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Tutorial letter 105/0/2020
APPLIED AUDITING
AUE4862/ZAU4862/NAU4862
Year Module
Department of Financial Governance
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information

about your module.
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INDEX Page
Due date 3
Lecturers and contact details 3
Prescribed method of study 4
Suggested working programme 4
How the topics of this tutorial letter relate to the audit process 5
Study unit 11 The Code of Professional Conduct, By-laws and Rules Regarding
Improper Conduct 6
12 The Auditing Profession Act (APA) of the Independent Regulatory

Board for Auditors (IRBA) 17
13 The auditor's responsibilities relating to fraud in an audit 23
14 The King IV Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa 25
15 Companies Act no 71 of 2008 38
Self-assessment questions 71
Self-assessment solutions 93
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DUE DATE
TEST 4 ON TUTORIAL LETTER 105: 28 JULY 2020
LECTURERS AND CONTACT DETAILS
Personnel E-mail address

Lecturers
Mr N Hoosen (Course leader) hoosen2@unisa.ac.za
Mr Z Abrahams abrahz@unisa.ac.za
Ms L Grebe grebel@unisa.ac.za
Mr W Kriel krielw@unisa.ac.za
Ms J Kritzinger (Research leave for 2020) kritzja@unisa.ac.za
Mr T Matsimela matsict@unisa.ac.za
Ms K Ramushwana ramuskv@unisa.ac.za
Ms A Terblanche terbleaj@unisa.ac.za
Ms R van Beek vbeekr@unisa.ac.za
The Department of Financial Governance has a helpdesk for postgraduate students. You may direct
all queries, except those of a purely administrative nature, to the helpdesk, either by e-mail or
telephonically between 08:00 and 16:00, Mondays to Fridays.
E-mail AUDpostgrad@unisa.ac.za
Telephone 012 429 4032
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PRESCRIBED METHOD OF STUDY
1. By this time, you should be familiar with the relevant chapters in your prescribed textbook as
well as all the related theory, which will be covered in study units 11 to 15. Refer to the
prescribed material if you are unfamiliar with any of the principles contained in the questions.
2. The Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) was revised in 2018 and are examinable. Please
make sure that you familiarise yourself with the revised CPC (SAICAs CPC), in volume 2B of
SAICA handbooks. IRBA Code of Professional Conduct is only available on their website and
not included in the SAICA handbook.
3. Read the theory and interpretation(s) covered in the study units.
4. Answer the questions in this tutorial letter and make sure you understand the principles
contained in the questions.
5. Consider whether you have achieved the specific outcomes of each study unit.
6. After completing of all the study units, attempt the self-assessment questions to test whether
you have mastered the contents of this tutorial letter.
SUGGESTED WORKING PROGRAMME
JUNE 2020
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY WEEKEND
22 23 24 25 26 27+28
Study unit 11 Study unit 12, Study unit 15 Answer the

13 and 14 self-
assessment
questions
29 30
Answer the
self- TEST 3
assessment (TL 104)
questions
JULY 2020
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY WEEKEND
27 28
TEST 4
(TL 105)
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HOW THE TOPICS OF THIS TUTORIAL LETTER RELATE TO THE AUDIT

PROCESS
STAGES OF THE AUDIT PROCESS

The Companies Act
Preliminary engagement
activities (TL 102)
(TL 105)
Planning
(TL 102)
King IV (TL 105)
Establish overall audit Develop an audit plan

The Auditing Profession Act
strategy (TL 102) (TL 102)

and By-laws as well as IRBA CPC and Rules Regarding (IRBA) (TL 105)
Internal control
(TL 102 and TL 103)
Obtain audit evidence (the

auditor's response to
The Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) of SAICA
assessed risk)
Perform tests of Perform substantive

control (TL 103) procedures (TL 103)
Improper Conduct (TL 105)
Evaluation, conclusion
and reporting
(TL 104)
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STUDY UNIT 11 – THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, BY-LAWS

AND RULES REGARDING IMPROPER CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
In your future career as a chartered accountant and/or auditor, you will face many
situations where you will have to make a decision based on moral values. For example,
am I going to report a client to the authorities for evading tax? The accounting and
auditing profession's credibility and sustainability depend on its members' ability to act in
an ethical manner, and for this reason, various principles guide members' thinking when
it comes to questions like these.
Although the CPC was revised in 2018, the principles in essence state the same. Refer to section A of
this study unit for more detail.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this study unit, you should be able to identify, discuss and apply the
principles contained in the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Code of Professional Conduct (CPC), By-laws the Independent Regulatory Board for
Auditors (IRBA) CPC, Disciplinary Rules and the Rules Regarding Improper Conduct in
any given scenario.
PRESCRIBED STUDY MATERIAL
SAICA Student Handbook 2019/2020 Volume 2B – SAICA /IRBA Pronouncements as

well as Legislation:
• Section 1: ET
• Section 2: IRBA Rules Regarding Improper Conduct (BN105/2019 and IRBA
RULES)
• Section 5 By-laws – only available on SAICA’s website: www.saica.co.za
Auditing Notes for South African Students (Auditing Notes, 11th edition), chapter 2
(entire chapter) – This chapter was revised to incorporate the changes.
Please take note that the pronouncements issued by IRBA is not included in Volume
2B, but only available on the IRBA website: www.irba.co.za.
COMMENT
We recommend that you study the CPC directly from the SAICA Student Handbook, as
you may take this book into the venue with you when writing the test and/or examination
according to the open book policy. Please refer to chapter 2 of Auditing Notes (revised)
for examples that explain difficult principles.
The Rules Regarding Improper Conduct was revised in 2019 and is effective and
examinable from 1 January 2020. You should therefore ensure that you are familiar with
the content thereof.
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SECTION A – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Background
Contents of the SAICA CPC (revised 2018)
DEFINITIONS, INCLUDING LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND STANDARDS
(ALL PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS)
PART 1
COMPLYING WITH THE CODE, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
(ALL PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS – SECTIONS 100 TO 199)
PART 2 PART 3
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS IN

BUSINESS PUBLIC PRACTICE
(SECTIONS 300 TO 399)
(PART 2 IS ALSO APPLICABLE TO
INTERNAL INDEPENDENCE STANDARDS
INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL
(PARTS 4A AND 4B)
ACCOUNTANTS IN PUBLIC PRACTICE
WHEN PERFORMING PROFESSIONAL
ACTIVITIES PURSUANT TO THEIR PART 4A – INDEPENDENCE FROM AUDIT AND
RELATIONSIHP WITH THE FIRM) REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS
PART 4B – INDEPENDENCE FOR ASSURANCE

ENGAGEMENTS OTHER THAN
AUDIT AND REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS
Part 1: Complying with the code, fundamental principles and conceptual framework
This part of the CPC is applicable to all public accounts in South Africa. It establishes the fundamental
principles of the professional ethics for CA(SA)s and provides a conceptual framework for them. This
part of the CPC also defines threats to independence and sets the tone for the rest of the CPC.
You need to study and understand part 1 in detail and be able to apply these principles appropriately
in questions.
The fundamental principles (section 110) are the following:

• integrity
• objectivity
• professional competence and due care
• confidentiality
• professional behaviour
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Part 2: Professional accountants in business
This part of the CPC is applicable to public accounts in business such as employees, contractors,
directors (executive or non-executive), partners, owner-managers, etc. Professional accountants in
business have to comply with this part as well as with part 1 of the CPC. The SAICA CPC is applicable
to people registered with SAICA as CA(SA)s.
This part further sets out additional material that applies to professional accounts in business when
performing professional activities. Professional accounts in business include professional accountants
employed, engaged or contracted in an executive or non-executive capacity. This part is also
applicable to professional accountants in public practice when performing professional activities
pursuant to their relationship with the firm, whether as a contractor, employee or owner. This part of
the IESBA Code of Ethics was not incorporated into the IRBA Code.
Part 3: Professional accountants in public practice
This part of the CPC is applicable to professional accountants who are in public practice such as
auditors. This part sets out additional information that applies to professional accountants when
providing professional services. Professional accountants in public practice will have to comply with
parts 1, 3 and 4.
Part 4: International independence standards
This part sets out additional material that applies to professional accountants in public practice when
performing the following services:
• Part 4A – Independence for Audit and Review engagements – when performing audit or
review engagements
• Part 4B – Independence for Assurance Engagements other than Audit and Review
Engagements – when performing assurance engagements which are not audit
or review engagements.
Independence threats are very topical, and you need a thorough understanding of this topic together
with the related safeguards. Public accountants in this part refers to individual professional
accountants in public practice and their firms. Professional accountants in public practice have to
comply with parts 1, 2, 3 and 4.
You should study all three parts of the CPC, as stated above, to enable yourself to identify which parts
of the CPC are applicable when answering questions.
When attempting questions or writing tests or examinations, be on the lookout for persons in scenarios
who are CA(SA)s and bear in mind that they have to comply with the CPC.
Please note that trainees aspiring to become CA(SA)s should comply with the SAICA CPC based on
the provisions of SAICA's training regulations. SAICA's training regulations however do not form part
of your certificate in the theory of accounting (CTA) or Initial Test of Competence (ITC) syllabus.
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IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE
When dealing with the ethical conduct of a CA(SA) and/or auditor, you need to consider
the following three elements in your answer:
1. Compliance to a fundamental principle being threatened
For example, compliance to the fundamental principle of objectivity is being

threatened due to the familiarity threat on the auditor's independence because of
the auditor's family ties with the financial director of the company. The threats can
be categorised as follows (see paragraph 120.6 A3):
• Self- interest threats;
• Self-review threats;
• Advocacy threats;
• Familiarity threats; and
• Intimidation threats
2. Evaluation of threat (R120.7 and R120.8)
You should evaluate the significance of each threat. In the example above, the
financial director will have a significant influence on the subject matter that will be
audited by the auditor in question, and the threat will therefore be significant.
3. Addressing threats (R120.10 and R120.11)
The threat should be either eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by putting

an applicable safeguard(s) in place. The professional accountant will do so by:
(a) eliminating the circumstances, including interests and/or relationships, that

are creating threats;
(b) applying safeguards, where available and capable of being applied, to reduce
the threats to an acceptable level; and
(c) declining or ending the specific professional activity.
EXAMINATION TECHNIQUE
1. Most students struggle to identify all the relevant matters relating to improper ethical
conduct in any given scenario. A very good theoretical knowledge of the CPC will
help you with this. You should also enhance this knowledge by attempting many
questions under examination conditions.
2. Remember that both professional accountants in business and professional

accountants in public practice must comply with the CPC. It is therefore very
important to ensure you deal with the ethical conduct of all the relevant persons in
the given scenario, for example a financial director who is a CA(SA).
3. The threat to the auditor's independence will always be a topical issue, and you
should be on the lookout for this threat and any others hidden in a scenario. Please
refer to the CPC as well as Auditing Notes for practical examples on threats,
considerations with regards to the significance of the threat as well how to address
the identified threats. It is important to link each of the threats identified with the
appropriate fundamental principle as per Section 110 of the CPC.
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Contents of the IRBA Code:
DEFINITIONS, INCLUDING LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND STANDARDS
PART 1
COMPLYING WITH THE CODE, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
(ALL REGISTERED AUDITORS – SECTIONS 100 TO 199)
PART 3
REGISTERED AUDITORS PERFORMING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PART 4: INTERNAL INDEPENDENCE STANDARDS

(PARTS 4A AND 4B)
PART 4A – INDEPENDENCE FROM AUDIT AND REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS

PART 4B – INDEPENDENCE FOR ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENTS OTHER THAN

AUDIT AND REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE
You need to be familiar with the entire contents of “Rules Regarding Improper Conduct of
the IRBA” as well as the “By-laws” of SAICA.
Changes to By-Laws:
• “Executive President” was replaced with “Chief Executive Officer”;

• Paragraph 21A – Publicity of disciplinary complaints, investigations, actions and
proceedings was added; and
• Changes to paragraphs 30.6 and 37.6.
Refer to volume 2B of the SAICA Handbook to access these two documents.
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SECTION B – QUESTION ON STUDY UNIT 1
Practice question 1 15 marks
YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO READ THIS QUESTION.
The Code of Professional Conduct identifies possible threats to the fundamental principles of ethical
behaviour and suggests safeguards to reduce or eliminate the threats. Consider the following
unrelated situations:
1. Joe Verster has been the partner in charge of the audit of ABC Ltd, a listed company, for the
past nine years.
2. Du Toit & Co, an audit firm, is asked to provide internal audit services to XYZ Ltd. XYZ Ltd is not
an audit client of Du Toit & Co.
3. Du Toit & Co, an audit firm, has been requested by one of their clients to lend them a trainee
accountant to work in their accounting department for a period of three months.
4. Du Toit & Co, an audit firm, has been approached by XYZ Ltd, a large client, to recruit a financial
director on their behalf.
YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION
REQUIRED Marks
Discuss each of the above situations in terms of possible threats to the fundamental
principles of ethical behaviour as identified by the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct.
Your answer should be set out as follows:
For each of the situations above:

• category of threat;
• for each category of threat, identified of fundamental principle(s) that could possibly
be threatened.
• discussion on why the situation creates a threat; and
• discussion on possible safeguards which could be put in place to reduce the threat. 15
(Source: Applied Questions on Auditing)
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SUGGESTED SOLUTION
Type of threat Fundamental Motivation why threat Safeguard
principle(s)
affected
Situation 1
Familiarity (1) Objectivity. (1) The prolonged period to time during which Joe Verster has The audit of ABC Ltd needs to be rotated to another lead
Professional been the engagement partner could lead to a close engagement partner. (1)
competence and relationship with the company. This could affect his
due cate. (1) objectivity and also lead to situations where problems
during the audit are not discussed with management in
order not to harm the relationship. (1)
Situation 2
Not threat. (1) XYZ Ltd is not a financial statement audit client. (1)
Situation 3
Self-review. (1) Objectivity. (1) Should the clerk be in a position to influence the preparation In practice such assistance may be given but only on the
Professional of the client’s accounts or financial statements and later be understanding that the clerk will not be involved in:
competence and part of the audit, it could affect his objectivity during the − making management decisions; (1)
due care. (1) performance on the audit. (1) − approving or signing agreements or other similar
He will also be hesitant to identify problems with the work documents; or
performed by himself. (1) − exercising discretionary authority to commit the client. (1)
The clerk should also not be given audit responsibility for
any function or activity that they performed or supervised
during their temporary staff assignment. (1)
The audit client should accept its responsibility for directing
and supervising the activities of the clerk. (1)
Situation 4
Advocacy. (1) Objectivity. (1) The firm may be hesitant in criticising the financial director The HR department should take full responsibility for the
Professional in future. (1) appointment of the financial director and the client should
competence and Subsequent objectivity may be compromised by the fact be 100% satisfied with the candidate. (1)
due care. (1) that the firm promotes the appointment of a specific Other valid safeguards. (1)
individual. (1)
Maximum (15)
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Practice question 2 19 marks
You are a first-year trainee accountant at Sakhile & Davids (S&D), a firm of registered auditors. S&D is
a medium-sized auditing firm in South Africa (SA) with offices in Cape Town, Durban, Mangaung and
Johannesburg. In the past year, S&D won major tenders to be statutory auditors of companies,
including SA's biggest mobile operator, a manufacturer and distributor of beer, SA's national airline
and ZAMedia Limited (ZAMedia). As a result, S&D increased its first-year trainee accountant intake for
2018/2019 by 70% compared to the previous year.
For further information on staff at S&D, refer to the e-mail of the partner in charge of the audit of
ZAMedia to the chief executive officer (CEO) of ZAMedia, Mr Martin Davies, which is included as
annexure A.
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Annexure A
From: Denzil.phillips@S&D.co.za
Sent: Tuesday, 18 September 2018, 4:45 PM
To: martin@ZAMedia.co.za
CC: tebogo@ZAMedia.co.za
Subject: Recruitment of staff
Dear Martin
This e-mail serves as a confirmation of details discussed during our telephone conversation.
The chief financial officer (CFO) of ZAMedia, Tebogo Maphothoma, will be joining S&D on a
full-time employment basis as a senior audit manager with the prospect of becoming a partner
within two years. Tebogo will commence her employment with S&D on 3 December 2018 in the
position of senior manager in charge of the audit of ZAMedia for the year ended
28 February 2019. ZAMedia will be the main audit client of Tebogo until she becomes the
partner in charge of the audit. Between December 2018 and November 2019, I will allow
Tebogo to work as the company secretary for ZAMedia on a contract basis while she is still
employed at S&D.
Tebogo’s duties as company secretary will include, among other things, providing guidance to
the board on their duties, responsibilities and powers; ensuring that the company complies with
the relevant laws, including the applicable financial reporting framework; and ensuring that the
minutes of shareholders and board meetings are recorded properly.
Karabo Rantekoa, whom I have headhunted because of my confidence in her competency, will be
taking up Tebogo’s position as the CFO of ZAMedia as from 3 December 2018. As agreed, I will
be paid 10% of Karabo’s cost to company for recruiting her for your well-established company.
Thank you so much for your willingness to help our firm during these challenging times. I truly
appreciate it.
PS: My daughter has experienced an increase in the number of customers in her catering
business. Thank you for allowing her to advertise her business on ZAMedia billboards located
along the major highways in Gauteng at no cost.
Regards
Denzil Phillips CA (SA), Registered Auditor

Director
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YOU HAVE 29 MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.
REQUIRED Marks
1. With reference to the e-mail in annexure A, discuss any concerns and considerations
in terms of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct in detail. 18
Communication skills: Logical argument 1
(Unisa ‒ 2013 TEST 1, adapted)
SUGGESTED SOLUTION
1. Concerns and consideration in terms of the SAICA CPC
(a) It is a concern that Tebogo, the CFO of ZAMedia, will be the responsible senior audit
manager on the audit of ZAMedia for the 28 February 2019 financial year end. (1)
i. In terms of the CPC, section 522, a self-interest, self-review or familiarity threat on
the objectivity of the auditor exists where a member of the audit team has to
evaluate elements of the financial statements for which the member of the audit
team had prepared the accounting records while with the client. (1)
ii. As the CFO of ZAMedia, Tebogo has been responsible for the information
contained in the financial statements for a major period of time (nine months). (1)
iii. The threat is considered significant, as Tebogo's position as the CFO implies
significant influence over the preparation of ZAMedia's accounting records. (1)
iv. The only safeguard to eliminate this threat is not to assign Tebogo as the senior
audit manager responsible for the audit of ZAMedia or to have an appropriate
reviewer to review the work performed by Tebogo. (1)
(b) It is a concern that Tebogo will be contracted to be the company secretary of ZAMedia,
as it appears that she will still be the senior audit manager responsible of the audit of
ZAMedia for the 2019 financial year. (1)
i. In terms of the CPC, section 523 and 600, self-review and self-interest threats
(par 523.2) as well as an advocacy threat (par 600.7A2) exist when an employee of
the firm serves as the company secretary of an audit client. (1)
ii. This threat is considered significant, and the only safeguard to eliminate the threat
is not to contract Tebogo for the position of company secretary. (2)
(c) It is a concern that the audit partner has headhunted and recruited Karabo for the
position of CFO at ZAMedia. (1)
i. In terms of the CPC, section 609, an auditing firm shall not provide recruiting
services to an audit client that is a public interest with respect to a director's
position exerting significant influence on the preparation of financial statements
(par 609.7). (1)
ii. The provision of recruitment services will affect the auditor's ability to remain
objective. (1)
iii. ZAMedia is a public interest entity, as it is listed on the JSE, and the position of
CFO exerts significant influence on the preparation of financial statements. (1)
(d) It is a concern that the audit partner will be paid 10% of Karabo's cost to company for
recruiting her for the position of CFO at ZAMedia. (1)
i. This will create a self-interest threat to the independence of the audit partner. (1)
ii. The audit partner should not have been involved in head-hunting and recruiting
Karabo for the position of CFO at ZAMedia at all. (1)
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(e) It is a concern that the audit partner's daughter was allowed to advertise her business on
the billboards along major highways in Gauteng at no cost. (1)
i. This provision at no cost will constitute a gift. (1)
ii. In terms of the CPC, section 420, accepting gifts from an audit client may create
self-interest, familiarity or intimidation threats. This will impair the auditor's ability to
act objectively. (1)
iii. This gift is significant, resulting in the threat being significant. No safeguard could
reduce this threat to an acceptable level; the audit partner should not have
accepted this gift. (2)
Communication skills: Logical argument (1)
Available 22
Maximum 19
COMMENT
Refer further to section B of study unit 15 for a comprehensive question (question 2) that
includes the content of the majority of the study units that will be covered in this
tutorial letter.
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STUDY UNIT 12 – THE AUDITING PROFESSION ACT (APA) OF THE

INDEPENDENT REGULATORY BOARD FOR AUDITORS
(IRBA)
INTRODUCTION
The APA was enacted by parliament to regulate the auditing profession in

South Africa. Since you are studying the subject of auditing, it is very important for you
to have a good understanding of this very important piece of legislation.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this study unit, you should be able to identify, discuss and apply the
requirements of the APA of the IRBA to a given scenario.
SAICA Student Handbook 2019/2020, volume 2B:

