Shows
The Rev RoomEP22: The New Labour Code: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know in 2025In this episode of The Rev Room, Francois sits down with Juliana van der Mervwe, Labour Law Team Lead at Labournet, to unpack the major updates to South Africa’s Code of Good Practice - from parental leave reform to new operational dismissal procedures. Together they explore what these changes mean for business owners, why progressive discipline still matters, and how compliance can actually strengthen company culture.It’s a practical, insight-rich discussion designed to help founders and executives stay ahead of risk, align with new labour legislation, and creat...
2025-10-3011 minThe Rev RoomEP21: Culture Starts with You: How Great Leaders Build Teams That ThriveMost businesses don’t fail because of bad ideas — they fail because the founder can’t get out of their own way.In this heartfelt conversation, Celeste Zanoli from BizRev Advisory explores what it truly means to lead. She unpacks how culture, communication, and trust aren’t HR buzzwords—they’re the foundation of every thriving business. From creating psychological safety to celebrating small wins, Celeste shares the habits that turn a group of employees into a high-performing, value-driven team.This episode is for the founder who’s exhausted from carrying it all alone and ready to build...
2025-10-1414 minThe Rev RoomEP20: Upskill, Employ, and Get Paid to Do It - Inside South Africa’s Skills Development SystemMost founders know about compliance — but few realise they’re sitting on a goldmine of government-backed rebates, grants, and tax incentives. In this episode, Francois sits down with Ruan from LabourNet to unpack the Skills Development Levy (SDL), how discretionary and mandatory grants work, and why strategic learnerships can transform not just your business, but your impact on youth unemployment in South Africa. From overlooked tax savings to free training for your team, this is the insight most entrepreneurs don’t know they need — but can’t afford to miss.✅ Three Key TakeawaysYou’re Alrea...
2025-10-0714 minThe Rev RoomEP19: From Registration to Returns: The Realities of CIPC ComplianceRunning a business is hard enough without tripping over compliance. In this episode of The Rev Room, Francois sits down with Tracy to unpack the essentials of CIPC - from annual returns and beneficial ownership to director changes and company name registrations. Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, this conversation cuts through the jargon and gives you the clarity you need to avoid penalties and keep your company above board.Key TakeawaysAnnual Returns Are Non-Negotiable – Every business must submit within 30 days of registration anniversary or face pena...
2025-10-0106 minThe Rev RoomEP18: Avoiding the Hidden Costs of Non-Compliance: Penalties, Interest & Provisional TaxTax penalties aren’t just numbers on a statement—they’re stress triggers that keep entrepreneurs awake at night. In this episode, we break down the different types of penalties from SARS, why they happen, and how to prevent them from derailing your business. From understatement penalties to late payment interest, provisional tax traps, and voluntary disclosure agreements, we cover it all in plain, practical language. If you’ve ever felt blindsided by a notice from SARS, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to face compliance head-on.Three Key TakeawaysPenaltie...
2025-09-2009 minThe Rev RoomEP17: Bracket Creep: The Silent Tax That’s Shrinking Your PaycheckIn this episode of The Rev Room, we expose bracket creep — the sneaky tax mechanism also known as fiscal drag. Wayne Turner, BizRev’s Financial Director and tax specialist, joins Noloyiso Mbenga to unpack how inflation-linked salary increases are pushing South Africans into higher tax brackets without any real gain in buying power. Together, they break down the last five years of tax bracket adjustments, the R60 billion impact, and what this silent tax means for both employers and employees. If you’ve been wondering why your paycheck feels lighter, this conversation will give you the clarity you need.
2025-09-1905 minThe Rev RoomEP16: Behind the Penthouse: Hard Lessons from Building Hospitality SuccessCape Town isn’t just a postcard city - it’s a world-class investment hub in tourism. In this conversation, Mark and Takunda share their journey at The Glen, unpacking the realities of hospitality growth. From relentless guest demands to capital-intensive reinvestment, they reveal how financial systems, culture, and strong leadership turned challenges into scalable success. For founders and entrepreneurs, it’s a masterclass in blending passion with practical systems to build a business that lasts.3 Key TakeawaysTourism is ripe for growth — Cape Town is experiencing unprecedented demand, with premium offerings like pen...
