- increasing the number of black accountants in the country
- maintenance of standards
- ensuring local standards are compatible with those adopted internationally
The Ernst & Young Africa Group provides a comprehensive accounting service across the continent in most African countries, including South Africa. For more information, see their Investment Profile on this website.