• Auditing Profession Act (2005)
SAICA Student Handbook 2019/2020, SAICA and IRBA Pronouncements, volume 2B:
• IRBA Guide on Reportable Irregularities (IRREG)
Auditing Notes, 11th edition, chapter 3, pages 3/68 to 3/79
COMMENT
We recommend that you study the APA directly from the SAICA Student Handbook,
as you may have this book with you when writing the test and/or examination
according to the open book policy.
Background
The APA, as issued by the IRBA, is applicable to Registered Auditors (RAs). You need to familiarise
yourself with the examinable content thereof.
In this tutorial letter, we will only be highlighting areas with which students normally experience
difficulties. This does not imply that the areas of the APA not discussed in this tutorial letter are
less important.
Section 1 ‒ definitions of terms used in the APA, such as "reportable irregularity" (RI)
Ensure that you use the correct terminology and refer to the correct definition
when discussing issues pertaining to the APA.
Sections 37 and 38 ‒ registration procedures for individual and firms as registered auditors.
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Section 41 ‒ conduct and liability of registered auditors relating to public practice.
Section 44 ‒ duties in relation to an audit
Section 45 ‒ duty to report on irregularities

Refer to the IRBA guide – IRREG ‒ for guidance on what constitutes an RI. (Appendix 7
of the IRREG includes examples which illustrates the application of the guide in
determining the existence of a reportable irregularity).
Section 46 ‒ limitation of the auditor's liability

This section includes the requirements an auditor must meet to be held liable by third
parties who relied on an inappropriate opinion given. Section 46(8) states that the
auditor cannot through agreement or in any other way limit or reduce the liability they
incurred during a statutory audit.
Section 52 ‒ reportable irregularities and false statements in connection with audits
Sections 37, 38, 41, 44, 45, 46 and 52 of the APA are on knowledge level 3 as described by SAICA,
and you will need to know them well.
RI’s will always be hidden in a scenario, and you should always be on the lookout for
them. It is very important to test whether it is a RI by comparing the given information
to the definition and requirements of a RI in section 1 of the APA. Marks will be
allocated for applying the theory to the scenario and not for merely stating the theory.
Do not discuss the auditor's reporting responsibility when you have identified an
RI. Rather analyse the "required" part of the question carefully to ascertain whether the
reporting responsibility would be applicable. Also, use the mark allocation of the
question as guidance. The reporting responsibilities as per section 45 are extensive,
as it would increase the mark allocation significantly.
Refer to Auditing Notes page 3/79 for a handy diagram that you can use to determine
the existence of an RI as well as the process to report an RI.
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SECTION B – QUESTION ON STUDY UNITS 11 AND 12
QUESTION 1 10 marks
Background information and information relevant to the audit
You are an audit manager at Bean Counters Incorporated (Bean) and you are assigned to the
30 September 2014 financial year end audit of Afriq Bank Limited (Afriq), an investment bank
specialising in unsecured lending. Afriq is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Afriq has
made headlines in recent years for all the wrong reasons, including excessive spending as well as
alleged reckless lending practices.
On 7 August 2014 Afriq’s share price collapsed to a 20-year low as they were unable to generate
R8,5 billion needed as a result of certain categories of unsecured loans currently in default. This
brought the bank to the brink of bankruptcy. Afriq shocked the market on 6 August 2014 when it
released a press statement stating that it needed to raise the R8,5 billion in new capital after a warning
of a massive annual loss and a bleak cash flow outlook for the next 12 months. As a result, the
Chief Executive Officer quit. That fundraising now looks nearly impossible given that the bank needs
several times more capital than it is currently worth (based on market capitalisation). All of Afriq’s cash
reserves have been depleted and its overdraft facilities are fully drawn.
Afriq’s share price, which traded at 20c in the early morning on 7 August 2014, stood at 85c by
midday. The company was valued at R1,2 billion – a precipitous fall for a company worth more than
R21 billion at its height. Apart from the bank itself, one of its subsidiaries Pelerine Furnishers,
announced later on the day that they had applied for business rescue (a process provided for in
Chapter 6 of the Companies Act No. 71 of 2008) to temporarily protect its property from creditors’
claims.
Costa Kiriakis, a registered Chartered Accountant (SA), who resigned as Afriq’s Chief Executive
Officer after 21 years of service, built the bank into one of South Africa’s best known lenders by
targeting low-income borrowers with expensive credit – a previously untapped market of people who
had been turned away by the traditional banks when approached for loans.
Afriq’s troubles stem from a business model based solely on unsecured lending (high-margin loans not
backed by collateral) which it offered widely to its core market of low-income borrowers. These clients
have however been hit by rising unemployment, food and fuel costs, as well as slow growth, while
Afriq has been slammed by their bad debts. Afriq’s services are provided across South Africa through
their branches mainly located in shopping malls.
Several other commercial banks looked to unsecured lending to boost profits in recent years but took
on less risky loans and were quicker than Afriq in getting out of those loan positions when economic
conditions took a turn for the worse.
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Critics of Afriq’s business model always maintained that such lending practices were unsustainable
and reckless. The board of Afriq, at the leadership of Mr Kiriakis, however maintained that they feel
that “people should take up responsibility for their own actions” and that it is not Afriq’s problem if
loans are applied for by lenders knowing that they cannot afford it. For Afriq to remain sustainable in
future, the question now is how much the loan book is really worth and if that is enough collateral for
equity holders after the bond obligations have been fulfilled.
After the share price collapse of 7 August, Afriq said it would write-off its bad loans in an attempt to
create a ring-fenced “good bank”. Afriq’s bad loans comprise nearly a third of its R51 billion book,
while it had R47 billion worth of bonds and long-term debt on its statement of financial position (as per
their interim annual financial statements dated 31 March 2014). Furthermore, Afriq stated that it
expected a headline loss of R6,4 billion for the year ended 30 September 2014 (from a loss of
R365 million the previous year).
The average net loan size decreased to R13 331 for the period July to September 2014, compared
with R13 868 for the first half of 2014. Pelerine Furnishers recorded merchandise sales of R2,8 billion
for the nine months ended 30 June 2014; a 12% decline relative to the comparative period.
Class action law suit
It has come to your attention that a legal claim has been instituted by a group of current and previous
lending-clients against Afriq in the form of a class action law suit. Afriq has been subpoenaed by the
lenders, represented by a leading consumer rights attorney Ms Erin Hurter, on 16 October 2014. The
claim of R40 million is for hardship suffered by the lenders as a result of them experiencing financial
difficulty when their loans became payable. They claim that Afriq was too lenient in granting the loans
by not considering whether the lenders can afford the monthly instalments when the loan becomes
due to be paid back.
You consulted the legal department of Afriq on this matter. They are of the firm opinion that the
probability of the claim to succeed is extremely high. They also consider the amount of R40 million to
be a fair estimate of the eventual settlement amount.
When you approached Mr Jeff Strongman, the financial director of Afriq, to discuss the effect of this
matter on the 2014 financial statements, you were stunned by his response. Mr Strongman refuses to
reflect this legal claim in any form in the 2014 financial statements as he is of the opinion that it “has
nothing to do” with the current reporting period, as the claim was instituted after year end.
Mr Strongman has however agreed to include some going concern disclosures to the 2014 annual
financial statements.
Restructuring of business and purchase ledger closure error
Afriq recently announced its plans to restructure its lending operations business. This will involve:
• an agreement with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) which was signed on
26 September 2014. In terms of this agreement the SARB will buy a part of Afriq’s bad loans,
with a nominal value of R17 billion, for R7 billion;
• closing some of its branches; and
• retraining some existing staff and disposing of some surplus assets.
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These plans were agreed on at a board meeting in September and announced to the shareholders on
29 September 2014. Mr Strongman agreed to make a restructuring provision to the amount of
R20 million in the financial statements regarding the costs relating to the closure of some branches
and staff retraining and asset disposal costs.
Mr Strongman has notified you that an error occurred in the closing of the purchase ledger at the
year end. Rather than closing it on 30 September 2014, it accidentally closed one week earlier on
24 September 2014. All purchase invoices received between 24 September and the year end have
been posted to the 2015 year end purchase ledger. Afriq’s purchases are solely on credit and it mainly
relate to its day to day operations from its branches.
YOU HAVE 15 MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.
REQUIRED Marks
Discuss, in detail, the auditor’s responsibilities with regard to the reckless lending practices
under leadership of Mr Costa Kiriakis in terms of the Auditing Profession Act. 10
SUGGESTED SOLUTION
Discuss, in detail, the auditor’s responsibilities with regard to the reckless lending practices
under leadership of Mr Costa Kiriakis in terms of the Auditing Profession Act.
It has to be determined if the reckless lending practices constitute a reportable irregularity:
A reportable irregularity exists when:
• an unlawful act has been committed:

− Contravention of Section 22 (Reckless Trading) of the Companies Act is unlawful.
Furthermore, it would seem that section 76 (Standard of director’s conduct) of the
Companies Act have also been contravened. (1)
• by any person responsible for the management of an entity:

− Mr Costa Kiriakis being the CEO at the time, was responsible for the management Afriq.
(1)
• which has caused or is likely to cause material financial loss:

− As a result of the reckless lending practices lenders may suffer financial loss when
repayments cannot be made. Furthermore, Afriq may suffer financial loss as these loans
may never be paid back. (1)
• Is fraudulent or amounts to theft or which represents a material breach of any fiduciary duty
owed by such person to the entity or any partner, member, shareholder, creditor or investor of
the entity under any law applying to the entity or the conduct or management thereof:
− Reckless trading and acting contrary to section 76 of the Companies Act by the
Mr Costa Kiriakis is a breach of their fiduciary duties. (1)
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Therefore, a reportable irregularity exists at Afriq Bank Limited. (1)
• Bean Counters Incorporated will report the matter in a written report immediately (without
delay) to the IRBA. (1)
Within three days of sending the report to the IRBA, Bean Counters Incorporated will notify the board of
directors of Afriq in writing about the reportable irregularity. (1)
• A copy of the report to the IRBA will accompany the notice to the board of directors. (1)
• Within 30 days of the report being sent to the IRBA, Bean Counters Incorporated will:
− Discuss the report with the board of directors of Afriq. (1)
− Afford the board of directors the opportunity to make representations. (1)
− Send another report to the IRBA, informing them that no reportable irregularity is taking
place or has taken place; or the suspected reportable irregularity is no longer taking
place; or the reportable irregularity is continuing. (1)
As a reportable irregularity is taking place, Bean Counters Incorporated may not issue an unqualified
audit report. (1)
Available 12
Maximum 10
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STUDY UNIT 13 – THE AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO

FRAUD IN AN AUDIT
INTRODUCTION
In a society where fraud and corruption are rife, there is increasing pressure on the
accounting and auditing profession to act in this regard. It is with this in mind that you
should study ISA 240 and the explanatory notes in Auditing Notes as prescribed below.
OBJECTIVES
After completing this study unit, you should be able to:
• identify and discuss the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements
due to fraud; and
• design appropriate responses to the assessed risk of material misstatement of the

financial statements due to fraud.
SAICA Student Handbook, 2019/2020, International Audit Standards, Part I, Volume

2A(1):
• ISA 240: The Auditor's Responsibility Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial
Statements
Background
The topic of fraud should not be studied in isolation, but rather in the context of how it affects the
entire audit process.
The existence of fraud will affect the auditor's assessment of the risks of material misstatement. Fraud
should be assessed when developing the overall audit strategy.
Refer to ISA 240.12 for a definition of the following terms:

• fraud
• fraud risk factors
The auditor shall identify and assess the risks of material misstatement due to fraud at the
financial statement level and at the assertion level for classes of transactions, account balances
and disclosures (ISA 240.26).
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For the identification and assessment of risk of material statement due to fraud, the auditor will base a
presumption on the fact that there are risks of fraud associated with for instance revenue recognition
and will then have to evaluate the types of revenue, revenue transactions or assertions which gave
rise to such risks (ISA 240.27).
ISA 240.29 to ISA 240.34 deals with the auditor's response to the assessed risks of material
misstatement due to fraud. This is a very important aspect and students should be able to discuss the
effect that the risk of material misstatement due to fraud has on both the audit strategy as well as the
audit plan, in other words at financial statement level as well as assertion level.
Aspects of fraud may be included into many topics, for example in questions on the CPC, reportable
irregularities and risk assessment.
Refer to the following appendices of ISA 240 for examples of fraud risk factors and possible audit
procedures to deal with these.
Appendix 1: Examples of fraud risk factors

Appendix 2: Examples of possible audit procedures to address the assessed risk of material
misstatement due to fraud
Appendix 3: Examples of circumstances that indicate the possibility of fraud
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE
You need to be familiar with the entire of ISA 240, including all the appendices.
Appendices provide guidance on how fraud could impact on different areas of the audit
process by making it practical with the examples provided in this auditing standard. It
also highlights areas where there could be a possibility of fraud.
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STUDY UNIT 14 – THE KING IV REPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

IN SOUTH AFRICA
INTRODUCTION
By now, you should be familiar with the concept of “corporate governance”, not only
from your studies leading up to this point, but also from watching the news on television,
reading the newspapers, browsing the internet etc. Unfortunately, companies have been
in the news for the wrong reasons, displaying a lack of good “corporate governance”!
Companies are an integral part of society (as corporate citizens) and we are all linked to
companies in various ways, ranging from buying shares in a company to living in the
same city or neighbourhood that a company operates in. It is for this reason that
companies should operate in a manner that is responsible to society. King IV aims to
promote a culture of good corporate governance in the South African environment.
OBJECTIVES
• demonstrate an understanding of the principles and recommendations of King IV;
• make appropriate recommendations regarding practical aspects of corporate

governance with specific reference to King IV; and
• comment on the compliance and/or non-compliance with the King IV.

• The King IV Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa
Auditing Notes, 11th edition, chapter 4 (entire chapter)
COMMENT
You should familiarise yourself with the content of the King IV Report as well as the
explanatory notes in Auditing Notes before referring to the notes in this tutorial letter.
By just browsing through the principles and the recommended practices you will
struggle to identify all the related issues and link them to the applicable principles and
recommended practices.
King IV is included in the SAICA Student Handbook, volume 2B. This is very good news
for you, as in terms of the open book policy of SAICA, you may have this book with you
when writing a test or examination. This would also make it easier when answering
questions. However, because King IV is open book you can also expect a greater focus
on application thereof in the questions. It is therefore of vital importance to ensure that
you are able to firstly identify the related principles you are dealing with as discussed in
part 5 of the King IV Report, secondly how to link it with the applicable recommended
practices, and lastly then how to make it applicable to the scenario.
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WORKING THROUGH THE KING IV REPORT ON COPORATE GOVERNANCE
What follows is a short summary of the contents of the Report (hereafter referred as King IV). As
explained above, this summary should be studied in the context of the full Report as well the
prescribed material.
Please refer to the SAICA Examinable Pronouncements and Competency framework for the required
knowledge levels for each of the required sections that is examinable in the 2021 ITC. These
documents are available on the SAICA’s website.
Levels of learning
Level 1 – knowledge and comprehension
Level 2 – application and analysis
Level 3 – integration
In the majority of cases reference will be made to the King Code as that is where the essence lies
when studying this section and when being tested on this part of the syllabus.
PART 1: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Refer back to the glossary for clarification of terms used in the King IV.
PART 2: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
It is important to read through this part of the King IV report, as it clearly sets out the fundamental
concepts and philosophy on which King IV is based. This will provide you with a solid base to study
and understand the rest of King IV report.
The following are the underpinning philosophies of the report:

• integrated thinking;
• the organisation as an integral part of society;
• corporate citizenship;
• stakeholder inclusivity;
• sustainable development; and
• integrated reporting.
Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of these philosophies and how to translate it into the
principles, recommended practices and intended governance outcomes.
Also, read through the “Highlights of the King IV Code” in detail, as it highlights emerging issues,
corporate governance developments, areas of focus as well as areas of differences between King III
and King IV. These fundamental concepts are further explained in Auditing Notes.
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PART 3: KING IV APPLICATION AND DISCLOSURE
Legal status and application of King IV
King IV is not law. It is a set of voluntary principles and recommended practices with desired
governance outcomes. This is opposed to, for example the Companies Act, which contains sections
that aim to govern companies. These laws will be intertwined with the principles and recommended
practices in the King IV Code. Whenever there is conflict between legislation and the King IV Code,
the law will prevail.
Note that companies listed on the JSE Limited (JSE) are required, in terms of the JSE’s listing
requirements, to provide a narrative explanation of the recommended practices that have been
implemented, and how these achieve or give effect to the related King IV principles. This application
regime is called “apply and explain”. This is a change from King III where an application regime of
“apply or explain” was followed, which implied that if an organisation did not apply these principles,
they had to provide an explanation for not doing so. The reason for the change in application regime is
to ensure more accommodating, non-prescriptive, outcomes-based approach. Achieving the
principles will ensure that the organisation, by exercising ethical and effective leadership, realise the
intended governance outcomes as defined by King IV being:
• ethical culture;
• good performance;
• effective control; and
• legitimacy.
Proportionality
King IV applies to all entities regardless of their manner and form of incorporation. Obviously, the size
and complexity of the entity will determine the extent to which the entity applies the code. The King IV
report introduces the idea of proportionality. This entails the “appropriate application and adaption of
practices” taking the following of an organisation into account:
• the size of turnover and workforce;
• resources (the organisation has available, to apply the practices); and
• the extent and complexity of the organisation’s strategic objectives and operations.
For example, a large listed company will have different governance structures than a small business,
but the basic principles of good governance will apply to both.
Disclosure requirements
As mentioned above, a narrative report should be provided on the application of the principles
embedded in the King IV code. Specific disclosure recommendations are included for each principle of
the code. These disclosure recommendations guide the board in making these disclosures and are by
no means descriptive in nature.
King IV states that disclosures should be:

• updated annually;
• formally approved by the governing body; and
• publicly accessible.
Disclosures can be made in:

• the integrated report;
• a sustainability report;
• a social and ethics report; or
• any other printed or online information or reports.
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COMMENT
Please note that the King IV report refers to “governing body” as the structure that is
primarily responsible for the governance and performance of an organisation. In the
case of public companies, the board of directors will fulfil this duty. We will therefore
refer to “governing body” and “board” interchangeably in this tutorial letter.
PART 4: KING IV ON A PAGE
This section is not specifically examinable and is merely a summary of the principles contained in
King IV.
PART 5: KING IV CODE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The King IV Code consists of the following five parts:

• Leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship (principle 1 to principle 3);
• Strategy, performance and reporting (principle 4 to principle 5);
• Governing structures and delegation (principle 6 to principle 10);
• Governance functional areas (principle 11 to principle 15); and
• Stakeholder relationships (principle 16 to principle 17).
These five parts contain the 17 principles and the related recommended practices for each principle
which should be performed by the governing body.
COMMENT
Remember: We explain some of the principles and recommended practices in more

detail below. However, you should study all the relevant principles and recommended
practices directly from the Code.
A summary of the principles and recommended practices can be found in Appendix 1 in

Chapter 4 of Auditing Notes (4/54 to 4/56).
14.1 Leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship
As discussed above, King IV defines corporate governance as the exercise of ethical and
effective leadership by the governing body towards the achievement of governance outcomes.
Part 1 of the Code is devoted to leadership, ethics and corporate citizenship and consists of the
following three principles:
• Principle 1: The governing body should lead ethically and effectively;
• Principle 2: The governing body should govern the ethics of the organisation in a way
that supports the establishment of an ethical culture; and
• Principle 3: The governing body should ensure that the organisation is and is seen to be
a responsible corporate citizen.
The recommended practices under the first principle deal mainly with leadership and
encourage members of the governing body to set an example by displaying the characteristics
of integrity, competence, responsibility, accountability, fairness and transparency.
The recommended practices under the second principle deal with organisational ethics and
aim to assist with the management of ethics within the organisation.
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Finally, recommendations are made under the third principle on how the organisation should
act as a responsible citizen, also as it engages with internal and external stakeholders and
society as a whole.
COMMENT
Corporate citizenship (achieved by ethical and effective leadership) are

underpinning philosophies of good corporate governance. In a test or exam it is
important to evaluate whether lack of good corporate governance in one of the
other areas of the Code, for example a lack of evaluation of the governing body’s
performance (principle 9, see later), relates to the governing body not leading in an
ethical and effective manner.
14.2 Strategy, performance and reporting
Part 2 of the Code deals with strategy, performance and reporting, and contains the following
two principles:
• Principle 4: The governing body should appreciate that the organisation’s core purpose,
its risks and opportunities, strategy, business model, performance and sustainable
development are all inseparable elements of the value creation process; and
• Principle 5: The governing body should ensure that reports issued by the organisation
enable stakeholders to make informed assessments of the organisation’s performance,
and its short, medium and long-term prospects.
It is recommended as part of principle 4 that the governing body should:

• set the direction, purpose and strategy of the organisation;
• delegate to management the formulation of the strategy;
• approve the strategy;
• approve management policies and plans, including key performance measures and
targets;
• delegate the implementation of plans to management; and
• oversee the implementation of the strategy and plans by management.
As part of principle 5 it is recommended that the governing body should:

• assume responsibility for the organisation’s reporting by setting the direction and
approach to be followed;
• approve the reporting frameworks;
• ensure that all reports comply with legal requirements and that they meet the legitimate
and reasonable expectations of material stakeholders;
• ensure that an annual integrated report is published either as a stand-alone report or as
part of another report;
• approve management’s bases for materiality;
• ensure the integrity of external reports; and
• ensure that the disclosures required by the King IV Code, integrated reports, annual
financial statements and other external reports are available on the organisation’s
website and other appropriate media.
COMMENT
The term “value creation process” is an important concept in King IV. It is defined
as follows: “The process that results in increases, decreases or transformations of
the capitals caused by the organization’s business activities and outputs. For an
explanation on “the capitals”, refer to Auditing Notes page 4/12 and 4/13.
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14.3 Governing structures and delegation
The principles contained in part 3 are:

• Principle 6: The governing body should serve as the focal point and custodian of
corporate governance in the organisation;
• Principle 7: The governing body should comprise the appropriate balance of knowledge,
skills, experience, diversity and independence for it to discharge its governance role and
responsibilities objectively and effectively;
• Principle 8: The governing body should ensure that its arrangements for delegation
within its own structures promote independent judgement, and assist with balance of
power and the effective discharge of its duties;
• Principle 9: The governing body should ensure that the evaluation of its own
performance and that of its committees, its chair and its individual members, support
continued improvement in its performance and effectiveness; and
• Principle 10: The governing body should ensure that the appointment of, and delegation
to, management contribute to role clarity and the effective exercise of authority and
responsibilities.
The Code recommends that the governing body should consider an appropriate size for itself,
having regard for the optimal mix of knowledge, skills, experience, diversity and
independence.
The independence of members of the governing body is recognised as an essential element of

corporate governance. The global financial crisis has however seen the failure of many
organisations despite organisations having the appropriate number of independent directors on
its board. The King IV Code emphasises the importance of independence and stresses that all
members of the governing board have the duty to act with independence of mind in the best
interest of the organisation. It is recommended that the governing body consist of a majority
of non-executive directors, most of whom should be independent. At least the CEO and
one other executive member should be appointed to the governing body.
The Code recommends the appointment of an independent non-executive member as the

chair of the governing body, as well as an independent non-executive member as the lead
independent.
COMMENT
Always evaluate the composition of the governing body and its sub-committees
based on the recommended practices of King IV. A small number of marks will
usually be allocated to the composition of these committees, which are relative
easy marks to score in a test or exam, unless it is specifically excluded as per the
required section.
When the composition of the governing body is evaluated, one should take into
account regulatory requirements, for example the JSE listing requirements dictates
that listed companies must appoint a financial director to the governing body and
in terms of Regulation 43 of the Companies Act, a social and ethics committee
should be appointed in certain cases.
The formation of the following committees is recommended:

• audit committee;
• committee responsible for nominations of members of the governing body;
• committee responsible for risk governance;
• committee responsible for remuneration; and
• social and ethics committee.
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It is further recommended that the governing body assume responsibility for performance
evaluations of itself, its committees, its chair and its members, and that an externally facilitated
performance evaluation is performed at least every two years.
The lead independent director is to lead the evaluation of the chair.
The governing body should appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reserve certain powers
and matters to itself and set those powers and matters to be delegated to management via the
CEO.
The governing body should ensure that it has access to professional and independent
guidance on legal and corporate governance matters and consider appointing a company
secretary if not mandatory to do so.
IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE
Some students find the concepts independence and being a member of one of the
board committees confusing.
Board committees comprise of members of the board, in other words appointed

directors of the company. A person is therefore first and foremost a director of the
company, appointed to serve on one or more of the committees of the board. The audit
committee for example, should comprise only independent, non-executive directors. A
non-executive director's independence is determined by the characteristics as set out
in the Code (principle 7, recommended practices 25 to 29 and refer to Auditing Notes
4/23 to 4/34) and a not by the fact that he or she serves on a board committee.
Below is a summary of the committees’ membership recommendations:
Committee Members Number of Chairman

members
Audit Independent, non-executive At least 3 Independent, non-executive
directors director
Nominations Non-executive directors, majority At least 3 Chairperson of the board
should be independent. may be elected as chairman.
Chairperson of the board should
be a member.
Risk Executive and non-executive At least 3 Chairperson of the board
directors, majority whom are non- may be elected as chairman.
executive.
Chairperson of the board may be
a member.
Remuneration Non-executive directors, majority At least 3 Non-executive director
should be independent. Chairperson of the board
should not be elected as
chairman.
Social and Executive and non-executive At least 3 Chairperson of the board
ethics directors, majority whom are non- should not be elected as
executive. chairman.
Chairperson of the board may be
a member.
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14.4 Governance functional areas
Part 4 of the Code deals with the governance of risk, technology and information, compliance,
remuneration and assurance and contains the following principles:
• Principle 11: The governing body should govern risk in a way that supports the
organisation in setting and achieving its strategic objectives;
• Principle 12: The governing body should govern technology and information in a way
that supports the organisation setting and achieving its strategic objectives;
• Principle 13: The governing body should govern compliance with applicable laws and
adopted, non-binding rules, codes and standards in a way that supports the organisation
being ethical and a good corporate citizen;
• Principle 14: The governing body should ensure that the organisation remunerates fairly,
responsibly and transparently so as to promote the achievement of strategic objectives
and positive outcomes in the short, medium and long term; and
• Principle 15: The governing body should ensure that assurance services and functions
enable an effective control environment, and that these support the integrity of
information for internal decision-making and of the organisation’s external reports.
It is recommended that the governing body should:

• set the approach for risk governance with a specific focus on opportunities and risk when
developing strategy;
• approve risk policy;
• evaluate and agree the risks it is prepared to take;
• delegate the implementation of risk management to management;
• oversee the risk management process;
• consider receiving independent assurance on the effectiveness of risk management; and
• make the necessary disclosures regarding risk and opportunities.
It is further recommended that the governing body:

• set the approach for technology and information governance and that it approves the
policy;
• delegate to management effective technology and information implementation;
• oversee the results of the implementation by management;
• oversee management of information and technology;
• consider receiving independent assurance on the effectiveness of technology and
information; and
• make the necessary disclosures regarding technology and information.
Regarding compliance governance, it is recommended that the governing body direct

compliance, approve policy, delegate to management the implementation of compliance
management, oversee compliance management and make the necessary disclosures.
Remuneration governance is covered in a lot of detail. It is recommended that:
• the governing body sets an organisation-wide remuneration policy that articulates and
gives effect to its direction on fair, responsible and transparent remuneration;
• disclosure takes place via a remuneration report containing a background statement, an
overview of the main provisions of the remuneration policy, and an implementation
report; and
• shareholders be given the opportunity to vote on remuneration policy and
implementation.
King IV expands on the combined assurance model by indicating that a combined assurance
model should incorporate and optimise all assurance functions and services so that, taken as a
whole, these enable an effective control environment, support the integrity of information used
for decision-making, and support the integrity of external reports.
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14.5 Stakeholder relationships
Part 5 focuses on stakeholder relationships and contains the following two principles:
• Principle 16: In the execution of its governance role and responsibilities the governing
body should adopt a stakeholder-inclusive approach that balances the needs, interests
and expectations of material stakeholders in the best interests of the organisation over
time; and
• Principle 17: The governing body of an institutional investor organisation should ensure
that responsible investment is practiced by the organisation to promote the good
governance and the creation of value by the companies in which it invests.
Principle 17 above is only applicable to institutional investors.
PART 6: SECTOR SUPPLEMENTS
Part 6 of the King IV Report contains five sector supplements, which illustrate how the King IV Code
should be interpreted and applied in different contexts, situations and legislative regimes. The sector
supplements provide the necessary adaption of terminology and specific recommendations, which
should be considered together with specific industry codes, practices and legislation. All governance
outcomes as per the King IV Code still apply.
As per the SAICA Competency Framework, students should have a basic level of knowledge and
understanding of the sector supplement for small and medium enterprises (part 6.5). The rest of the
supplements are not examinable.
PART 7: CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND KING COMMITTEE
Not examinable.
(Source: Adapted from Dynamic Auditing; 12th Edition; Marx, Van der Watt, Bourne)
• Please note that when a question refers to the term "corporate governance", it
implies that you have to consider King IV. In addition, you may need to consider
corporate governance issues arising from other sources (e.g. the Companies
Act, Insider Trading Act, business ethics, etc.).
• Corporate governance is very topical and will therefore be examined on a

regular basis.
• As mentioned earlier in this study unit, you have the King IV document at your
disposal when writing a test or examination. Therefore, ensure you are familiar
with the content of the document to enable you to find the relevant sections
without wasting too much time.
• Corporate governance can be integrated with more than one topic. In preparing
for tests and examinations, always envision how the aspects from King IV can
be linked to other topics within auditing (especially with the Companies Act) as
well as with your other subjects.
• Good examination technique includes reading carefully what is required of you.

If you are required to identify instances of non-application of King IV, do not
waste time by mentioning instances where the entity in question has applied
King IV (a common mistake that students make).
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• It is very important that you do not make assumptions from the facts given to
you, except when you are instructed to do so. By making assumptions, you are
wasting valuable time by providing information that will not earn you marks.
• As with any of the other topics in auditing, the best way to study this section on
corporate governance is to establish a good theoretical basis and then to
attempt as many questions as possible.
SECTION B – QUESTION ON STUDY UNIT 14
COMMENT
The question that follows is divided into three parts, namely the scenario, the
"required" and the suggested solution. In the test and the examination, you would also
first be confronted by the scenario, where after the "required" will be handed out
separately.
We include the question below for practice purposes. It demonstrates how the
scenario links to the suggested solution.
QUESTION 1 20 marks
Please note the “comments” provided in brackets below, links to the corresponding number in
the suggested solution. It is provided to assist you in making the link between the given
information and the suggested solution.
You are an audit senior at Malemela & Company (Malemela), a firm of Registered Auditors and have
been assigned to the 30 June 2016 year end audit of Bizniz (Proprietary) Limited (Bizniz). Bizniz
imports a wide range of photocopying, facsimile and printing machines.
During the review of the audit file, you became aware of the following:
1. Statutory matters
A second-year trainee on the audit performed a statutory review of Bizniz and prepared
working paper B1/1.
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Client Bizniz (Pty) Ltd Prepared by Second-year trainee B1/1

Page 1 of 1
Year end 30 June 2016 Reviewed by KT
Subject Statutory matters
1. Board of directors (comment 1.1)

Karen Wells – CEO and chairperson (comment 1.2)
Bob Cilliers – Finance director
Violet Mguni – Operations director
Jane Witfield – Marketing director*
Christo Van Tonder – Human resources director
Samuel Jackson – Professor in the Auditing Department at Unisa*
William Smith – Government official (only attends board meetings)
* Appointed during the current year. Lead independent director.
Bob, Violet and Christo have served on the board for the past three years.
The audit committee is responsible for the evaluation of the board's performance (comments
1.3 and 1.4). These performance evaluations form part of the determination of the board's
development and of the training needs of directors.
The board meets as and when required, and the board committees, as discussed below, meet
annually.
2. Internal audit
• Internal audit reviews the implementation of the risk management plan on an annual basis
(comment 2.1).
• Jane Witfield heads the Internal Audit Department (comment 2.6) and reports to
Bob Cilliers, the finance director, annually (comments 2.2 and 2.5).
• Internal Audit identifies all the potential risks that Bizniz faces and makes decisions on how
these risks will be mitigated (comments 2.3 and 2.4).
• Internal Audit is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements (comment 2.7).
3. Committees
Audit committee (comments 3.1 and 3.2)
– Violet Mguni
– William Smith
– Bob Cilliers
During the meeting of the audit committee held on 15 May 2016, it was decided that Bizniz
would acquire shares in Africa Coal, a coal mining company listed on the JSE Ltd. A detailed
analysis of the coal-mining sector supported this decision (comment 3.3).
Risk committee (comments 4.1 and 4.2)

– Christo van Tonder
– Samuel Jackson
The risk committee was dismissed during the year (comment 4.3).
During the current financial year, the company had only the above-mentioned board committees
in place (comment 4.3).
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YOU HAVE 30 MINUTES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.
REQUIRED Marks
Based on your review of working paper B1/1, comment on the information presented in
terms of the requirements of King IV. 20
(Unisa Test ‒ adapted)
SUGGESTED SOLUTION
1. Board of directors
1.1 The board should comprise a majority of non-executive directors. The majority of non-
executive directors should be independent. (principle 7, recommended practice 8) (1)
• All the non-executive directors are independent and this complies with the
King IV code. (1)
• There are five executive directors and two non-executive directors, and therefore
not a majority of non-executive directors. (1)
1.2 Karen Wells fulfils the roles of both CEO and chairperson (principle 2.16,
recommended practice 31). (1)
• These roles should be fulfilled by different individuals. (1)
• The chairperson should be an independent non-executive director. (1)
1.3 The board should assume responsibility to evaluate its own performance, not the audit
committee (principle 9, recommended practice 71). (1)
1.4 The lead independent non-executive director should evaluate the chairperson (principle
9, recommended practice 71), and the board should evaluate the CEO (principle 9,
2. Internal audit
2.1 The board should be responsible for the review of the company's risk management plan,
not internal audit (principle 11, recommended practice 3). (1)
2.2 In terms of sound corporate governance principles, Jane Witfield should report
administratively to the CEO and functionally to the audit committee. At Bizniz, Jane
reports to Bob Cilliers, the finance director (principle 15, recommended practice
56). (2)
2.3 The board should be responsible for the governance of risk, as a result it should identify
all potential risks that Bizniz faces and decide on how these risks will be mitigated, not
internal audit (principle 11, recommended practice 1). (1)
2.5 Jane must also have access to the chairperson of the board and audit committee
respectively (principle 15, recommended practice 53). (1)
2.6 The head of internal audit is the marketing director and may not have sufficient
experience and knowledge (principle 15, recommended practice 52). (1)
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2.7 Management should be responsible for the preparation of the annual financial statements
(AFS), not internal audit (principle 5, recommended practice 9). (1)
3. Audit committee
3.1 In terms of King IV, the audit committee should comprise at least three members; Bizniz
has three members, which complies with the King IV Code (principle 8, recommended
practice 46). (1)
3.2 All members should be independent non-executive directors (principle 8, recommended

practice 56); two members of the committee are not independent, non-executive
directors, as they are involved in the day-to-day running of the business. (2)
3.3 As part of risk management, the audit committee cannot make decisions on the
acquisition of shares in Africa Coal. This should be the responsibility of the board (with
the approval of shareholders). (1)
4. Risk committee
4.1 The risk committee should consist of a minimum of three members (principle 8,
• The composition of the risk committee does not comply with sound corporate
governance, as it only has two members. (1)
4.2 The members can be executive and non-executive directors (principle 8, recommended
practice 64). (1)
4.3 Dismissing the risk committee can be seen as an irresponsible act by management and it
does not comply with corporate governance due to the following reasons: (1)
• The risk committee is an important part of integrated reporting that allows the
company to report to all stakeholders on the sustainability of the company. (1)
• Part of this is commenting on the major risks facing the company and explaining
how to deal with these risks. (1)
• King IV requires that the company establish audit, risk, remuneration, nomination,
social and ethics committees (various recommended practices). (1)
• The company did not comply with this requirement, as it only had an internal audit
and audit committee and dismissed the risk committee. (1)
Available 27
Maximum 20
COMMENT
Refer to section B of study unit 15 for a comprehensive question (question 2) which

includes the content of the majority of the study units that will be covered in this
tutorial letter.
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STUDY UNIT 15 – COMPANIES ACT NO 71 OF 2008
INTRODUCTION
As a future accountant and auditor, it is of the utmost importance for you to have a
sound knowledge of the legal environment you will be operating in. Your knowledge of
the Companies Act will therefore be enhanced and tested in this study unit.
OBJECTIVES
• identify and explain the relevant requirements of Companies Act no 71 of 2008;

and
• apply the Companies Act no 71 of 2008 to any given scenario.

• Companies Act no 71 of 2008 and Companies Regulations
COMMENT
We recommend that you study directly from the SAICA Student Handbook, volume 2B,
and flag all the important sections. If the sections come up in a test or examination, they
will be easy to find.
The SAICA syllabus provides the overall framework that you should benchmark your knowledge
against, as your ultimate aim is to qualify as a CA(SA).
The topics listed here are important statutory requirements that candidates need to know from an audit
perspective. Professional accountants may hold statutory positions, such as judicial manager,
liquidator or accounting officer. Therefore, candidates must be aware of the relevant legal
requirements and be able to identify these readily from texts brought into the open book
examination.
Please refer to both the SAICA Examinable Pronouncements as well as the Competency Framework
and note the level of knowledge required for each section that is examinable in the 2021 ITC.
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Levels of learning
Level 1 – knowledge and comprehension
Level 2 – application and analysis
Level 3 – integration
Page 40 of this tutorial letter sets out the applicable references to Auditing Notes.
INTRODUCTION
As you will note, we explain some sections in detail by means of diagrams or examples.
However, your approach should be firstly to study all the relevant sections from your
prescribed textbook or directly from the source.
The sections of the Companies Act discussed in this tutorial letter will be examinable by
Unisa in 2020 and by SAICA in 2021.
As you know, the examination will be conducted under limited open book conditions.
However, you should bear in mind that you will not be able to merely look up the
answers to questions in the examination but will have to integrate and apply your
knowledge.
You will earn the majority of the marks for applying your knowledge. However, in order to
build a logical argument in any question, you need to start with basic theory and
definitions, whether you recall them from memory or access them from a textbook. You
should use the information in the prescribed textbook as building blocks in formulating an
applied answer to a given scenario.
COMMENT
Students are often unable to identify all the related Companies Act and
Companies Regulations sections that are relevant to a specific scenario.
There is skill involved in identifying the key issues in a scenario involving the
Companies Act and Companies Regulations. You will need to practice answering
questions to develop this skill. It is essential that you only review the solutions after
attempting the questions on your own to ensure that you develop this skill.
COMMENT
What are the Companies Regulations? Please refer to page 3/3 of Auditing Notes for a
detailed description as well as examples on the Companies Regulations.
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This table contains references to your prescribed textbook. Remember to study the examinable
sections that we do not cover in this table directly from the Act.
Section Description Reference

AN*(pg)
1 Relevant definitions 3/10
2 to 6 Interpretation 3/10–3/12
8 Categories of companies 3/13–3/14
13, 15 to 16 and 19 to 22 Incorporation and legal status of companies 3/15–3/19
23, 24 and 26 to 34 Transparency, accountability and integrity of companies 3/19–3/23
35 to 48 Capitalisation of profit companies 3/23–3/29
49 to 56 Securities registration and transfer 3/29–3/30
57 to 78 Governance of companies 3/30–3/41
84 to 85 Application and general requirements of enhanced 3/42
accountability and transparency
86 to 87 Company secretary 3/42–3/43
90 to 93 Auditors 3/43–3/45
94 Audit committees 3/46–3/47
128 to 137 Business rescue proceedings 3/49–3/51
138 to 143 Practitioner's functions and terms of appointment 3/51–3/52
150 to 154 Development and approval of business rescue plan 3/53
155 Compromise with creditors 3/53
159 Protection of whistle-blowers 3/54–3/55
162 Application to declare director delinquent or under 3/55
probation
213 to 219 Offences, miscellaneous matters and general provisions 3/57
Schedules to the Act
5 Transitional arrangement (part 1 to 11 and 14) 3/5 (par3.2.6)
Companies Act Regulations
26 to 29 Public interest scores 3/5–3/8
29 Reportable regulations and independent reviews 3/8–3/9
43 Social and ethics committee 3/9 –3/10
th
AN* Auditing Notes, 11 edition
COMMENT
We find that students do not work through enough questions in auditing. Remember
that you must train yourself to be "test-fit" and "examination-fit", and you need to work
through enough questions during the year to achieve this.
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15.1 PROPOSED GUIDANCE FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS
COMMENT
Please note that it is your responsibility to study the Act and to be familiar with important
aspects contained therein. The textbook provides good guidance in this regard, and we
also emphasise some of the important aspects in this tutorial letter. The Act also forms part
of the documents you are allowed to have with you during tests and examinations in terms
of the open book policy.
Your knowledge of the relevant legislation may be tested in one or more of the following ways:
• A question may provide a scenario and require you to evaluate the legality of any transactions or
schemes that are contemplated or were implemented. You may also need to advise regarding
alternatives and/or further requirements that have to be met.
• A question may set out certain transactions or schemes that are contemplated or were
implemented and require you to describe the audit procedures that should be performed to
obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on them.
We suggest that you approach questions as follow:
A. Questions that require advice on or the evaluation of a given situation
• Identify all transactions/events.
• Determine which requirements of the relevant acts relate to each transaction or event.
These requirements may relate to the following:
− the powers of the entity (memorandum; sections of Act);
− specific authorisation required (e.g. a special or ordinary resolution); and/or
− special preconditions (liquidity and solvency).
• Reproduce the theory applicable to each transaction or event.
• Apply the theory to the facts given in question.
• Conclude on the legality of each transaction or event.
• Make recommendations or discuss alternatives (if required by the question).
COMMENT
Additional tip: Pay attention to the wording of the requirements. If asked

about concerns, you should only discuss non-compliance. The best way to deal
with a concern is to start your sentence with "It is a concern that…” Some
questions require discussion of both compliance and non-compliance, in which
case you should not limit your answers just to non-compliance.
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B. Questions requiring audit procedures
Normally, only substantive procedures will be possible since transactions affected by specific
legal requirements usually occur sporadically and no or limited internal controls will be present
to mitigate the risks related to them.
• Identify all transactions or events.
• Determine which requirements of the Act relate to each transaction or event (see list
given above of aspects that requirements may relate to).
• Visualise and note the accounting journal entry underlying each transaction described in
the question.
• Identify source(s) of audit evidence.
• Develop audit procedures, using the following audit assertions:

– occurrence (power, authorisation, special requirements)
– accuracy (amount or calculation, all aspects of each transaction)
– completeness (all transactions)
– cut-off (correct period)
– classification (as current or non-current asset or liability, or income or expense)
– disclosure (based on statements of IFRS/GAAP)
Remember that the purpose of performing audit procedures is to obtain sufficient appropriate
evidence that the financial statements are fair. Possible sources of evidence include:
• memorandum of incorporation • notes to the annual financial statements