2025-09-1222 minThe Rev RoomEP15: The CEO’s Guide to Resilience: Leading Through Crisis With ClarityResilience isn’t just about surviving hard times - it’s about creating a business and leadership style that can adapt, absorb shocks, and emerge stronger. In this conversation, Francois (CEO of BizRev) flips roles as guest, sharing raw stories of revenue collapse, long nights, and the systems that helped his team rebuild into something more unified and profitable. Together with host Matt Barlow, they unpack what resilience really looks like for entrepreneurs - balancing personal grit with organizational culture, building financial discipline, and creating adaptable teams.This episode speaks directly to leaders who are exhausted by fire...
2025-09-0410 minThe Rev RoomEP13: Bookkeeping Basics That Save You MillionsIn this Rev Room episode, the team unpacks why bookkeeping is more than just admin - it’s the backbone of financial clarity and cash flow stability. Nandi shares real-world examples of how poor record-keeping leads to penalties, missed VAT claims, and cash flow strain, while disciplined, system-driven bookkeeping frees founders to focus on growth. With tools like Xero and Hubdoc, business owners can streamline processes, avoid SARS penalties, and make faster, smarter financial decisions.This conversation is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs who are tired of scrambling to “catch up” and want a business that runs on cla...
2025-08-2513 minThe Rev RoomEP14: Don’t Lose What You’ve Built: The Power of Trademarks in SAIn this episode of The Rev Room, we dive into the world of trademarks with Nicole, unpacking why every entrepreneur in South Africa should consider trademark protection. From logos and slogans to unique product shapes, trademarks aren’t just legal red tape—they’re assets that protect your customer loyalty, brand identity, and long-term growth. If you’ve poured years into building your business, the last thing you want is to see someone else profit off your name. Nicole breaks down what can (and can’t) be trademarked, the process of registration through the CIPC, and the common mistakes business o...
2025-08-2216 minThe Rev RoomEP12: Tax Relief Through Medical Credits: What SARS Won’t Tell You (But Should)In this episode of The Rev Room, Francois sits down with tax specialist Nolu to demystify one of the most overlooked tax advantages in South Africa—medical tax credits and disability deductions. They break down the two types of medical tax credits (MTC and ATMC), clarify what’s claimable (and what’s not), and expose the massive savings many founders unknowingly forfeit every year. From understanding how dependents with disabilities affect your claim to practical tips for improving your SARS submissions, this conversation is packed with insights that could put real money back in your pocket.3 Key Ta...
2025-07-3008 minThe Rev RoomEP11: Deadline Pressure & Penalty Risk: Navigating SARS With ConfidenceIn this Rev Room episode, Wayne and Noloyiso from the BizRev tax team unpack what every South African business owner needs to know for the 2025 tax season. With SARS reducing the filing window by over 50 days and tightening assessment timelines, the margin for error is shrinking. They break down the difference between auto assessments and manual submissions, what documents you must have on hand, and the best practices to avoid penalties, delays, or unnecessary stress. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is your quick-start guide to staying compliant, informed, and in control....
2025-07-2809 minThe Rev RoomEP10: 7 Costly Mistakes Entrepreneurs Keep Making (and How to Stop)Too many founders unknowingly sabotage their own growth—often in the name of survival. In this episode, Francois and Celeste break down the seven most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, from mixing personal and business finances to ignoring cash flow, undercharging out of fear, and flying solo without support. Whether you’re building your first business or scaling a successful venture, this conversation offers a practical wake-up call and a reminder: you’re not meant to do it all alone. 3 KEY TAKEAWAYSPersonal and business don’t mix - Blurring the lines leads to messy...
2025-07-2611 minThe Rev RoomEP09: The KPI Blind Spot: Why Entrepreneurs Crash Without Reading the DashboardIn this episode of The Rev Room, Francois sits down with senior account manager Matt Barlow to unpack one of the most overlooked (yet vital) growth tools in business: financial reporting. They explore the common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when they ignore their numbers, what to look for in a proper management pack, and how data-driven decisions can uncover hidden profit leaks. With relatable metaphors and real client stories, this episode turns financial literacy into a powerful leadership weapon—especially for founders stuck in the operational grind.Three Key TakeawaysYour P&L Is No...
2025-07-1411 minThe Rev RoomEP08: Think It’s Closed? Why SARS Might Still Be Coming for Your Dormant CompanyToo many entrepreneurs think that if a company stops trading, it quietly disappears. But SARS has other plans—and the penalties for inaction can be brutal. In this episode, BizRev’s resident attorney Nicole Lin joins Francois to unpack the real process of legally closing a company in South Africa.From misunderstood SARS requirements to overlooked CIPC compliance, this conversation reveals the costly myths keeping dormant companies in limbo. Nicole breaks down the exact steps founders need to take to close a company cleanly without getting buried in red tape, debt, or delay.If you’ve eve...