• notices of meetings • deposit slips
• minutes (always be specific as to those of • general ledger account(s)
directors' meetings or members' meetings) • paid cheques
• statutory registers
Due to the extensive documentary evidence available with regard to statutory matters, the term
inspect is of great importance when formulating procedures.
COMMENT
VERY IMPORTANT: In the examination and in the test, the Companies Act may
be integrated with the rest of your auditing syllabus as well as with other
statutory, regulatory and ethical matters, such as the King IV Report on
Corporate Governance. Certain sections of the Companies Act have a direct link
with the King IV Report, therefore you should not study them in isolation.
COMMENT
Remember: We explain some of the sections in more detail below. However,

you should study all the relevant sections directly from the Act.
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15.2 INTERPRETATION, PURPOSE AND APPLICATION
15.2.1 Related and inter-related persons, and control (section 2) and subsidiary relationships
(section 3)
These two sections are very important, since a number of other sections in the Companies Act
refer to related persons and subsidiary relationships. The purpose of these sections is to
prevent individuals or companies to circumvent certain prohibitions of the Act by using another
individual or company as a medium.
CONSANGUINITY AND AFFINITY
Section 2 uses the terms consanguinity and affinity. With regard to consanguinity, it is
important to note the following:
2nd degree Brothers/Sisters 2nd degree

Grandparents
Parents 1st degree
YOU
Children 1st degree
Grandchildren 2nd degree
Blood relationship (consanguinity)

Your brothers, sisters, grandparents and grandchildren are thus related to you in the second
degree of consanguinity (second degree of blood relationship). In other words, there is one other
generation between you and a person related to you in the second degree. The persons who are
related to you in the first degree of consanguinity are your children or your parents.
Relationship by marriage (affinity)

A relationship by marriage is sometimes referred to as being related by affinity. A husband and
wife are related to the first degree by marriage. For other relationships by marriage, the degree of
relationship is the same as the degree of underlying relationship by blood.
Example: John and Steve are brothers and are therefore second-degree relatives by blood.
John's wife, Linda, is related to Steve to the second degree by marriage.
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15.2.2 Solvency and liquidity test (section 4)
In terms of various sections of the Companies Act, the solvency and liquidity test must be
applied to particular transactions. Conducting the solvency and liquidity test forms part of the
requirements for that transaction to be valid and it must be proved before certain resolutions
can be passed. Students should be able to apply the requirements of this section and
especially note the requirements relating to the financial information being used to perform the
test.
15.2.3 Categories of companies (section 8)
The Act provides for two categories of companies, namely non-profit and for-profit (or profit)
companies. These companies have different characteristics, and different requirements may
apply to each of them in terms of the Act. The diagram below illustrates the differences
between the different categories of companies as prescribed by the Companies Act:
Non-profit companies (section 10)

- public benefit purpose
- except for reasonable compensation for services rendered, the income and property of
these companies are not distributable to incorporators/members/directors/officers
- apply assets and income to advance their objectives
- minimum of three incorporators
- minimum of three directors
Profit companies (section 8(2))

- state-owned companies
- private companies
- personal liability companies
- public companies
Charac-
teristics
State-owned Private companies Personal liability Public companies:

companies (section 8(2)(b)): companies (section - unrestricted
(section 1): - fewer disclosure and 8(2)(c)): transferability
- state-owned transparency require- - meets criteria of private - offers to public
enterprise; or ments than that of public company permissible
- company owned companies - memorandum of - minimum of one
by a municipality - transferability of securities incorporation states incorporator
restricted that it is a personal - minimum three
- minimum of one liability company. directors (for
incorporator governance
- minimum of one director purposes)
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15.3 INCORPORATION AND LEGAL STATUS OF COMPANIES
15.3.1 Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI), Shareholder agreements and rules a company

(sec 15 to 16)
In terms of the Act, the founding document of a company is known as the Memorandum of
Incorporation (MOI) which sets out shareholders, directors and others’ duties, responsibilities
and rights. Please take note that sections 15 and 16 does not only deal with the MOI, but also
include rules of companies and shareholder agreements as well as the amendment thereof.
The MOI of a company is subject to the Companies Act, and it must therefore be consistent
with the provisions of the Act. To the extent that a provision of the MOI contravenes or is
inconsistent with the Act, it will be void in terms of section 15(1) of the Act. Always remember to
consider the provisions of the MOI as part of your considerations/procedures in a question!
15.3.2 Pre-incorporation contracts (sec 21)
Pre-incorporation contracts are entered into, with, or on behalf of a company that is not yet
incorporated. This section is necessary, as the company does not exist as a juristic person
prior to incorporation, which implies that it cannot exercise its powers.
15.3.3 Reckless trading prohibited (sec 22)
This is an important section, as it links to other sections in the Act as well as to other topics in
the auditing environment. It should also be studied in conjunction with Regulation 19 of the
Act.
In terms of section 22, “a company must not carry on its business recklessly, with gross
negligence, with intent to defraud any person or for any fraudulent purpose; or trade under
insolvent circumstances”. A fair amount of subjectivity is involved in determining whether the
directors have been reckless, but the key will be whether the directors have acted as
reasonable persons within good faith and in the best interest of the company.
Please note the link between section 22 and the going concern assumption as well as
possible reportable irregularities arising from reckless trading. At this point, the integration of
your knowledge should be focused on a possible reportable irregularity and not the going
concern assumption.
A director may be liable to the company for any loss suffered by the company while trading
under insolvent circumstances [section 77(3)] and be liable to third parties who have had
dealings with the company and suffered a loss.
The question is whether a reasonable person would have acted in the same manner under a
situation of factual insolvency.
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Consider the following examples in conducting the reasonable person test:
(a) Assuming the company is factually insolvent, would it be reasonable for a company to
enter into a lease agreement for a very expensive fleet of company vehicles for its
directors?
(b) Alternatively, would it be reasonable for three or four directors to go on an extensive

overseas trip to visit trade fairs when one director would have been sufficient?
(c) Would it be reasonable for the directors to vote in favour of large bonuses for
themselves or substantial salary increases?
(d) Would it be reasonable for the directors to continue incurring debt when there is, to the
knowledge of the directors, no reasonable prospect of the company creditors ever
receiving payment for those debts?
All of the above may constitute reckless trading, and thus a breach of section 22 would have
taken place.
In terms of Regulation 19 of the Act, the Commission may, if it has reasonable grounds to
believe that a company is engaging in prohibited conduct or is unable to pay its debts as they
become due, issue a notice to the company ordering it to give reasons why it should be
permitted to continue the prohibited conduct.
If the company cannot satisfy the Commission that it is not engaging in prohibited conduct or
that it is able to pay its debts as they become due, the Commission may request the company
to cease the prohibited conduct.
5.4 TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY OF COMPANIES
15.4.1 Form and standards of company records (sec 24), accounting records (sec 28) and
financial statements (sec 29).
All companies must keep accurate and complete accounting records as well as all the
documents set out in section 24 of the Act. In addition to the requirements of section 24(5), a
company’s record of directors must include additional information as set out in Regulation 23
of the Act.
A company’s accounting records and financial statements should adhere to the requirements of
Regulation 25 of the Act in order for it to comply with section 28(1) and 29(1) of the Act.
The table on page 3/7 of Auditing Notes sets out the financial reporting standard requirements
as referred to in section 29(4) to (5) of the Act.
15.4.2 Annual financial statements (sec 30)
Each year, a company must prepare annual financial statements within six months after the
financial year end [sec 30(1) to (7)].
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To determine whether a company should be audited or independently reviewed (in terms of the
International Statement on Review Engagements, ISRE 2400, which was covered in
Tutorial Letter 104), please refer to the table below:
Category of company Audit/Review

1. Public companies and state-owned companies Audit (by a registered
auditor)
2. Non-profit companies (incorporated by state) Audit (by a registered
auditor)
3. Profit companies and non-profit companies that hold assets in Audit (by a registered
a fiduciary capacity exceeding R5m at any time of the financial auditor)
year
4. Other companies or close corporations with public interests Audit (by a registered
scores of auditor)
• 350 or more
• 100 but less than 350
and whose financial statements are compiled internally
5. Other companies, with a public interest score of at least 100 Review (by a registered
but less than 350, whose financial statements are not compiled auditor or chartered
internally (i.e. compiled independently) accountant (SA))
6. Other companies with a public interest score of less than 100 Review (by a registered
auditor or chartered
accountant (SA) or
accounting officer)
7. Other companies in which the directors of the company hold or No audit or review
have all of the beneficial interests in the securities issued by
the company and close corporations, if not subject to a "public
interest audit" as per categories 3 and 4 above [sec 30(23A)].
8. Other companies, which fall within categories 5, 6 and 7 Audit (by a registered
above, may select to have a voluntary audit in terms of auditor)
• the MOI requirements;
• a shareholders resolution; or
• a board resolution.
(Adapted from Delport 2012)
In order to understand the concept of a “public interest score”, study the section that deals with
Regulation 26 in Auditing Notes.
Refer to Regulation 26 on how to calculate the public interest score of a company.
Regulations 27 to 29 are discussed in Auditing Notes and you need to study these
Regulations regarding the financial reporting standard requirements, as well as the audit or
review requirements referred to above.
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15.5 CAPITALISATION OF PROFIT COMPANIES
15.5.1 Authorisation for shares (sec 36)
In its MOI, a company must set out the different classes and number of shares that it is
authorised to issue. Please note that a company is not allowed to issue shares to itself (not to
be confused with a company buying back its own shares in terms of section 48 of the Act).
Should a company want to change the classification, authorisation or number of shares, the
MOI must be amended in terms of section 26, as explained below.
Special resolution
• The shareholders may amend the MOI by means by a special resolution [sec 36(2)(a)].
• The board may (unless prohibited by the MOI) [sec 36(2)(b)]
− make changes to the number of authorised shares;
− reclassify unissued, authorised shares;
− classify unclassified shares; and
− determine the preferences, rights and limitations of authorised shares [sec 36(3)].
• In terms of section 38, the board may also increase the shares and the shareholders may
retroactively ratify the increase by means of a special resolution.
In any instance, a notice of amendment of the MOI [sec 36(4)] must be filed.
15.5.2 Preferences, rights, limitations and other share terms (sec 37)
Section 37 deals with the voting and other rights of shareholders.
In terms of section 37 of the Act, if a company has only one class of shares, all these shares
will have equal preferences, rights, limitations and terms.
15.5.3 Issuing shares (sec 38)
The board of directors has the power to issue shares in terms of section 38(1) of the Act.
However, such a share issue must be approved by a special resolution if the issue is to a
director or prescribed officer (or a person related to or interrelated to the director, prescribed
officer or the company), or to a future director or prescribed officer. (Note that these
requirements do not apply to a business rescue scheme where the practitioner may issue
shares and determine the consideration.)
Actions, if the board issues shares that either are not authorised (in terms of section 36), or
are exceeding the number of authorised shares of any particular class:
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Issue can be retroactively authorised (within 60 business

days) in accordance with section 36 [sec 38(2)].
- The contract will be null
and void to the extent
that authorisation is
Special resolution if Resolution not passed then exceeded
- Subscribers should be
repaid (including interest)
Any director, who was party to such an - Share certificates should
issue, may be held liable for losses be nullified
suffered by the company due to the and - Entries in share register
invalid issue [sec 38(3)(d)]. should be nullified
[sec 38(3)(a to c)]
15.5.4 Subscription of shares (sec 39)
This section does not apply to public or state-owned companies (except if provided otherwise
in the MOI) [sec 39(1)(a)].
Private company or public liability company

proposes to issue shares.
Existing shareholders have a pre-emptive right before others to

subscribe for a percentage of the shares offered [sec 39(2)]
• equal to the voting power immediately before the offer; and
• within a reasonable time.
Subject to
Any limitations, negations, restrictions or other conditions as provided for

in the MOI [sec 39(3 to 4]
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15.5.5 Financial assistance for subscription of securities (sec 44)
May financial assistance be provided by a company for the subscription of its own/related
company’s securities (such as shares)?
Remember: Financial assistance may be in the form of a loan, a guarantee, a provision of security,
etc. Another form (apart from loans) of financial assistance is often hidden in the scenario.
Is the primary business of this company the lending of money?
No Yes
This is financial assistance Section 44 does not apply if the lending is in

in terms of section 44. the ordinary course of business [sec 44(1)].
Requirements
The following conditions should be met:

- Any conditions set out in the MOI in this regard should be adhered to [sec 44(3)(b)(i to ii)].
- Liquidity/solvency test should be satisfied immediately after the financial assistance has been
granted [sec 44(3)(b)(i)].
- Fair and reasonable terms should apply to the financial assistance [sec 44(3)(b)(ii)].
- A special resolution should be obtained (must have been passed within previous two years)
[sec 44(3)(a)(ii)], if not pursuant to an employee share scheme [sec 44(3)(a)(i)].
If these requirements (of section 44) are not adhered to:

- the transaction will be void; and
- the directors may be held liable for losses incurred by the company in this regard [subject to
(sec 44(6)(a) to (b) and sec 44(5 to 6)].
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15.5.6 Loans or other financial assistance to directors (sec 45)
To determine if a company may provide financial assistance to any of the parties as set out in
section 45(2) of the Act, you can consider the following:
Remember: Financial assistance may be in the form of a loan, a guarantee, a provision of security,
etc. Apart from loans, another form of financial assistance is often hidden in the scenario, as with
section 44 on the previous page.
Exclusions[sec 45(1)(b)]
- The primary business of the company is the lending of money (and the loan in question is in the
ordinary course of business).
- The financial assistance is for meeting legal expenses (relating to a matter concerning the
company).
- The financial assistance is for expenses to be incurred by the person on behalf of the company.
- The financial assistance comprises an amount to defray the person’s expenses for removal at
the company’s request.
Requirements
The following conditions should be met before providing the assistance:
- Any conditions set out in the MOI in this should be adhered to [sec 45(4)].
- A liquidity/solvency test should be satisfied immediately after the financial assistance has been
granted [sec 45(3)(b)(i)].
- The terms should be fair and reasonable [sec 45(3)(b)(ii)].
- A special resolution should be obtained (must have been passed within previous two years)
[sec 45(3)(a)(ii)], except if the financial assistance is pursuant to the employee share scheme.
- Written notice of the meeting and of the intended assistance should be given to all
shareholders (unless all shareholders are directors) [sec 45(5)].
- Written notice of the meeting and of the intended assistance should be given to any trade
union that is representing the employees of the company [sec 45(5)].
If the requirements of section 45 are not adhered to:

- the transaction will be void [sec 45(6)]; and
- the directors may be held liable for losses incurred by the company [subject to [sec 45(7)].
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15.5.7 Distributions must be authorised by board (sec 46)
Study the definition of a distribution as set out in sections 1 and 46 of the Act.
It is important to note that distributions include payments for share buybacks and the payment
of dividends.
Distribution
Is it pursuant to an existing legal obligation The distribution should be authorised

or court order? [sec 46(1)(a)(i)] by a resolution [sec 46(1)(a)(ii)].
Solvency/liquidity tests immediately after completing the proposed distribution must be

satisfied and acknowledged by the board (repeated if distribution not completed within
120 days) [sec 46(1)(b) and (c) and sec 46(3)].
If these requirements (of sec 46) are not adhered to:

- the directors may be held liable for losses incurred by the company; and
- the transaction will be void [sec 46(6)].
15.5.8 Company or subsidiary acquiring company’s shares (sec 48)
May a company buy back its own shares?
Yes, provided that the requirements section 48 are met.
May a subsidiary of a company buy the shares of that company?
Yes, provided that:

- no more than 10%, in aggregate, of any class of share is held by or for the benefit of all the
subsidiaries taken together [sec 48(2)(b)(i)]; and
- the voting rights attached to those shares are not exercised [sec 48(2)(b)(ii)].
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15.6 GOVERNANCE OF COMPANIES
15.6.1 Shareholder’s resolutions (sec 65)
Shareholder’s resolutions can be either:
 ordinary resolutions (must be supported by more than 50% of voting rights exercised); or
 special resolutions (must be supported by at least 75% of voting rights exercised).
The MOI may require a higher percentage of voting rights for ordinary resolutions to be
approved (except for the removal of a director under section 71), or one or more higher
percentages of voting rights in order to approve ordinary resolutions on one or more specific
matters [sec 65(8)]. The percentage required for special resolutions to be approved may be
lower, as provided for in the MOI.
There should be at least a 10% difference between the percentage approval required for
ordinary and special resolutions [sec 65(8)].
Refer to Auditing notes for a list of instances where a special resolution is required in terms of
the Companies Act.
15.6.2 Board, directors and prescribed officers (sec 66)
Minimum number of directors required for different types of companies (MOI may specify a
higher number):
Type of company Minimum number

(as explained in 15.2.3 of this study unit) of directors
Private company ((Pty) Ltd) 1
Personal liability Company (Inc) 1
Public company (Ltd) 3
Non-profit company (NPC) 3
In addition to the minimum number of directors as prescribed (by the Act or MOI), a company
must also satisfy the requirements of section 72(4) to appoint an audit committee or a social
and ethics committee [but see sec 66(12)].
A profit company (other than a state-owned company) must allow shareholders to elect a
minimum of 50% of the directors and 50% of alternate directors may be appointed by any other
person stipulated in the MOI [sec 66(4)(b)].
Directors’ remuneration for services acting as directors is required to be approved by a special

resolution. This special resolution will be valid for two years.
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5.6.3 Board committees (sec 72)
The Act provides that, except when the MOI provides otherwise, the board of directors may
appoint any number of committees and may delegate any of the authority of the board to a
committee. The board is responsible for performing its duties properly, and a director or the
board cannot use the appointment of a committee as a shield against their own responsibility.
You should study Regulation 43 of the Act with regard to the social and ethics committee, in
conjunction with this section.
Note: This section should be studied in conjunction with the board committee requirements of
the King IV Code, and it is often integrated in examination or test scenarios.
15.6.4 Director’s personal financial interests (sec 75)
This is always an important section.
The Act sets out procedures required for a director to disclose a personal financial interest of
that director, or of a person related to that director, in respect of any matter to be considered by
the board. Study the definition of personal financial interest in terms of section 1.
15.6.5 Standards of directors conduct (sec 76)
For the purpose of this section, directors include prescribed officers and members of board
committees.
A director of a company must exercise the powers and functions of a director in good faith and
in the best interest of the company, and must act with a certain degree of care, diligence and
skill. The section also extends the duty to apply to a subsidiary.
Familiarise yourself with the duties and functions of a director.
5.6.6 Liability of directors and prescribed officers (sec 77)
This section deals with instances where a director and prescribed officer may be held liable for
losses suffered by the company. In addition to the list of officers outlined in this section,
directors could be liable to shareholders for fraudulent acts or acts of gross negligence
[sec 20(6)] or to any third party who has suffered a loss by virtue of the directors breaching the
Act [sec 218(2)].
Please note that members of board committees and audit committees will have the same
liability that directors have under section 77, even if the members of the board committees are
not directors and even though they have no right to vote on any matters considered by board
committees.
COMMENT
Important!
Students should remember to consider sections 76 and 77 as part of their answers as a

consequence of the transgression of certain of the other sections in the Companies Act.
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15.7 ENHANCED ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
15.7.1 Secretaries and auditors (sec 84 and 85)
Study the table below, relating to the requirement to appoint a company secretary and an
auditor.
Is the company a public company or a state-owned company?
Yes No
Must appoint [sec 84(4)] Not required to have financial statements

➢ a company secretary; and audited, BUT
➢ an auditor.
➢ Audit committee Stakeholders (shareholders, providers of
finance) may require that the financial
statements be audited. Therefore, take note
➢ the MOI may make it a requirement.
Note 1: Where the auditor general has elected to
A private company’s financial statements
conduct an audit, the company may not appoint
may also require an audit if it is in public
an (external) auditor for that year.
interest. The decision will be influenced by
Note 2: Any person, who is disqualified from
the public interest score of the company
acting as a director, may not be appointed as a
(refer to pages 3/6 and 3/7 of Auditing
company secretary, auditor or member of the
notes).
audit committee of that company [sec 84(5)].
Every company, which appoints a company secretary or auditor

➢ must maintain a record of [sec 85(1)(a)]
• the name of the person; and
• the date of appointment.
If it is a firm or juristic person [sec 85(1)(b)]
• the name, registration number and registered office address must be indicated.
Note: Within 10 days of making an appointment or after termination of an auditor or

secretary, the company must file notice of appointment or termination [sec 85(3)].
Companies must also maintain a record with detail of their secretaries and auditors (if any), as
required in terms of section 85(1).
15.7.2 Company secretary (sec 86 to 89)
The board of directors appoints the secretary and the directors must be satisfied that the
person is suitably qualified with the necessary experience to perform the duties of a company
secretary. The secretary is accountable to the board of directors. Section 88 includes the duties
of the company secretary.
You should study the requirements regarding the appointment and resignation/removal of the
company secretary in Auditing notes.
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15.7.3 Auditors (sec 90 to 93)
Sections 90 to 93 deal with the appointment, resignation, rotation, rights and restricted
functions of auditors. These sections are very topical, especially section 90 that deals with the
appointment of the auditor. Section 90 contains provisions applicable to an auditor engaged to
perform a statutory audit of a company or a close corporation (CC). Section 90(2) further
prohibits an auditor to provide audit and certain specified services to the same client. There
was great uncertainty as to how this section will be enforced practically, and therefore,
SAICA and the IRBA issued a guide (“Guidance on section 90 of the Companies Act,
2008”) on this matter. The guide is available on the IRBA website.
15.7.4 Audit committees (sec 94)
Familiarise yourself with the composition and duties of an audit committee.
Study Regulation 42 of the Act regarding the required qualifications of members of the audit
committee.
It is important to note that King IV recommends that all other companies establish an audit
committee and define its composition, purpose and duties in the MOI.
Also, note that King IV aligns with, and expands on, the duties of an audit committee as set out
in section 94(7) of the Act.
15.8 REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT
15.8.1 Protection for whistle blowers (sec 159)
Section 159 applies to whistle blowers who disclosed in good faith that the company
or director
− contravened the Companies Act or another act enforced by the Commission;
− failed (or was failing to) to comply with any legal obligation to which the company is
subject;
− engaged in conduct that holds a health or safety risk for any individual, or a risk of
environmental damage;
− unfairly discriminated against any person; and
− contravened any legislation that could expose the company to risk/liability
[sec 159(3)(b)].
By offering
− qualified privilege in respect of the disclosure; and
− immunity from civil, criminal or administrative liability with regards to the disclosure
[sec 159(4)]
To the following whistleblowers with regard to the company