2025-07-1114 minThe Rev RoomEP07: The Truth About Trusts: Asset Protection Without the PitfallsIn this foundational episode, Nicole, BizRev’s resident legal expert on estates and trusts, unpacks one of the most misunderstood vehicles in business and legacy planning: the trust. Whether you’re a founder wanting to protect your assets from creditors, preserve generational wealth, or plan for succession, this conversation demystifies the process. From trust deeds and taxation to common pitfalls and SARS red flags, Nicole explains the legal frameworks that every high-performing entrepreneur needs to understand before it’s too late.This is the episode your future self (and your beneficiaries) will thank you for.📌 Th...
2025-06-2222 minThe Rev RoomEP06: Overseas? Here’s How to Avoid 45% Tax Pain on Your Trust DistributionsIf you’re a South African entrepreneur working abroad or planning to this episode is essential listening. Nicole and Wayne unpack the tax minefield of foreign income, dual residency, and what happens when SA trusts start distributing to non-residents. From the overlooked impact of the Double Tax Agreement between South Africa and France to the jaw-dropping 45% tax on trust payouts, this conversation is a masterclass in cross-border compliance.For high-performing founders making moves internationally, this episode offers a sobering reminder: tax residency changes everything—and ignorance can cost you dearly.📌 Three Key Takeaways:Th...
2025-06-2221 minThe Rev RoomEP04: Trusts Decoded: What Founders Need to Know to Protect Their LegacyIn this powerful episode of The Rev Room, BizRev’s resident legal expert Nicole Lin dives deep into the often-misunderstood world of trusts. If you’re a founder navigating business continuity, asset protection, or long-term estate planning—this conversation is essential. Nicole breaks down the purpose, types, and practical setup of trusts in plain language, and unpacks the legal and tax implications most people overlook. She challenges common misconceptions, especially the idea that founders can retain personal control over trust assets, and explains why a properly structured trust is one of the smartest moves a business owner can make for fu...
2025-06-0522 minThe Rev RoomEP05: From Panic to Prepared: Navigating SARS, Provisional Tax, and Expat IncomeIn this episode of The Rev Room, BizRev’s tax specialist Wayne Turner unpacks the tax questions that keep South African founders up at night. From auto-assessments and provisional tax to foreign income rules and Airbnb deductions, Wayne offers clear, practical advice that every entrepreneur can understand. He explains how SARS is using AI to get ahead of non-compliance, why getting your details updated before filing season is crucial, and how to avoid the penalties that come from estimation mistakes. Whether you’re a business owner earning in multiple currencies or a South African renting out a spare room on A...
2025-06-0527 minThe Rev RoomEP03: Beyond the Numbers: Bridging the Gap Between Accountants and EntrepreneursIn this conversation, Francois sits down with Celeste Zanoli, BizRev’s Senior Account Manager, to unpack why traditional accounting fails most entrepreneurs - - and what it really takes to build a business that thrives. They dig into the emotional toll of financial ambiguity, the guilt many founders carry, and how BizRev is reframing accounting as a relational, educational partnership. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by spreadsheets, disconnected from your own numbers, or afraid to admit you don’t “get it,” this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s not just about fixing books—it’s about emp...
2025-05-2712 minThe Rev RoomEP02: Trusts, Death, and Getting It Done: Legal Real Talk with NicoleIn this episode of The Rev Room, host Francois sits down with BizRev’s legal manager Nicole Lin for a brutally honest look at one of the most overlooked aspects of business and legacy planning - estate administration. From the staggering delays in the Master’s Office to the hidden power of letters of wishes and trust annexures, Nicole demystifies the “boring stuff” and reveals the essential legal steps entrepreneurs should be taking to avoid chaos after death. If you’re a founder who’s too busy building to think about what happens after you’re gone—this conversation is your wake-up...
2025-05-2708 minThe Rev RoomEP01: Leadership First, Strategy Second: Lessons from Francois GeldenhuysWelcome to The Rev Room—where business gets personal. In this inaugural episode, BizRev’s very own François Geldenhuys opens up about the real road to becoming a resilient entrepreneur. From selling second-hand bottles as a teen to building one of South Africa’s leading advisory firms, François shares the pivotal moments, missteps, and mindset shifts that shaped his journey.This isn’t just another business origin story—it’s a deep dive into what really makes or breaks a business: leadership, clarity, and the courage to pivot. Tune in for a raw, insightful conversation on entrepreneu...
2025-04-2408 min