− shareholders;
− director;
− company secretary;
− prescribed officer;
− employee;
− trade union;
− to other representatives of employees;
− suppliers of goods or services; and
− employees of such suppliers.
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15.9 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
Study this chapter on your own, with reference to the knowledge level required in terms of the SAICA
syllabus.
15.10 SCHEDULES TO THE COMPANIES ACT
Study the schedules on your own, with reference to the knowledge level required in terms of the
SAICA syllabus.
SECTION B – QUESTIONS ON STUDY UNIT 11 TO 15
QUESTION 1 52 marks
You are a senior trainee accountant in your audit firm’s technical department. Your responsibility is to
advise fellow staff members, conducting an audit, on statutory and corporate governance matters. One
of the firm’s clients is the Hello-Dolly Group. All companies in the group manufacture retail or
wholesale dolls and doll accessories.
The group is structured as follows: Hello-Dolly Ltd holds 60% of Doll-Face Ltd, 80% of
Doll-Prams (Pty) Ltd and 70% of Doll-Fashions (Pty) Ltd. Doll-Prams (Pty) Ltd holds 100% of the
shares in Pram-Wheels Ltd.
Your firm holds the appointment, as auditors of all companies in the group and the various audit teams
are currently engaged in the 30 September year end audit.
You have received the following queries from fellow trainees:
1. From Fred Astaire, on the audit of Doll-Fashions (Pty) Ltd
We identified an amount of R4,6 million in trade creditors owed to Silky-Sewing (Pty) Ltd. This
represents the purchase during August of a machine that manufactures dresses for the different
doll ranges. The machine has been installed. However, it appears that Silky-Sewing (Pty) Ltd
is fully owned by Barbie Sibaya and Ken Booth, two of the four directors of
Doll-Fashions (Pty) Ltd (concern 1). Neither of them is shareholders of
Doll-Fashions (Pty) Ltd. The purchase documentation, for example, a purchase order, delivery
note, invoice and entries in the records, is correct and R4,6 million is the fair price for such
machines (concern 2). Do I have any further responsibilities arising from this transaction? (8)
2. From Marlon Brando, on the audit of Doll-Prams (Pty) Ltd
The company has made a number of loans during the past year. I considered each of the loans,
but I would like to raise queries with you in respect of one of them.
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A loan of R150 000 to John Bratz, the managing director of Pram-Wheels Ltd (concern 3),
who also serves on the board of Doll-Prams (Pty) Ltd and who intends using the loan to make a
private investment. Is this loan acceptable, and if so, what are the requirements of the
Companies Act, 2008? (3)
3. From John Lennon, on the audit of Hello-Dolly Ltd
During the year under audit, the company undertook a buyback of its own shares (concern
4). Prior to this buyback, the company had one million no par value shares, all of which had
been issued at R5 a share. 250 000 shares (concern 5) were repurchased at R7 a share
(concern 6), and the buyback was effected by Isaak Angel, the company secretary to the
Hello-Dolly group. Advise me on the procedures I should conduct to audit the buyback. (18)
4. From Charlie Chaplin, on the audit of Doll-Face Ltd
Mr Plastic, the managing director of Doll-Face Ltd has approached a trainee for advice on what
authority and conditions must be met so that each of the following can be executed legally.
(Doll-Face Ltd has an authorised share capital of 100 000 shares, of which 80 000 shares
have been issued (concern 7). The balance of the stated capital account is R140 000.)
• Equipment is to be purchased from a director, Ms Pink, for R900 000 (Ms Pink purchased
the equipment one month previously for R785 000) (concern 8). The purchase price
will be settled by obtaining a loan of R800 000 from the company’s bankers.
• 60 000 shares will be issued to Ms Pink, at their fair market value of R1,67 per share, to
settle the balance of the purchase price. (5)
• Ms Skinny was requested to resign as a director. She refused and was dismissed by the
other directors. She will be paid an amount of R80 000 to compensate her for the loss
of office (concern 9). (6)
5. From Frank Sinatra, on the audit of Pram-Wheels Ltd
During the financial year, interest-free loans of R500 000 and R750 000, respectively, were
granted to Mr Firestone (director: operations) and Mr Continental (director: human resources),
respectively (concern 10). These loans were granted in terms of a directors' resolution and were
not granted to cover business expenses. By examining the MOI it was determined that the MOI
does not prohibit such loans. No repayment terms for these loans are known. (12)
YOU NOW HAVE 78 MINUTES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.
REQUIRED Marks
(a) Respond to the queries/requests 1 to 4 from the audit teams by giving reasons for
your responses. 40
(b) Refer to audit query 5 and formulate the audit procedures that you would perform
regarding the loans granted to the board members of Pram-Wheels Ltd during the
year. Assume that the company gave sufficient notice in an appropriate manner
before all meetings. You do not need to include audit procedures in respect of notices
in your answer. 12
(Adapted from Gowar & Jackson 2011; Prinsloo 2011 and Stellenbosch University)
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SUGGESTED SOLUTION
(a) To Fred Astaire
1. Yes, you should conduct further procedures. (1)
2. This purchase appears to result in a contract in which two of the directors of

Doll-Fashions (Pty) Ltd have a personal financial interest because Barbie Sibaya and
Ken Booth own Silky-Sewing (Pty) Ltd (sec 75). (This is indicated in concern 1 of the
scenario.) (1)
3. Firstly, you should inspect the company’s MOI to determine whether any conditions or
restrictions are applicable to directors with personal financial interests in contracts, into
which their company enters. If there were conditions or restrictions, you would have to
confirm whether they had been complied with. (1)
4. In terms of section 76(2)(b), directors must communicate to the board, at the earliest
opportunity, any information that comes to their attention (pertaining to the affairs of the
company). (1)
5. It is also required by section 76(3)(a) and (b) that directors exercise their powers and
perform their functions
• in good faith and for a proper purpose; and (1)
• in the best interest of the company. (1)
6. Barbie Sibaya and Ken Booth should have notified the other directors of their personal
financial interest in the contract to buy an R4,6m machine, prior to the decision taken by
the board to purchase the machine [sec 75(4)] (indicated by concern 2 in the
scenario). (1)
7. Therefore, you should inspect the minutes of the meeting, at which the decision was
taken to purchase the machine, to confirm/determine that
7.1 the meeting was properly constituted (e.g. a quorum); (1)
7.2 the interest and its general nature (e.g. ownership of the company supplying the
machine) was disclosed before being considered at the meeting [sec 75(5)(a)]; (1)
7.3 the two directors made any other disclosure that may have significance (may be
nothing) [sec 75(5)(b)]; (1)
7.4 the two directors left the meeting after making the disclosures (this should be
recorded) [sec 75(5)(d)] (i.e. did not form part of the quorum for this purpose of this
resolution); (1)
7.5 the two did not vote on the decision to purchase [sec 75(5)(e)] [sec 75(5)(f)]; and
(1)
7.6 the resolution to purchase was approved by the other directors (both should have
voted for the resolution to be passed). (1)
Available 13
Maximum 8
To Marlon Brando
1. John Bratz is a director of a wholly owned subsidiary of the company making the loan,
that is, a related company (indicated by concern 3 in the scenario). (1)
2. In terms of section 45(2), a company may make a loan to a director of a related company
(directly or indirectly). The company (board) must comply with the Companies Act and
any requirements/restrictions of the MOI of Doll-Prams (Pty) Ltd [sec 45(2)]. (1)
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3. However, despite anything the MOI might state, the board may not authorise the loan
unless
3.1 it is pursuant to a special resolution of the shareholders who approved the specific
loan (i.e. to John Bratz) and adopted it within the previous two years, or generally
for a category of recipients, for example the directors [sec 45(3)(a)]; and (1)
3.2 the board is satisfied that, immediately after providing the financial assistance, the
company would satisfy the liquidity/solvency test [sec 45(3)(b)]. (1)
4. There is of course the general rule that in making the loan, the directors must act in good
faith and in the interests of the company [sec 76(3)(a) and (b)]; therefore, the terms of
the loan should be fair and reasonable to the company. (1)
Available 5
Maximum 3
To John Lennon
1. The purchase by Hello-Dolly Ltd of its own shares (indicated by concern 4 in the
scenario) amounts to a “distribution” as defined in the Act.
1.1 It is a transfer by a company of money to the holders of shares of that company as
consideration for the acquisition of any of its shares (sec 46). (1)
2. The “distribution” must only be made if it is pursuant to an existing legal obligation or

court order [sec 46(a)]. You may establish this by doing one of the following:
2.1 Inspect the minutes of the directors' meeting and the enquiry of Isaak Angel, the
company secretary. (1)
2.2 Inspect the minutes of board meetings to ensure that it is authorised by the board
of the company [sec 46(1)(a)]. (1)
2.3 The court order may also be inspected to ensure that it exists and relates to the
matter in question. (1)
3. You should inspect the minutes of the meeting of directors (obtain the relevant date from
Isaak Angel) to determine that
3.1 the meeting was quorate – the decision will be a majority decision and therefore at
least half of the directors must have been present; (1)
3.2 the directors applied the liquidity/solvency test [sec 46(1)(b)], that is, after the
distribution the company (1)
- will be able to pay its debts (and has been able to do so) in the normal course
of business for the 12 months after the distribution; and (1)
- the company’s assets, fairly valued, exceeded its liabilities; (1)
3.3 the directors acknowledged in the minutes that they had applied the liquidity/
solvency test and had concluded that the test was satisfied [sec 46(1)(c)]. (1)
4. Obtain the working schedules used by the directors and confirm by inspection,
recalculation, analytical review, etc, that the test was conducted based on
4.1 accurate and complete accounting records; and (1)
4.2 financial statements that comply with the financial reporting standards regarding
form and content (as we are conducting the audit, this should not be difficult to do).
(1)
5. You should also inspect the MOI to determine whether any conditions/restrictions must
be complied with. (1)
6. Obtain a summary from Isaak Angel detailing the buyback and confirm by inspection that
6.1 the number of shares purchased, was 250 000 (concern 5) Hello-Dolly Ltd shares;
(1)
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6.2 the purchase price was R7 (concern 6); (1)

6.3 the transaction took place within the financial year and that these details all agree
with the directors' meeting minutes; and (1)
6.4 the buyback price of R7 was fair and reasonable (concern 6). (1)
7. Inspect the paid cheques/bank transfers/bank statement to confirm that

7.1 the buyback took place within 120 business days of the resolution, in full (Note: if it
did not, the directors must reperform the liquidity/solvency/acknowledgement
exercise.) (1)
7.2 the amount paid out was R1 750 000 (250 000 x R7). (1)
8. Inspect the share register to confirm that the shareholders details/holding has been
amended correctly. (1)
9. Confirm by inspection of the financial statements that

9.1 the buyback has been accurately and completely disclosed; (1)
9.2 issued share capital has been reduced by 250 000 shares; and (1)
9.3 stated capital has been reduced by R1 250 000 (250 000 x R5) and reserves by
R500 000 (R1 750 000 – R1 250 000). (1)
Available 22
Maximum 18
To Charlie Chaplin
Purchase of equipment
1. As Doll-Face Ltd has insufficient authorised ordinary shares available to allow for the
fresh issue of 60 000 shares (indicated by concern 7) (100 000 – 80 000 = 20 000), the
authorised shares will have to be increased by at least 40 000 (20 000 + 40 000 =
60 000). This increase must be authorised in terms of section 36, by
1.1 an amendment to the MOI through a special resolution of shareholders
[sec 36(2)(a)]; or (1)
1.2 the board of directors, unless the MOI provides otherwise [sec 36(2)(b)]. (1)
1.2.1 The company must file a notice of amendment of its MOI, setting out the
changes effected to the authorised share capital. (1)
2. If the market value of the equipment appears to be below R900 000 (the equipment was
purchased very recently for R785 000, which is R115 000 less than R900 000, as
indicated by concern 8 in the scenario), it would constitute financial assistance for the
purchases of shares in terms of section 44, in which case the following applies:
2.1 The financial assistance must have been authorised by a special resolution of the
shareholders, adopted within the previous two years [sec 44 (3)(a)]. (1)
2.2 The board of directors must be satisfied that
2.2.1 after providing the financial assistance, the company would satisfy the
solvency and liquidity test [sec 44(3)(b)]; (1)
2.2.2 the terms under which the financial assistance is given are fair and
reasonable to the company [sec 44(3)(b)]; and (1)
2.2.3 all the related conditions/restrictions set out in the MOI have been satisfied
[sec 45(4)]. (1)
Available 7
Maximum 5
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Dismissal of director
Dismissal
1. Irrespective of anything to the contrary in the company’s MOI, a director can be

dismissed before the termination of her or his term of office [sec 71(1)]. (1)
However, this removal requires an ordinary resolution passed at a shareholders' meeting
[sec 71 (1)] – the directors’ resolution is insufficient. (2)
2. If, however, Ms Skinny is removed because of being ineligible or being disqualified as a

director, or she is incapacitated [sec 71(3)(a)] or has otherwise neglected [sec 71(3)(b)]
her duties, the board resolution will suffice, provided that (1)
2.1 due notice of the board meeting and proposed resolution is given to Ms Skinny
[sec 71(4)(a)]; and (1)
2.2 she was provided with a reasonable opportunity to make a presentation before the
vote took place [sec 71(4)(b)]. (1)
Compensation for loss of office
3. As it appears that the payment was made to Ms Skinny in her capacity as a director of
the company (concern 9 in the scenario), the payment thereof must be/have been
authorised by the shareholders by way of a special resolution passed within the
preceding two years [sec 66(9)]. (1)
4. The amount paid in respect of the loss of office must be disclosed in the annual financial
statements. (1)
Available 8
Maximum 6
(b) AUDIT PROCEDURES – Loans to directors
[Note: Section 45 of the Companies Act, 2008 is applicable to loans granted to directors
(indicated by concern 10 in the scenario). In addition to the resolution at the board meeting,
a special resolution to approve such loans should also have been passed during the preceding
two years].
• Inspect the minutes of the board meeting [sec 45(2)] at which the resolution to approve
the loans to the two directors was passed and ensure
− that a quorum was present at the meeting; (1)
− that there is an indication that the directors applied the solvency and liquidity test
and that they considered, after the loans were granted, whether (1)
the company’s assets would exceed its liabilities and that the company would be
able to pay its debts in the normal course of business for at least 12 months after
the loans had been granted [sec 45(3)(b)]; (1)
− that the directors acknowledged in the minutes that they had applied the test and
came to the conclusion that they complied with the requirements of the test; and (1)
− that the majority of directors approved the resolution to grant the loans. (1)
• Examine the cash flows, forecasts and management accounts, etc, used by the directors
in respect of the application of the liquidity and solvency test and ensure, through
inspection, recalculation and analytical review, that the directors applied the test
correctly. (1)
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• Examine the MOI for any constraints and conditions, which must be complied with regard
to granting loans (to directors). If so, confirm that these conditions were met [sec 45(4)].
(1)
• Inspect the minutes of the shareholders' meeting [sec 45(3)(a)] for the approval of a
special resolution and confirm that
− a quorum was present at the meeting (unless the MOI states differently, at least
three shareholders who hold at least 25% of the voting rights); (1)
− the resolution was taken within the preceding two years; (1)
− the resolution approves loans to the two directors specifically, or to directors in
general; and (1)
− the resolution was approved by at least 75% of the voting rights exercised (unless
the MOI states differently). (1)
• Inspect the loan agreement with the directors and

− compare the amount and any conditions applicable to the loans with the minutes of
the meetings; and (1)
− confirm that the agreement was properly signed by the respective directors and an
authorised representative of the company. (1)
• Confirm the existence of the loans and the outstanding amounts at year end by obtaining
written confirmation from the two directors. (1)
• Confirm through inspection of the financial statements that the loans to the directors were
properly disclosed as directors’ remuneration. (1)
Available 15
Maximum 12
MARKERS’ COMMENTS
• Time management is a major problem to which students need to pay attention.

Many scripts indicated little or no attempt at an answer. Remember, we cannot give
you marks if you do not write something down.
• Many scripts were very difficult to mark due to poor handwriting. Students also
made use of unknown abbreviations. Students need to ensure that their handwriting
is legible and must refrain from using an “SMS-style of writing”.
• Many students have not yet realised that they are postgraduate students. Success
at this level requires a serious commitment to your studies. You are required to
make a comprehensive study of the theory of auditing, and then to try doing as
many questions as possible.
• Students did not apply theoretical knowledge but merely quoted the theory. At a
postgraduate level, you need to demonstrate that you can apply theoretical
knowledge.
• Students made the following common errors:

− Solutions were not structured in an orderly manner. Students are advised to
use sub-headings and discuss each sub-heading accordingly.
− Repetition of facts: This will also be avoided if sub-headings are used.
− Over-elaboration of one fact: This will also be avoided if sub-headings are
used, as it will prevent you from discussing only one aspect.
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• Students failed to apply the following steps:

(1) state the matter;
(2) state the applicable legislation;
(3) apply the legislation to the practical situation; and
(4) draw a conclusion.
• Conclusions were drawn without proper justification
Important!
Do not be misled by the fact that you will write an open book examination. You still
need to know the theory in order to identify the applicable issues. Only use the
prescribed textbooks for reference. You will not have time to browse for answers.
QUESTION 2 67 marks
Aero Africa Ltd (‘AA’) is an airline that listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange in
June 2017.
AA is a decentralised company with the following divisions:
• Aero Africa;
• Aero Africa Mobilechefs (catering division);
• Aero Africa Technical (the technical division which provides aircraft maintenance services);
and
• Aero Africa Travel Centres (Aero Africa’s own branded travel agencies).
United Auditors Inc., a firm of Registered Auditors, has been the external auditor of AA for the past
ten years. United Auditors Inc., based in Johannesburg, is currently comprised of three audit
partners and 30 trainees. Kingston Jacobs was the audit engagement partner for AA prior to his
resignation from United Auditors Inc. in February 2017.
Governance arrangements
Prior to its listing, all the shares in AA were owned by Mr Marc Brooney, a highly successful
South African businessman. Mr Brooney introduced a policy ten years ago whereby directors on AA’s
Board were appointed for a three-year period only, in order to promote transformation. Since
then the only person who has been reappointed was Ms Luhle Jacobs, who was the information
technology director. To date, Ms Jacobs (wife of Mr Kingston Jacobs) has been a director for ten
and a half consecutive years.
Prior to its listing, Mr Brooney consistently had to provide financial support to AA to enable it to
continue as a going concern. Therefore, to eliminate the need for on-going financial support of the
airline, Mr Brooney proposed that –
• AA be listed at R50 per share;
• he would own 51% of the shares;
• all directors would receive share options on listing and annually thereafter;
• Mr Jacobs would be appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO); and
• Ms Jacobs would be appointed as the chief operating officer (COO).
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Investors did not, however, accept Mr Brooney’s proposed listing price and shareholding. Rather,
they believed that a market related price was R20 per share, and that Mr Brooney should own
no more than 40% of the shares. Mr Brooney agreed to these conditions but added a condition of
his own, namely that his shareholding would permit him to appoint the majority of the Board
members. This was accepted, and the Memorandum of Incorporation of AA was amended to
reflect this.
Once listed and with the approval of Mr Brooney, Kingston and Luhle Jacobs nominated and
appointed the following persons to the Board of Directors for a three-year period:
• Non-executive directors
 Mr Ryan Abbott (22), a qualified aircraft technician;
 Mr Nathan Barclay (70), a retired marketing manager who is now a director of
various companies; and
 Mr Tyler Callan (24), a travel agent.
• Executive director
 Ms Alexia Viljoen (41) CA (SA), as the chief financial officer (CFO).
There are no other directors. An audit committee and remuneration committee were established
once the company had listed. In terms of a Board resolution, the internal audit services have
been outsourced to United Auditors Inc.
Within a few months of the listing, AA stated at a press conference that Ms Viljoen had ‘resigned
with immediate effect to pursue personal interests’. In her letter of resignation to the Board of
Directors of AA, Ms Viljoen stated the following:
The high director turnover rate at AA is a consequence of the three-year contract appointments
made while it was a private company. This has resulted in the following practices, which are
continuing even though the company is now a public company and listed:
• Upon their appointment, directors negotiate very large payments that would be payable to
them if they were not reappointed after their three-year term.
• The rigging of tender processes is common practice – tenders are awarded to companies
or individuals who secretly pay incentives to the executive directors.
• There is no focus on employee recruitment, remuneration or incentives, which has resulted
in poorly skilled employees and a generally unhappy employee base.
When the CEO signed the engagement letter for the reappointment of United Auditors Inc. As the
company’s registered auditor despite my reservations, and without the knowledge of the
shareholders, I had no other option but to resign.
Shortly thereafter the public shareholders of AA began raising concerns about the company’s
commitment to compliance with the Companies Act, 2008 and its application of The King IV
Report on Governance for South Africa (King IV).
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YOU NOW HAVE 101 MINUTES TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
REQUIRED Marks
Discuss, with reasons, any concerns you have about the current (i.e. post-listing) corporate
governance arrangements of AA. 65
Communication skills – clarity of expression; logical argument 2
SUGGESTED SOLUTION
Discuss, with reasons, any concerns you have about the current (i.e. post-listing) Marks
corporate governance arrangements of AA
1 Appointment of directors
1.1 There is no chairman of the Board of Directors. 1
The King Code requires the Board to be chaired by an independent non-
executive director. (P7.R31) 0.5
1.2 With the exception of Mr Barclay and Alexia Viljoen, the directors who have been
appointed appear to lack the necessary competence and experience required of
individuals to serve on the Board – this would be the case for both Kingston and 0.5
Luhle Jacobs (relevant experience) and Messrs Abbott and Callan (age and
experience). (P7.R6) 1
1.3 King Code requires that directors do not hold more directorships than is 0.5
reasonable for them to exercise due care, skill and diligence. Given that
Mr Barclay holds various directorships and given his age, this could represent a
potential risk for AA. (For chair: P7.R35; but in general – directors should be able to 1
properly perform their duties)
1.4 According to King Code the Board should be composed with a balance of
knowledge, skill, experience, diversity and independence (P7.R6) and needs to have 0.5
targets for race and gender representation (P7.R11) 0.5
AA needs to find independent, suitably skilled and demographically acceptable

directors. It can be argued that the Board at present is not representative in terms 1
of gender
1.5 In terms of t he King Code, the Board and not one of the major shareholders, i.e. 0.5
Mark Brooney, as is the case at AA, should appoint the chief executive officer.
(P10.R76) 1
1.6 The board should comprise a balance of power, with a majority of non-executive
directors. The majority of the non- executive directors should be independent 0.5
(P7.R8).
However:
1.6.1 • Six directors have been appointed, three executive, and three non-executives –
i.e. there is not a majority of non- executives. 1
1.6.2 • The risk exists that none of the directors appointed to the Board can be
considered independent, as they have been appointed by the Jacobs’s (i.e. by
the CEO and COO) OR that the individual could have been an employee of 1
AA or that the employee works for a material customer of AA.
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1.6.3 • The desirability of appointing a husband and wife (familiarity threat to objectivity)
into two of the three senior executive posts in AA is questionable – as this will
undermine effective control and governance (incl. segregation of duties and
management oversight) and would be a succession planning (P7.R13) nightmare. 1
They would also be able to dominate the board, which requires a balance of
power (P8.R44c))
1.7 In terms of P7.R14 of the King Code, directors should be appointed through a 0.5
formal process – however, with the approval of Mark Brooney, the Jacobs’
nominated the directors 1
1.8 In terms of section 66(4) of the Companies Act, at least 50% of the directors must 0.5
be elected by shareholders – the appointments have been made without the
involvement of all the shareholders. 1
1.8.1 • Marc Brooney can only have a right to vote on the appointment of directors
in accordance with his shareholding. A 40% shareholding will not give him the
ability to appoint the majority of the Board of directors. The other shareholders’ 1
approval should therefore have been sought in the appointment of the directors.
1.8.2 • In addition, the JSE does not permit a minority shareholding to exercise 1
negative control as a result of any contract or agreement. Bonus
2. Remuneration of directors
2.1 There is reason to believe that P14.R29 of the King Code (that a fair, responsible
and transparent remuneration policy be approved) has not been applied 0.5
appropriately by AA. For example –
2.1.1 P14.R28 (of the King Code), states that companies should adopt a remuneration 0.5
policy that promote positive outcomes and responsible corporate citizenship. Given
that 3-year appointment terms apply at AA and that directors negotiate large
termination payments if not reappointed indicates a shortcoming in the corporate 1
governance of AA.
2.1.2 This indicates a lack of a remuneration policy aligned with the strategy of the
company and linked to individual performance (a recommended practice per the 1
King Code P14.R28).
2.1.3 A special resolution every two years in terms of which shareholders are required
to approve directors’ remuneration (in terms of section 66 of the Companies 1
Act) – the shareholders need to approve the directors’ remuneration.
2.1.4 P14.R37 (King Code) stipulates that the remuneration policy be discussed at the
annual general meeting with shareholders being able to express their views on 1
said policy.
2.1.5 P8.R65-67 (King), states that the remuneration committee should assist the
Board in setting and administering remuneration policies across the company, 1
including for directors.
3 Succession planning
3.1 While appointing directors on three-year contracts is acceptable, the previous 0.5
practice of replacing virtually all directors on the termination of contracts is of
concern. In terms of P7.R13 of the King Code, the Board should ensure that
there is succession planning for the CEO and other senior executives and officers. 1
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3.2 P7.R12 of the King Code states that the governing body should establish 0.5
arrangements for periodic, staggered rotation. If all directors’ contracts terminate
after three years, then no appropriate rotation exists at AA. 1
4 Committees of the governing body
4.1 In terms of P8.R62-64 of the King Code the company should also have 0.5
established a risk committee (in addition to the audit and remuneration committees) 1
– there is no risk committee at present.
4.2 Moreover, in terms of P8.R60-61 of the King Code, the company should have 0.5
established a nomination committee to assist with the process of identifying
suitable Board members – which does not appear to have happened (e.g. the 1
Board members were ‘nominated’ by the Mark Brooney and the Jacob’s).
4.3 In terms of Regulation 43 of the Companies Regulations, 2011, every listed 0.5
public company (such as AA) should establish a social and ethics committee within
12 months of the effective date of this regulation – however, no such committee 1
appears to have been established.
4.4 Given that there are no independent directors on the Board –
4.4.1 The remuneration committee will not be adequately constituted by at least the
majority of independent non- executive directors – as recommended by P8.R66 of 1
the King Code.
4.4.2 The audit committee should be comprised exclusively of independent directors
(minimum of three) – such an arrangement would be contrary to P8.R56 of the King 1
Code.
4.4.3 Should any of the current independent directors be elected as chairperson of the
Board, the audit committee would no longer comply with the aforementioned 1
requirement since the chairperson may not be a member of the audit committee.
(P7.R36)
4.5 King P8.R55 & Regulation 42 prescribes that at least one-third of the members 0.5
of an audit committee must have academic qualifications, experience in
economics, law, corporate governance, finance, accounting, commerce, industry,
public affairs or human resource management – this could be an issue for AA 1
(only Mr Barclay potentially has these skills).
4.6 The audit committee, although established, is not effective as it appears to have 1
played no role in the reappointment of United Auditors (in terms of King). (Section
94(7)(a))
4.6.1 The Committee is required to nominate the external auditor for appointment and 0.5
approve the terms of engagement (per section 94 of Companies Act). 1
(Section 94(7)(a))
4.7 This committee is required to monitor and report on the independence of the
external auditor – however, there are significant threats to the auditor’s 0.5
independence which do not appear to have been addressed (King P8.R59a). 1
4.7.1 In terms of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (R 524.6), in a situation 1
where a key audit partner joins the audit client that is a public interest entity (such
as AA), independence would be compromised given that the client has not yet
issued audited financial statements covering a period of not less than 12 Months
(cooling off period is required).
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4.8 In terms of Companies Act Section 94(7)(d)&(e) the audit committee is required
to determine the nature and extent for non-audit services by the auditor and 0.5
approve contracts for the external audit firm to render non- audit services –
however, the outsourcing of the internal audit services appears to have been done 1
without reference to the audit committee (it was done in terms of a Board
resolution).
4.9 In terms of section R606.5 of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct, the 0.5
appointment of United Auditors to render internal audit services is of concern as the
Code states that for a public interest entity (such as AA), the services shall exclude 1
controls and systems relating to financial reporting.
4.10 King P15.R51 requires that the internal audit function be independent of
management. Given that the internal audit function has been outsourced to 0.5
United Inc. (small firm) where Mr Jacobs (now the CEO of AA) was a partner,
would result in the independence of the internal audit function being questioned 1
(familiarity).
4.11 The committee is required to review the quality and effectiveness of the external
audit process – however, the competence of the external audit firm to perform 0.5
the engagement is in doubt (King Code, P8.R59c). It is doubtful whether three
partners and 30 trainees (capacity) will satisfy the ISQC 1 skills and competence 1
requirements given that AA is a fairly large listed client, with complex operations.
4.12 The audit committee needs to ensure that the JSE approves the appointment of the 1
audit firm – given United Inc.’s limited resources, this is debatable. Bonus
5 In terms of the Companies Act (section 90), the auditor must be appointed at
every annual general meeting of the company (i.e. by the shareholders). Only if 0.5
no such appointment was made, can the Board of directors proceed to make an
appointment. The fact that the appointment was made without the knowledge of 1
the shareholders is therefore of concern.
6 The manner in which Alexia Viljoen’s resignation was communicated gives rise to
the following concerns:
6.1 The communication was done by way of a press conference rather than a SENS 1
announcement – which is inconsistent with the JSE Listings Requirements. Bonus
7 Given the directors’ conduct generally, there is reason to believe that they are 1
acting contrary to their statutory fiduciary duties. For example:
7.1 In terms of section 76(2) of the Companies Act, a director must not use the 0.5
position as a director to gain an advantage for him/herself – yet directors negotiate
large payments on the termination of their contracts, and they participate in the 1
rigging of tender processes.
7.2 In terms of section 76(3) of the Companies Act, directors must exercise the 0.5
powers and functions of a director in good faith, in the best interests of the
company and with a reasonable degree of care and skill – however, failing to
focus on the employees (in an industry where skills are in short supply (e.g. pilots 1
and engineers)) and participating the rigging of tenders, is not consistent with
the statutory requirements.
7.3 Principle P1. R1a (King) requires the board and directors of the company to act 0.5
in the best interests of the company (Integrity), which appears not to be happening
given the illegal tendering process and large severance packages paid. 1
(Competence)
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8 It is doubtful whether the executive directors who ‘secretly’ received incentives
from the recipients of tenders disclosed their interests in the contracts prior to 1
entering into these contracts in the manner required by section 75 of the
Companies Act. (Also King P7.R25&26)
8.1 By conducting themselves in this manner, the directors would also not be
complying with the following principles of the King Code:
8.1.1 The Board should ensure that the company’s ethics are managed effectively 0.5
(principle 2). According to the King Code, ‘Good corporate governance requires
that the Board takes responsibility for building and sustaining an ethical corporate 1
culture in the company’ the action breaches this requirement since the Board is
the problem.
8.1.2 The Board should ensure that the company complies with applicable laws 1
(principle 13) – such as the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act
(PRECCA). Principle 1 also requires Competence). Bonus
9 The fact that there is poor corporate governance in place especially from the
leadership could result in fraud in other parts of the company. This is more likely 1
when employees are dissatisfied.
10 Now that Alexia Viljoen has resigned, AA is operating without a financial director.
JSE Listing requirements requires the company to have a CEO and chief 1
financial officer indicating non-compliance. Bonus
11 There is doubt as to whether or not a company secretary has been appointed which
results in non-compliance with the Companies Act section 86. 1
12 Given the fact that the directors have contravened the Companies Act, the 0.5
directors need to be aware that they can be held personally liable in such
instances where breaches in complying with the Companies Act section 77 have 1
taken place.
13 From the perspective of the external auditors of AA, they would need to
consider the requirements of the Audit Profession Act section 45 in respect of 1
the tender rigging qualifying as a reportable irregularity which they would need to
report on.
13.1 An unlawful act has occurred through the tender rigging as well as non- 1
compliance with various statues (refer above).
13.2 This act has been committed by management (the Board of Directors) 1
13.3 Material breach of fiduciary duty (Section 76 – best interest of company) has 1
occurred OR Material financial loss (tender rigging and severance packages) has
occurred for the company OR Fraudulent act (tender rigging)
14 Given the relevant concerns identified one can conclude that AA is not a responsible 1
corporate citizen.
15 Any other valid relevant point (limited to one mark) 1
Communication skills – clarity of expression; logical argument 2
Maximum 67
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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
PART 1
What follows in this section are the scenario parts of the additional questions. The required parts
follow on pages 70 to 90 and the suggested solutions follow pages 91 to 117. The criteria used for
selecting additional questions:
• These questions were selected to enable you to pass similar question in tests and exams.
• The questions included in this section of the tutorial letter are of the same standard as your test
and exam that will follow during the year.
NO Name SOURCE Topics covered MARKS SCENARIO SOLUTION

PAGE PAGE
1. Best Price Unisa 2019 – APA, King IV, 40 72 93
Practice Inc Test 4 Companies Act,
CPC
2. Broad Based Unisa 2018 – CPC, Companies 40 76 98
Investments Test 1 Act, King IV
Limited
3. MedBest Ltd Unisa 2017 – Risks, Companies 40 81 103
Test 2 Act, CPC, King IV
4. Kanye Ltd Unisa 2016 – King IV, Companies 40 84 108
Test 2 Act, CPC
5. Device (Pty) Unisa 2015 – King IV, Companies 40 87 113
Ltd Test 1 Act, APA, CPC
PART 2
Below are additional questions that have been selected from your question book. Advanced Case
Studies in External Auditing and Corporate Governance (16th edition). The solutions to these
questions will be uploaded on myUnisa during the week that you are supposed to study this tutorial
letter as per tutorial letter 301
Please also attempt these questions under examination conditions.
Question Name Marks

Question 1.5 Lemon & Co 40
Question 7.7 Rolet Ltd 20
Question 7.12 New Harvest Ltd 35
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INTEGRATED QUESTIONS – SCENARIOS, REQUIRED AND SUGGESTED

SOLUTIONS
QUESTION 1 40 marks
You have recently been appointed as an audit manager at Best Price Practice Inc. (Best Price), a firm
of registered auditors. You were assigned to manage the audit of TechWise Services Ltd (TechWise)
for the financial year ending 30 June 2019. Best Price has been the registered auditors of TechWise
and its subsidiaries since 2014.
TechWise owns a number of companies in the information technology (IT) industry and is listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange Limited (JSE) since 2011. All the companies in the group have
adopted the International Financial Reporting Standards as their financial reporting framework. The
Board of TechWise intends presenting the 2019 annual financial statements (both stand-alone and
consolidated) to its shareholders on 23 July 2019.
Information relating to the audit of TechWise
Upon auditing TechWise’s sales, you found that components were sold to InstantFix (Pty) Ltd
(InstantFix), a regular client of TechWise, to the value of R1 500 000 during February 2019. The
related invoice was not a printed invoice, but was written in the handwriting of Sam Technology, the
operations director of TechWise. Upon enquiry, Sam Technology indicated that they had a power
failure during the time the sale took place and that the handwritten invoice was mistakenly not
reversed. He further indicated that the invoice had since been replaced with a computer-generated
invoice. This however did not appear to be the case. The matter was discussed with Pierce Proud, the
audit partner. He then requested that InstantFix be included in the debtor circulation of TechWise. The
outcome was that the amount was paid in full, but both the sale and the receipt related to the invoice
in question did not reflect in the accounting records of TechWise. Upon further investigation it was
found that the bank account details on the handwritten invoice was not that of TechWise, but rather
that of Sam Technology. The partner discussed the matter with Sam Technology, who indicated that
he established TechWise and that he has a significant shareholding, so he could do as he wishes.
The following working paper is available for your perusal:
Working paper Reference number

Understanding of the group and its governance structures U100
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Company name: TechWise Services Ltd Year end: 30 June 2019

U100
Prepared by: A Leader Date: 2 July 2019
1 of 2
Reviewed by: Date:
Audit section: Understanding of the group and its governance structures
The group structure of TechWise is as follows:
TechWise owns shares in:
• Microsoft Ltd – develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software,
consumer electronics, personal computers and related services to a wide variety of IT
suppliers.
• Dell SA (Pty) Ltd – provides technology solutions, services and support to a wide spectrum of
clients.
• Custom Software Development (Pty) Ltd – develops custom made software for medium to
large companies according to clients’ needs.
• Components (Pty) Ltd – one of the largest suppliers of IT components on the continent of
Africa (acquired during the 2019 financial year).
Governance structures
TechWise’s Memorandum of Incorporation contains, amongst other, the following provisions:
• any investor with a shareholding in excess of 25% of the ordinary shares in issue is entitled to
appoint one director of the Board; and
• the chair of the Board is to be rotated annually to ensure that all directors have a turn in the
interest of fairness and equality.
The Board of TechWise is comprised as follows:
Executive directors Non-executive directors

Leonard Numbers CA(SA), financial Mike da Costa, independent chairman of the Board
director
Sam Technology, operations director Ruth Share (appointed by Dell SA (Pty) Ltd by virtue
of them holding 30% of TechWise’s issued shares)
TechWise’s Memorandum of Incorporation includes the following provisions:
• Any investor with a shareholding in excess of 25% of the ordinary shares in issue is entitled to
appoint one director on the board; and
• The Chair of the Board is to be rotated on an annual basis to ensure that all the directors have
a turn in the interest of fairness and equality.
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Company name: TechWise Services Ltd Year end: 30 June 2019

U100
Prepared by: A Leader Date: 2 July 2019
1 of 2
Reviewed by: Date:
Audit section: Understanding of the group and its governance structures
Linda Persist, an independent non-executive director, was removed by the Board in April 2019, due
to her strong objection against the investment in Components (Pty) Ltd. She was of the opinion that
the cash invested could have been utilised more efficiently. She reiterated it on every occasion where
matters relating to Components (Pty) Ltd were discussed. An amount of R300 000, which was
approved by the Board, was included in the draft financial statements under “other current liabilities”
to account for the amount that was still due to Linda Persist in terms of her contract with TechWise.
She still had to render five months of services to fulfil her commitment with TechWise.
Zakaria Process, who is responsible for the day to day management of TechWise, is effectively
TechWise’s operational director, but he indicated that he does not want to be burdened with the
directors’ duties as prescribed in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008. He indicated that he
already has too much on his plate to be concerned with something like this and preferred that they
rather refer to him as a “Team Leader”. Irrespective of the fact that Zakaria Process attends all the
board meetings, he has no voting rights, as he is not officially appointed as a director.
The Board personally handles the process of nominating directors for possible appointment. This is
irrespective of the fact that TechWise has committees such as an audit, remuneration, risk and social
and ethics committee to deal with all the related matters. TechWise has an effective internal audit
department, which is also responsible for the internal audit function of the subsidiary companies.
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Additional information relating to the audit firm
Best Price commenced as a very small firm. Strategic mergers and organic growth increased its
market share significantly. Best Price provides audit, tax and advisory services to clients within the
public and private sectors in South Africa. Best Price was previously known as Price and Partners Inc,
but the name was changed in November 2018 to Best Price Practice Inc. as part of their marketing
strategy. Best Price’s head office is situated in Johannesburg.
Best Price decided to afford its’ trainee accountants the opportunity to provide input on how to
increase its’ client base. The trainee accountant who provides the best ethically sound proposal will
receive a price of R5 000. Innocent Phase, one of the first-year trainee accountants, who is very vocal
about his career aspirations, submitted the following proposal:
Innocent Phase proposed that Best Price approach one of their existing audit clients, TechWise, who
provides domain registration and website maintenance services to a large number of private
individuals and businesses to assist with their marketing campaign. Innocent was assigned to audit the
automated controls of TechWise and noted that the company sends out automated emails monthly to
its’ numerous website customers with information on their website traffic (e.g. number of visits to the
customers’ website, bandwidth usage). Based on this observation:
1. Innocent indicated that he would ask his sister, Lindi, the IT manager of TechWise, whether it
would be possible to send a separate monthly marketing email from Best Price to all
TechWise’s customers using this bulk email facility. Lindi indicated that it would be possible,
should TechWise’s management agree to it. Innocent suggested further that Best Price pay a
nominal fee to TechWise for the use of its’ bulk e-mail facility.
2. The marketing email would contain Best Price’s logo and provide a list of some of the services
offered by the firm.
3. Innocent further suggested that the email should contain a hyperlink to an online game on
Best Price’s website to attract more visitors to their website. This game would require players
to scan through a dummy set of financial information on which they would have to search for
obvious errors and “fraud”. A congratulatory message would be displayed when the player is
successful, accompanied with the following words:
“Contact Best Price Practice Inc. today so that we can act as your auditors and clean up YOUR
financial records from any errors and fraud!”
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REQUIRED Marks
(a) With reference to the information relating to the audit of TechWise:
Discuss whether Pierce Proud has a reporting responsibility with regards to the
unaccounted sales and receipts in terms of the Auditing Profession Act, 26 of 2005 for
the year ended 30 June 2019. 10
Note: Exclude any reporting requirements from your answer.

(b) With reference to working paper U100:
Based on the information provided, identify and discuss any corporate governance and
other statutory concerns for the year ended 30 June 2019. 15
Communication skills: clarity of expression and logical argument 1

(c) With reference to the additional information relating to the audit firm:
Discuss the concerns that you have with the proposal made by Innocent Phase to
increase Best Price’s client base in terms of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct
(revised in 2018). Make appropriate references to safeguards addressing threats to the
fundamental principles, where applicable. 14
Total 40
QUESTION 2 40 marks
You are an audit manager at Auditors in Style Incorporated (AiS), a large auditing firm with offices in
all the major cities in South Africa as well as a few international offices. AiS has 50 audit partners that
are involved in various audits all over the world. AiS was appointed as the auditors of
Broad Based Investments Limited (Broad Based Investments) since their incorporation in 2000.
Broad Based Investments has a 31 December yearend. You commenced with the audit of
Broad Based Investments for the year ended 31 December 2017 on 16 January 2018.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Broad Based Investments is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and was founded in
1994 by its executive directors, who are material shareholders of the company. Investo King is the
Chief Executive Officer of Broad Based Investments and he is also one of its founders. This ensures
alignment of the shareholders’ and executive management’s interests. Broad Based Investments is
one of the leading investment companies in South Africa, who holds investments in various companies
and provide clients with the best possible investment advice. They also manage their clients’
investment portfolios on their behalf.
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Broad Based Investments has offices all over South Africa as well as in the Cayman Islands, with their
head office being situated in Sandton. As part of their investment structure, they also own additional
commercial buildings, which is leased to external parties. Broad Based Investments has two
subsidiaries, ExtraMile Investments Ltd (ExtraMile Investments) and Turn Money into Gold Limited
(TMIG), in which they keep 75% and 85% shareholding respectively. ExtraMile Investments is also
audited by AiS, but TMIG is audited by MRS Auditors, a medium sized auditing firm.
Broad Based Investments, through ExtraMile Investments acts as asset managers for some of the
leading Retirement Funds Administrators assisting them to structure their Retirement Funds’ portfolios
in such a way that it is in compliance with the legislation and simultaneously ensuring that their
members get the optimal investment returns.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Matter 1
Early in February 2018, there was a press release relating to AiS being possibly involved in irregular
practices of which the allegations were under investigation. The chairperson of
Broad Based Investments’ audit committee, Brilliant Campbell proposed that AiS should be discharged
with immediate effect and that new external auditors should be appointed, as they are not willing to put
their reputation on the line. He made reference to two auditing firms, PriceWise Auditors Incorporated
and Design-a-Tick Auditors Incorporated, which should be considered by the audit committee as a
replacement for AiS. He based his suggestions on his past professional experiences and relationships
that he had with these two auditing firms. Mr Campbell indicated that the directors would approve the
appointment of the new auditors at the next board meeting. The board requested Mr Campbell to
highlight all the factors that should be considered prior to replacing their auditors, since it is such a
contentious issue with AiS being under investigation.
The following information relating to the two auditing firms (see below), which was proposed by
Mr Campbell was circulated to all the members of the audit committee for their consideration, together
with the agenda for the special audit committee meeting.
Audit firm 1: PriceWise Auditors Incorporated (PriceWise)
PriceWise is a firm with four audit partners and 12 audit clerks. One of the audit partners is Joe
Money, the husband of Lynn Money CA(SA), the financial director of Broad Based Investments. The
engagement partner on this audit will be Alli Baker CA (SA), Registered Auditor (RA), who has been
an audit partner at PriceWise for the last 10 years. Up to this point in time PriceWise was assisting
Broad Based Investments with all their tax related calculations (income taxation, deferred taxation,
VAT, dividend tax etc.), as well as the compilation of their financial statements. They also handle all
the directors’ private tax matters and has become very good friends with the directors over the years.
This audit would contribute towards a great financial benefit for PriceWise, as it would constitute at
least 55% of their total fee income. The income generated from being involved in Broad Based
Investments’ tax calculations as well as the compilation of their financial statements represents about
15% of the firm’s total income.
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Audit firm 2: Design-a-Tick Auditors Incorporated (Design-a-Tick)
Design-a-Tick is a big auditing firm with offices in all the major cities in South Africa and international.
In order to promote their services, Design-a-Tick requested Mr Campbell to do a presentation at the
next audit committee meeting which was scheduled for 14 February 2018. This was the meeting
where the replacement of the auditors would be discussed. Design-a-Tick further requested that the
audit committee meeting be held at a luxury spa seeing that it is Valentine’s day, where the managing
partner, Nancy Field presented each of the members with a top of the range tablet at the
commencement of the meeting. The presentation was pre-loaded on each of these tablets and they
just had to press “start” for the presentation to commence. After the presentation, all members
received a nice and relaxing neck massage and was treated thereafter in the spa for the remainder of
the day. The members of the audit committee were also allowed to keep the tablets as a token of
appreciation for availing Design-a-Tick the opportunity to market their services to such a leader in the
market.
Lynn Money was one of the audit partners at Design-a-Tick until 31 December 2016 and decided to
make a career change by accepting the appointment as Broad Based Investments’ financial director
from 1 January 2017.
Matter 2
Based on the outcome of the appointment of the new auditors, Lynn Money, will request the new
auditors to also take up the audit of TMIG in order to improve the efficiency of the group audit. In order
for the new auditors to make a decision whether they would like to tender for the audit of TMIG for the
year ended 31 December 2017, the following information (see Annexure A) was gathered:
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ANNEXURE A: INFORMATION RELATING TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF TMIG FOR THE YEAR

ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017
1. Background information
TMIG was initially started by Shawn Goldman in 2007, as a small company that provides
investment advice for the average individual, managing their investment portfolios. TMIG has
experienced significant growth since 2015 when they became a subsidiary of
Broad Based Investments. TMIG’s revenue increased by 40% over the previous two financial
years.
2. Board of directors
TMIG’s board of directors are made up as follow:
Name of director Position at TMIG

Shawn Goldman Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Tracy Foot (Note 1) Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Grant Loon Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Wade Finance Independent chairperson of the board – appointed by the board of
directors
Mark Word (Note 2) Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – appointed by the board of directors
Note 1: Tracy Foot was appointed as CFO during the current year by Shawn Goldman. Her
appointment was aimed at improving the financial performance of TMIG and to gather additional
capital in the form of shareholder loans. As a result of a court case that was instituted against
her by her previous employer, she had limited involvement into the business affairs of TMIG for
the last four months of the 2017 financial year. She was previously the financial director of
Dress for Success (Pty) Ltd (Dress for Success). The allegations against her is that she
provided a loan of R20 million to prevent Dress for Success from closing their doors and leaving
hundreds of factory workers without a job. One month before she left her employment at Dress
for Success, her loan was allegedly repaid to her with approximately 100% interest, while the
salaries of the factory workers remained unpaid. Upon discovery thereof by TMIG, she was
immediately suspended pending the outcome of these allegations. She is currently contesting
these claims and contends that these claims are without substance.
Note 2: The revenue of TMIG increased even a further 30% during the 2017 financial year and
they are expecting to show a profit for the first time since their incorporation. The increase in the
revenue is mainly attributable to a new contract that was entered into between TMIG and
Best Returns Ever (Pty) Ltd (Best Returns Ever). In terms of the contract, TMIG is the sole
provider of a new investment product, Tip-of-the-Iceberg, which avails low-to-medium value
clients the opportunity to also enter the investment market. Shawn Goldman was surprised
when he discovered that Mark Word was able to negotiate such a significant contract with such
a big company especially in the investment industry where the competition is very stringent.
Shawn Goldman praised Mark Word when he informed the board about the new contract that
was concluded for TMIG. However, when Shawn Goldman worked through the contract to make
sure that they comply with all the terms and conditions of the contract he discovered that
Mark Word signed the contract as a representative and director of Best Returns Ever.
General: No background checks were done on any of the directors that were employed at
TMIG.
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Matter 3
The directors of Broad Based Investments awarded a contract to Reliance-Networks (Pty) Ltd
(Reliance) on 1 April 2017 to upgrade and maintain their information technology (IT) systems as well
as to increase the security-levels of their networks. This was done to address the high volume of
complaints that were received from some of their clients in this regard. Some of these claims are
severe as some of the clients threatened to institute legal claims against Broad Based Investments. If
their concerns are not dealt with, they would move their investments to a more secure environment.
Broad Based Investments’ network expanded significantly over the years and it also contains sensitive
and financial information of all their investors. An upgrade of their IT systems and an increase in the
security-levels is therefore deemed necessary otherwise, they would lose of a lot of their clients in the
future as a result of these shortcomings. Chaira King, (Investo King’s wife) is a shareholder and the
managing director of Reliance. This is also a big financial breakthrough for Reliance as it would be the
first time that they would be responsible for the security of such a big website. They however do not
have the necessary finances and would need quite a substantial amount of capital in advance.
Broad Based Investments agreed to provide some of their office buildings as surety to enable
Reliance to obtain the required funding from Worldwide Bank, as they needed to upgrade their IT
systems as a matter of urgency.
REQUIRED Marks
1. With reference to matter 1:
(a) Discuss with reference to the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (CPC), the
ethical conduct issues that might arise with regard to the two proposed auditing
firms. 10
(b) Identify and discuss all the factors that Brilliant Campbell should present to the
board in relation to the dismissal of Auditors in Style Incorporated and the
appointment of the new auditors in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008. 9
Communication skills: clarity of expression 1

Identify and discuss any non-compliance with the Companies Act, 71 of 2008 and the
King IV Code on Corporate Governance, which is evident from the information in
Annexure A with regard to the board of directors of TMIG. 10
Formulate the substantive audit procedures that you need to perform in order to
obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence with regard to the legality of the
Reliance-Networks (Pty) Ltd contract in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008. 9

TOTAL 40
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QUESTION 3 40 marks
You are a third-year trainee accountant at AUE Incorporated, a firm of auditors located in Pretoria. You
are assigned to the audit of the MedBest Ltd (MedBest) group of companies, which specialises in the
importing of medical equipment used in the public and private health sector of South Africa. 95% of
MedBest’s products are imported from European and American suppliers. You are currently busy with
the audit for the financial period ending 28 February 2017.
MedBest is the holding company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and owns 70% of the
share capital of DiscoverMed (Pty) Ltd (DiscoverMed). Other companies in the group include
BonniMed (Pty) Ltd (BonniMed) which is 100% held by MedBest and HelpMed (Pty) Ltd (HelpMed)
which is 60% held by DiscoverMed. The remaining shares in DiscoverMed and HelpMed are held by
various private investors, the majority being doctors and other health care providers. Subsidiaries are
structured to facilitate the group’s operations in different sectors of the market and all subsidiaries
have branches in all the major cities of the country.
AUE Incorporated is only appointed as the auditors of MedBest, the holding company of the group.
The three subsidiaries are being audited by other auditing firms. In terms of their respective
Memorandum of Incorporations, all companies in the group must be audited annually by registered
auditors.
As part of its strategy to gradually acquire the remaining share capital of the subsidiaries that are not
wholly owned by MedBest, MedBest had purchased the remaining 30% of the shares in BonniMed on
31 October 2016. Prior to this transaction, MedBest already owned 70% of the shares.
Below is a schematic presentation of the group structure:
MedBest
70% 100%
DiscoverMed BonniMed
60%
HelpMed
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Based on your knowledge of the client obtained from previous years’ audits, as well as from the
planning performed in the current year, the following information is available:
Board of directors: MedBest
Director Capacity Date appointed

Mr Ben Timothy Chairman and non-executive director 01/04/2015
Mr Moses Mustanja Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 23/01/2014
Mr Joe Alrose Operations director 23/01/2011
Mrs Betty Mabida CA(SA) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 08/05/2015
Mrs Victoria Matfield Independent, non-executive director 09/10/2013
Mr Hashim Amsta Independent, non-executive director 02/02/2012
Mrs Daleen Coetzee Independent, non-executive director 06/12/2012
Mrs Mavis Mothola Independent, non-executive director 04/09/2013
Mr Timothy is an expert in the field of logistics and has been involved with various companies in the
importing and exporting of goods. He has a special bond with MedBest as his wife was Mrs Mabida’s
predecessor.
You have the following information available on the boards of directors of the other companies in the
group:
DiscoverMed BonniMed HelpMed

Roy Orbsion Adele Sparks Luciano Pavaroti
Tina Turner Peter Gabriel Placido Domingo
Macy Gray Gareth Edwards
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The following audit working paper is available for your consideration:
Client: MedBest Ltd Year end: 28/02/2017

WP reference
Prepared by: Tiny Auditor Date: 25/03/2017
B100
Reviewed by: Charles Glass Date: 26/03/2017 Page 1 of 1
Subject: Extract of the minutes of the board meeting held on
10 February 2017
Members absent
Mrs Victoria Matfield
Other persons present
Mr Henry Mason (Company secretary)
Summary of major transactions
The following is a summary of the major transactions recorded and proposed by MedBest and its
subsidiaries. It forms part of a review by MedBest’s board of the strategic position of the group.
Transaction 1
A loan of R15 million made by DiscoverMed to MedBest. MedBest used the money to pay the
shareholders of BonniMed for the shares acquired in October 2016. The loan was adequately secured
and subject to market related terms. DiscoverMed’s strong cash reserves were utilised for the loan.
Transaction 2
A loan of R300 000 made by HelpMed to Macy Gray. Mrs Gray approached the directors of HelpMed
for the loan as a result of medical costs that she had to incur on behalf of a family member.
Transaction 3
During the financial year DiscoverMed had, on the instruction of MedBest, revalued certain of their
properties upward by R30 million. Shortly thereafter, MedBest instructed the board of directors of
DiscoverMed to distribute the R30 million as a dividend.
Related party disclosures
The board members of MedBest discussed the cumbersome process of related party disclosures in
terms of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and concluded that the transactions
discussed above will probably be immaterial for the audit of the group and that related party
disclosures affecting the consolidated financial statements will not be made for the 2017 financial
year.
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REQUIRED Marks
1. Describe the risk of material misstatement of the MedBest group at the overall financial
statement level for the 2017 financial year. 5
2. Discuss the legality of the transactions reviewed during the board meeting of MedBest
held on 10 February 2017 in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. 19
Communication skills: logical argument and layout 1

3. Discuss your ethical and governance concerns emanating from the information relating
to the audit of the MedBest group of companies in terms of the SAICA Code of
Professional Conduct and the King IV Report on Corporate Governance. 14

TOTAL 40
(Unisa test, adapted)
QUESTION 4 40 marks
Kanye East Incorporated (Kanye) is the auditors of Benz World Ltd (Benz). Benz imports big industrial
trucks manufactured in India and sells the trucks through its well-established network of dealerships in
sub-Saharan Africa. The Merc family established the business in 2001 with the first dealership located
in the south of Johannesburg. The company went from strength to strength and listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange in April 2013 in order to expand its operations on the African continent.
Kanye is currently busy with obtaining audit evidence for Benz’s audit for the year ended
31 March 2016. The audit report should be issued by 30 June 2016.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The following information is available for the client:
Shareholding as at 31 March 2016
Authorised share capital 1 000 000 Class A Ordinary Shares

30 000 Class B Ordinary Shares
Issued shares 950 000 Class A Ordinary Shares at R50 each

to various shareholders
Board of directors
Mr Ben Sedgefield (Chairman of the board) Non-executive director

Mr Amos Merc Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Mr Joe Merc (Amos’ son) Marketing director
Mrs Jane Merc CA(SA)(Amos’ wife) Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mrs Victoria Ntsenge Non-executive director
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Mr Sedgefield is an expert in the field of logistics and also has an 8% shareholding in Benz. He was
appointed by the shareholders when the company was listed.
Mrs Ntsenge is 22 years old and a marketing specialist at an advertising agency. She has been an
independent non-executive director of Benz from 1 April 2013.
Other matters
During the year under review the company undertook a buyback of its own shares. Prior to this
buyback, the company had one million no par value shares, all of which had been issued at R50 a
share. 50 000 shares were repurchased at R60 a share and the buyback was effected by
Mavis Bentley, the company secretary of Benz.
The following audit working paper is available for your consideration:
Client: Benz World Ltd Year end: 31 March 2016

WP reference
Prepared by: Anne Accountant Date: 25 April 2016
B100
Reviewed by: Charles Green Date: 26 April 2016 Page 1 of 1
Subject: Minutes of an audit committee meeting held on 11 January 2016
Present
Members of the audit committee

Mrs Jane Merc CA(SA)
Mr Joe Merc
Mrs Victoria Ntsenge
Other persons present

Mrs Mavis Bentley (Company secretary)
Summary
1. Mrs Jane Merc was nominated as the chair of the audit committee by Mr Joe Merc.
Mrs Victoria Ntsenge seconded the nomination.
2. As the chairperson had not yet been appointed at the scheduling of the meeting, Mrs Ntsenge
drafted an agenda for discussion at the meeting. The following issues were discussed:
• Mrs Jane Merc proposed that new external auditors should be nominated. The reason for
the change is because Kanye East Incorporated will be fired by the directors after the
completion of the current audit due to their high audit fee. Annexure A was circulated to all
the members for consideration. The annexure contains information on the proposed firms.
• The directors will approve the appointment of the new auditors at their next meeting.
• In order to establish an internal audit function, the audit committee members were
requested to identify audit firms that could be contracted to perform the internal audit
function.
3. Presentation by D&T Auditors Incorporated. Mrs Merc thanked Mr Martins for the gift.
4. The meeting was adjourned.
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ANNEXURE A – BACKGROUND INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF THE SELECTION OF

AUDITORS
Option A: CWP Auditors Incorporated
CWP Auditors Incorporated is a firm with 3 audit partners and 13 audit clerks. One of the audit
partners is Mrs Barbara Santa, the wife of Mr Andre Santa, who is the financial manager of Benz.
Mr Anton Viviers CA(SA), Registered Auditor (RA) will be the engagement partner on the audit.
Mr Anton Viviers has been an audit partner at CWP for 15 years.
CWP currently assists Benz with their income taxation and deferred taxation calculations.
The audit fee for the Benz audit will approximately be 43% of CWP’s total fee income. The income
taxation services represent 12% of the firm’s total fee income.
NOTES made by the audit committee with regard to CWP Auditors Inc
None.
Option B: D&T Auditors Incorporated
D&T Auditors is one of the big four audit firms with offices throughout South Africa. D&T made a
presentation during the audit committee meeting to market their services. As part of the presentation,
Mr Theo Martins, the managing partner of the local office, gave each member of the audit committee
an iPad to watch the presentation on. After the presentation, each member could keep the iPad.
NOTES made by the audit committee with regard to D&T Auditors Inc
Very good company with a good reputation in the market.
REQUIRED Marks
(a) With reference to the background information relating to Benz, discuss any corporate
governance concerns that you might have in terms of King IV. 16
Communication skills: Logical argument and layout 1

(b) Evaluate the ethical conduct of each of the two proposed audit firms (referred to in
Annexure A of WP B100) that may raise concerns in terms of the
SAICA Code of Professional Conduct. 6
(c) Refer to the background information and formulate the audit procedures that you
would perform regarding the share buyback. You can assume that sufficient notice
was given by the company in an appropriate manner, before all meetings and thus,
you need not include audit procedures in respect of notices in your answer. 16
Communication skills: Clarity of expression 1
TOTAL 40
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QUESTION 5 40 marks
Background information
You are a registered chartered accountant (SA) and business rescue practitioner at
Don’t Let It Sink (Pty) Ltd (DLIS). DLIS is an experienced business rescue consultancy with an
excellent history of successful business rescue projects across multiple industries. DLIS has recently
been appointed to handle the business rescue process of Device TV (Pty) Ltd (Device), a pay
television operator domiciled within the Republic of South Africa. Device's financial year end is on
28 February 2017.
Device has been in existence for eight years and it caters for consumers in the LSM 3 to 8 ranges.
(An LSM range is used to categorise the buying power and standard of living of consumers, and LSM
1 is the lowest and LSM 10+ is the highest.) The pay television service is subscription based and
subscribers need to install a satellite receiver in order to access television channels. Subscribers pay
monthly for their services upfront and services are terminated when a customer fails to pay the
subscription. Since its launch in 2007, Device has been very successful in growing subscriber
numbers, but recently the company started experiencing cash flow problems due to its inability to
collect subscription fees in a timely manner.
The founders of Device as well as its financiers have been providing financial assistance since Device
was launched, and the company never generated positive cash flows from operations. Cash injections
have increased over the past few years to keep the company afloat, but financiers indicated their
unwillingness to provide any additional financing at a recent board meeting. The creditors of the
company lodged a liquidation application on 30 January 2017 and the directors of the company filed
for business rescue on 5 February 2017 in an effort to protect the company against its creditors.
The following information was made available to you by the company secretary based on work done
by the auditor of Device:
1. Review of the company structure
Financiers Founders Community

30% 51% Trust 19%
Device
Notes TV
• The chief executive officer (CEO) and chairperson of Device is one of the founders and
owns 20% of Device.
• Financiers provided initial capital in exchange for equity shareholding. They also
provided other forms of debt financing such as mortgage loans, overdrafts, etc. They are
entitled to representation on the board of directors.
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• In terms of broadcast licence conditions of the Independent Communication Authority of

South Africa (ICASA), Device should allocate at least 15% of the issued share capital to
a community trust within the first six years of operation.
2. Board composition
The company secretary provided the following information on the composition of the board of
directors:
• Thapelo Masiza – CEO and Chairman of Device: Thapelo does not have any proven
qualifications but he is well connected to the right people.
• Nkie Khethwa – Managing Director of Device: Nkie’s professional examinations are still
outstanding and he was never admitted as a SAICA member. However, Nkie believes he
is a CA(SA) in substance.
• Sharon Ntsumpa CA(SA) – Chief financial officer of Device.
• Dr Peace Lapane – Independent, non-executive director: Represents the financiers on

the Board.
• Prof Thando – Independent, non-executive director.
• Ronald Swanepoel – Independent, non-executive director: Represents the community

trust on the Board.
• Benjamin Ntsumpa – Independent non-executive director: Owner of Ntsumpa Properties.

Device leases its premises from Ntsumpa Properties.
3. Major contracts
Device has the following contracts that are considered significant:
Contract description Service provider Value

Lease agreement Ntsumpa Properties* R500,000 per month
Signal distribution Matrix Satellite Systems** R250,000 per month
Call centre services Ten Up Sales Agents 5% of revenue
Creation of broadcast material Refilwe Media R300,000 per month
* Owned by Benjamin Ntsumpa
** The founders own 50% of Matrix Satellite Systems
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4. Other matters
• The accounts receivable balance has been increasing since the inception of the
company. More than half of the accounts receivable balance is made up of uncollectable
subscriptions. The increase in subscriptions did not result in cash collections. Device has
not provided for bad debts, as its management believed it would not create the right
impression with the financiers.
• The financial performance of the company as at the interim period and year end was as
follows:
August 2016 February 2017

Debtors days 120 60
Creditors days 150 35
Solvency 1,8 0,8
Liquidity 0,6 1,2
• The call centre contract was recently renewed by management, although

Ten Up Sales Agents have never achieved any targets in terms of the initial contract.
The quality of subscribers (i.e. attracting subscribers who can afford to pay their
subscriptions) was one of the major targets.
• The purchase of 19% of Device by the community trust was financed by Device itself
during the 2017 financial year, as ICASA was threatening to cancel its broadcasting
licence due to non-compliance with licence conditions. Device obtained a mortgage
against one of its properties to facilitate the transaction. The loan to the community trust
bears interest at the prime rate and is repayable over 10 years. Due to the urgency of the
matter, no resolution was obtained. It is expected that the Board will ratify the decision in
due course.
Device's auditors also provided the minutes of a recent board meeting – refer to working paper A100:
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Entity name: Device TV (Pty) Ltd Year end: 28 February 2017

WP reference
Prepared by: B Arend Date: 20 February 2017
A100
Reviewed by: K Agisho Date: 23 February 2017 1 of 2
Meeting: Extraordinary meeting of the board of directors held on
20 February 2017
Attendees
All board members were present at the meeting:
1. Thapelo Masiza
2. Nkie Khethwa
3. Sharon Ntsumpa
4. Dr Peace Lapane
5. Prof Thando
6. Ronald Swanepoel
7. Benjamin Ntsumpa
1. Welcome by chairperson
• The chairperson welcomed all present and thanked them for making time to meet under
the extraordinary circumstances. He thanked all members for participating in the
WhatsApp group throughout the year. The chairperson mentioned that the information
flow was brilliant since the WhatsApp group has been started.
• The new decision to have board meetings once every six months is working well, as
every board member is able to attend then.
2. Apologies
• The chairperson noted that no apologies were received, as all board members were
present.
3. Matters arising
Actionable items from the meeting held on 30 August 2016 were tabled and the following was
noted:
• The auditor, Mr Pretorius, performed a review of the business operations, major

contracts and company structure. No engagement letter was necessary, as Device has
had a relationship of more than eight years with Mr Pretorius.
• Some board members were surprised to find out that the chairperson and the founders
owned 50% of Matrix Satellite Systems.
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Entity name: Device TV (Pty) Ltd Year end: 28 February 2017

WP reference
Prepared by: B Arend Date: 20 February 2017
A100
Reviewed by: K Agisho Date: 23 February 2017 2 of 2
Meeting: Extraordinary meeting of the board of directors held on
20 February 2017
• It was noted that Ntsumpa Properties was willing to reduce the rental per square metre, as
it was high anyway. Benjamin Ntsumpa confirmed that the rental would be reduced by
40%. This will result in the rental amount being 10% above the market rate. He proposed
that this new offer be accepted, and all directors supported his suggestion.
• Dr Peace Lapane was alarmed that she seemed to be the only one who was not aware
that the company was experiencing financial difficulties. The chairperson responded that
Sharon Ntsumpa’s felt that investors would be frightened unnecessarily if they knew the
true state of affairs. In terms of the agreement with the financiers, misrepresentation is a
breach of contract that will result in an increase of 10% in interest rates charged on debt.
• The community trust transaction was concluded, and shares transferred.

Ronald Swanepoel confirmed that his principals were now the proud owners of 19% of
Device. Although the shares have no voting rights, they are happy that the management of
Device recognises them as a critical stakeholder. The chairperson thus proposed that a
resolution be adopted ratifying the decision to provide a loan to the community trust for
purchasing shares in Device. All board members were in agreement and the resolution
was adopted.
4. Business rescue
• The chairperson mentioned that some creditors launched an application for liquidation of
Device on 30 January 2017. Management decided to apply for business rescue on
5 February 2017 to protect the assets of Device.
5. Closure
There was nothing more on the agenda to discuss and the meeting was adjourned.
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REQUIRED Marks
1. Identify and discuss in detail the statutory (except for matters relating to business
rescue), corporate governance and ethical concerns relating to Device TV (Pty) Ltd and
its auditors for the year ended 28 February 2017. Limit your answer to the requirements
of the following: 36
(a) Companies Act; 14

(b) Auditing Profession Act; 5
(c) King IV; and 9
(d) SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (CPC). 8
You may assume that all requirements relating to meetings of shareholders as

well as any applicable resolutions have been complied with.

2. Briefly discuss the validity of the business rescue process, as discussed by the board of
directors at the meeting, in terms of the Companies Act. 2
TOTAL 40
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SELF-ASSESSMENT SOLUTIONS
QUESTION 1
(a) With reference to the information relating to the audit of TechWise:

Discuss whether Pierce Proud has a reporting responsibility with regards to the
unaccounted sales and receipts in terms of the Auditing Profession Act, No 26 of 2005,
for the year ended 30 June 2019.
Note: Exclude any reporting requirements from your solution.
Marks
1. In terms of section 45 (5) of the Auditing Profession Act, Pierce Proud must have
regard to all the information which comes to his attention from any source – this would
include information he obtained as an accounting officer of another entity. 1
2. Before a “reportable irregularity” may be reported to the IRBA, the conditions giving
rise to this duty must be evaluated – this is done below: 1
• Pierce Proud is a registered auditor appointed by an entity (TechWise) to

perform an audit. 1
• He is “satisfied or has reason to believe” as:

- You could not find any evidence of the sales to InstantFix (Pty) Ltd and the
resulting receipts was also not recorded in the accounting records of
TechWise; 1
- Sam Technology’s reaction to Pierce Proud’s question appears to
corroborate Pierce Proud’s suspicion. 1
• It would appear that “an unlawful act or omission has been committed” as:
- By failing to record the sales, TechWise’s taxable income is understated.
Sam Technology is therefore guilty of tax evasion, which is an offence in
terms of the Income Tax Act. 1
- By failing to record the business receipt in the TechWise’s accounting
records, Sam Technology is stealing from TechWise, and he is also guilty
of a breach of his fiduciary duty towards TechWise. 1
• The act appears to be committed “by any person responsible for the
management of an entity” as:
- Sam Technology, the operations director, appears to be responsible (e.g.
the invoices in question were in his handwriting) 1
• This act “has or is likely to cause a financial loss to:”

- The undertaking – TechWise provided components to InstantFix (Pty) Ltd,
but never received any consideration for it. 1
- Any creditor – The South African Revenue Service would not receive the
full amount of tax due from TechWise, because of possible tax evasion. 1
• In addition to above, the failure to record sales and receipts is also “fraudulent or
amounts to theft”, as well as being “a material breach of any fiduciary duty owed
by such person” to the company and its shareholders. 1
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Marks
3. Based on the information provided, all the conditions appear to have been satisfied,
and Pierce Proud has a duty to report an irregularity in terms of section 45 of the
Auditing Profession Act to IRBA. 1
Available 12
Maximum 10
(b) Identify and discuss any corporate governance and other statutory concerns for the
year ended 30 June 2019, based on the information provided.
Marks
1. Per the recommended practice of the King Code IV, a nomination committee, rather
than the full Board, should assist with the process of identifying suitable members of
the Board. 1
2. The practice of rotating the Chair of the Board on an annual basis is also
questionable, as it will mean that for some years directors other than independent
non-executive directors will be appointed as chair – contrary to principle 2.16 of
the King Code IV. 2
• There is no lead independent non-executive director appointed at TechWise. 1
3. In terms of principle 2.18, the majority of non-executive directors should be
independent – at TechWise Ltd, only the chairman of the Board is potentially an
independent non-executive director. 1
3.1 Ruth Share is not independent by virtue of her being appointed by a major
shareholder of TechWise. 1
4. The manner in which Linda Persist was removed from the board is potentially
contrary to the Companies Act (section 71), as it does not appear that she was
“ineligible, incapacitated or neglected the functions of a director”- the only
instances where the Board of directors can pass a resolution to remove the 2
director.
5. The provision of R300 000 in respect of the amount due for the remainder of Linda
Persist’s service contract is of concern as:
5.1 The magnitude of the amount due to terminate the appointment of the non-
executive director contract brings into question whether the director is being
remunerated fairly and responsibly – principle 2.25. 2
• After all, in terms of recommended practice 2.25.4, non-executive fees
should comprise a base fee, as well as an attendance fee per meeting. 1
5.2 Moreover, in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008, unless the MOI provides
otherwise, the company may only remunerate directors for their services as
directors if such payments are in accordance with a special resolution
approved within the previous two years – it is not clear whether such
approval for the termination benefit has been obtained from shareholders. 2
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Marks
6. Zakaria Process’ appointment as “Team Leader” is unlikely to enable him to avoid
the directors’ duties in terms of the Companies Act, as sections such as section
76 apply not only to directors, but also to “prescribed officers” – given Zakaria
Process’s managerial role in the company, he is likely to be a prescribed officer. 2
7. Every board should have a minimum of two executive directors of which one
should be the CEO and the other the director responsible for finance (Recommended
Practice 2.18.5) – however, no CEO has been appointed at TechWise. 2
8. With there only being four directors on the Board and only one who is a non-
executive independent director, it will not be possible to appropriately constitute the
Board committees per the requirements of the King Code and the Companies Act. 1
8.1 Each member (independent non-executive directors) and should have the
necessary skills of the audit committee must not be involved in the day-to-
day-management are required per section 94 of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008
– there are not enough independent non-executive directors on the Board
to satisfy this requirement. 1
• Moreover, the chairman of the Board (who is independent) should not
be the chairman or member of the audit committee (per King Code IV
Recommended Practice 3.2.3). 1
• As per King Code IV p8 RP57 – all members should be independent non-
executive members, which is not the case at TechWise. 1
8.2 Per King Code IV (Recommended Practice 2.23.7), committees, other than the
risk committee, should comprise a majority of non-executive directors of
which the majority should be independent. 1
• With only two non-executive directors, this will not be possible – unless the
committee consists of one member (but this may undermine the
effectiveness of the committee). 1
Communication skills: clarity of expression and logical argument 1
Available 24
Maximum 16
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(c) Discuss the concerns that you have with the suggestions made by Innocent Phase to
increase Best Price’s client base in terms of the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct
(revised in 2008). Make appropriate references to safeguards addressing threats to the
fundamental principles, where applicable.
Marks
1. According to the Code (section R115.2), any advertising by a firm should be done in a
manner that does not bring the profession into disrepute. 1
1.1 A professional accountant should further be honest and truthful and shall not
make exaggerated claims for services offered by, or the qualifications or
experience of the professional accountant. 1
1.2 The medium through which the advertising is communicated should be

consistent with the dignity of the profession. 1
1.3 Advertising which does not comply with 1 above, could present a threat to the
fundamental principle of professional behavior. 1
1.4 If a professional accountant is in doubt whether a form of advertising or

marketing is appropriate, the professional accountant is encouraged to consult
with the Institute (SAICA). 1
2. Given the above, advertising by bulk email directly to various parties for the purpose
of marketing is unlikely to be in line with the dignity of the accounting profession and
may be considered unprofessional (some recipients may consider the email “spam”).
1
2.1 In addition, advertising by means of bulk email could be considered unsolicited
and may thus constitute illegal/improper communication – despite the approval
of the management of TechWise;
1
2.2 resulting in a breach of the fundamental principle of professional behaviour,
which requires professional accountants to comply with all the related
legislation. 1
2.3 See 1.4 for the safeguard.

3. The medium through which prospective clients are encouraged to consider the
services of the firm (playing an on-line game and winning redeemable “points”) is not
in good taste. 1
3.1 The on-line game appears to have little informational value and seems
extravagant in nature, which is in contravention of the requirements of section
115 of the Code. 1
3.2 The catchphrase “…so that we can act as your auditors and clean up YOUR
financial records of errors and fraud!” may create a false expectation with
prospective clients as to the nature of assurance services. 1
• This constitutes dishonest marketing, which is in contravention of section
115 of the Code, as prospective clients may think that an audit firm will
detect all errors and fraud in financial records, which is contrary to the
professional scope (objective) of an audit. 1
3.3 See 1.4 for the safeguard.
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Marks
4. There are also familiarity and intimidation threats to the objectivity of the audit team
involved in the testing of computerised controls at TechWise Ltd. 1
4.1 Innocent Phase, a trainee accountant on the audit team, audits IT-related
internal controls of TechWise Ltd. Responsibility for ensuring the operating
effectiveness of these controls is likely the responsibility of his sister (Lindi),
TechWise’s IT manager. 1
4.2 Should deficiencies in the controls be detected, Innocent Phase may feel
obliged, in his personal capacity, not to disclose the weaknesses in order to
protect his sister. 1
4.3 The safeguard would be to consider whether applying safeguards would

contribute towards eliminating circumstances such as the relationship between
Innocent Phase and his sister by removing Innocent Phase from the audit. The
other alternative is to not make use of TechWise’s website for Best Price’s
marketing purposes and to rather explore other marketing strategies. 1
5. A familiarity and intimidation threat to Best Price’s objectivity would arise from the
proposed use of the email facility. 1
5.1 Best Price may become reliant on the audit client for a marketing activity, which
may in turn result in the audit client intimidating the firm into complying with
unreasonable requests during the audit engagement. 1
5.2 In addition, the use of the service may be considered as a gift to the auditor, as
only a nominal fee is paid to TechWise Ltd, further threatening the objectivity of
the firm (section 340). 1
5.3 The safeguard would be not to make use of TechWise’s website for marketing
services, as the lower fee could jeopardise Best Practice’s objectivity.
Alternatively, Best Price should resign from being TechWise’s auditors should
the firm still wish to make use of TechWise for marketing purposes. 1
Available 20
Maximum 14
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QUESTION 2
(a) Discuss with reference to the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (CPC), the
ethical conduct issues that might arise with regard to the two proposed auditing
firms.
PriceWise Auditors Incorporated (PriceWise)

Broad Based Investments is a Public Interest Entity (PIE) as defined by the SAICA
CPC as it is listed on the JSE.
In terms of section 320, before a registered auditor may accept a client they must
determine if they can comply with the fundamental principles. 1
In terms of section 601, a company shall not prepare an audit client’s financial
statements, as it will create a self-review threat when the company is subsequently
audited by the firm. 1
In terms of section R604.5 to R604.7, a company may not perform any taxation
calculations with regards to the preparation of accounting entries that may be material
to the entity. 1
The assistance with the income and deferred tax calculations of Broad Based
Investments will amount to a self-review threat to the auditor’s independence
(objectivity) (section R604.5 to R604.7). 1
As Broad Based Investments is a prospective audit client of PriceWise, the taxation
services cannot be provided should the engagement be accepted due to the
significance thereof. 1
As Alli Baker will be the engagement partner, should this audit be awarded to PriceWise
there might be a self-interest and/or familiarity threats with PriceWise being responsible
for all their tax related calculations as well as the compilation of Broad Based
Investments financial statements. 1
In terms of paragraph 521.8, self-interest, familiarity and intimidation threats to the
auditor’s independence (objectivity) may be created by the relationship of Joe Money
and his wife, the financial director (Lynn Money). 1
Should the engagement be accepted, the significance of the relationship in terms of
the audit should be evaluated based on the roles that the two individuals will play in the
audit engagement. 1
Safeguards will have to be implemented for example the proper structuring of the two
individual’s roles and responsibilities to reduce any potential influence over the audit
engagement. 1
In terms of 410.3 the relative size of the audit fees from a client may create concerns
relating to self-interest and intimidation threats to the auditor’s independence
(objectivity). 1
The significance of the threat should be evaluated and will for example depend of the
operating structure of the firm etc. 1
Safeguards will have to be implemented should Broad Based Investments be
accepted, for example to reduce the dependency on the client. 1
In addition, PriceWise Auditors is a small audit firm that wants to take on an audit of a
listed company such as Broad Based Investments. 1
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PriceWise Auditors Incorporated (PriceWise)

This may create a threat to professional competence and due care in terms of 1
section R113.4 SA.
Design-a-Tick Auditors Incorporated (Design-a-Tick)
Giving tablets and treating the members of the audit committee at a luxury spa can lead
to a third person making the conclusion that the gifts were given to influence the
professional judgement of the members. 1
The significance of the tablets and the treatment at a luxury spa should be evaluated as
well as the impact that it would have on the decision relating to the possible 1
appointment as auditors.
This is not professional behaviour in terms of section 115 of the CPC and the
safeguard would be not to accept the gift. 2
Available 17
Maximum 10
1. (b) Identify and discuss all the factors that Brilliant Campbell should present to the
board in relation to the dismissal of Auditors in style Incorporated and the
appointment of the new auditors in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008.
Termination of AiS services

(i) The audit committee should deal with the removal of the auditors, which was in line
with the action taken by Brilliant Campbell. (1)
(ii) Alternatively, they could be removed at the next AGM by a majority shareholder
vote (section 90(6)). (1)
(iii) The termination of AiS services will only be effective when the notice has been filed
(section 91(1). (1)
Appointment of new auditors

(iv) A company, which is required to have its annual financial statements audited, must
appoint an auditor (section 90(1A).
(a) The auditor must be appointed at the annual general meeting, at which the
requirement first applies to the company. The new auditors should thus be
appointed at the upcoming AGM by the shareholders of Broad Based
Investments, and not by management of Broad Based Investments. (2)
(b) To be appointed as an auditor of a company, a person or firm must not be:
• an employee or consultant of the company, who was or has been
engaged for more than one year in the maintenance of any of the
company’s financial records or the preparation of any of its
financial statements (section 90(2b(ii)); (1)
• a person who, alone or with a partner or employees, habitually or
regularly performs the duties of accountant or bookkeeper, or
performs related secretarial work, for the company (section
90(2b(iv)); and (1)
• all of these functions were performed by PriceWise, which would
disqualify them from being employed as the auditors of Broad Based
Investments. (1)
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(v) The new auditors would thus not be able to prepare the financial statements of
Broad Based Investments, while also performing the duty of auditor- this would be
the case if they decide to appoint PriceWise who is currently preparing their
financial statements and they also deal with all their tax related matters. PriceWise
can therefore no longer perform the ad- hoc services should they be considered for
appointed and they can also not be appointed before the five-year period has
lapsed for rendering prohibited services (compilation of the financial statements). (1)
(vi) In terms of section 29 and 30 Broad Based Investments must still prepare annual
financial statements that complies with all the relevant financial reporting
standards and would remain the responsibility of the board. In terms of regulation
26 and 27 it can be done internally or independently, the board must just ensure
that it is done as PriceWise could no longer perform this function for a period of five
years, should they be considered as the new auditors. (2)
(vii) It must be acceptable to Broad Based Investments as well as their audit committee
that they would be independent from the auditing firm. (1)
(viii) If a vacancy arises in the office of auditor of a company, the board of that company:
(a) must appoint a new auditor within 40 business days; (1)
(b) must propose to the company’s audit committee, within 15 business days
after the vacancy occurs, the name of at least one registered auditor to be
considered for appointment as the new auditor; and (1)
(c) may proceed to make an appointment of a person proposed in terms of
section 91(3(a), if, within five business days after delivering the proposal, the
audit committee does not give notice in writing to the board rejecting the
proposed auditor. (1)
(ix) In terms of the Companies Act, nothing precludes the appointment by a company
at its annual general meeting of an auditor other than one nominated by the
audit committee, but if such an auditor is appointed, the appointment is valid
only if the audit committee is satisfied that the proposed auditor is
independent of the company. (2)
(x) The audit committee is responsible for recommending the appointment of the
external auditor and overseeing the external audit process (section 94(7)(a)).(1)
Available 18
Maximum 10
Identify and discuss any non-compliance with the Companies Act, 71 of 2008 and the
King IV Code, which is evident from the information in Annexure A with regard to the
board of directors of TMIG.
Companies Act, 71 of 2008
(a) Section 66(4) requires that 50% of the directors should be appointed by the
shareholders, but it does not appear that this is considered when appointing directors.(1)
(b) In terms of section 68(1), each director of a profit company, other than the first director
etc., must be elected by the persons entitled to exercise voting rights in such an election,
to serve for an indefinite term, or for a term as set out in the MOI. (1)
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(c) Tracy Foot was appointed by Shawn Goldman, the CEO, and Wade Finance and
Mark Word were appointed by the Board of Directors (3/5). Therefore 60% of the
directors were appointed by directors - without any involvement from the
shareholders. (2)
(d) Shawn Goldman appointed Tracy Foot without the other 3 directors voting on the matter.
(They are entitled to vote) (1)
(e) Section 69 disqualifies a person who has been removed from an office of trust, on the
grounds of misconduct involving dishonesty from being a director. (1)
(f) It appears that Tracy Foot’s conduct at Dress for Success may have disqualified her to
be appointed as a director because it appears that she did not fulfil her fiduciary
duties towards the shareholders and the employees of Dress for Success. (2)
(g) Section 75 requires a director with a personal financial interest to disclose the interest
and its general nature before the matter was considered at the Board meeting. (1)
(h) Mark Word has a personal financial interest (related party company) in the contract
entered into with Best Returns Ever because he signed the contract and
consequently he did not declare this interest. (1)
(i) Shawn Goldman only discovered this after the contract was signed when reviewing
the terms and conditions thereof which was signed by Mark Word as representation and
director of Best Return Ever. (1)
(j) The directors of TMIG are not acting in the best interest, as they are not complying with
laws and regulations, OR Tracy Foot, the CFO had limited involvement with TMIG
during the last three months of the financial year due to spending her time defending the
court case. (1)
King IV
(k) The processes for nomination, election and ultimately, the appointment of members to
the governing body should be formal and transparent. KING IV P7.RP15 (Nomination
committee / appointment practices of appointing directors). (1)
(l) TMIG does not appear to have a nomination committee as required by King IV, to govern
the appointment of directors, as Shawn Goldman appointed Tracy Foot. (1)
(m) Tracy Foot was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer by Shawn Goldman. The
shareholders were not involved in his appointment. This is not in line with the provisions
of King IV. (P7.RP15) (1)
(n) Tracy Foot and Mark Word are either involved in illegal practices or has financial
interests in contracts. No background checks were performed on these individuals
before they were appointed to verify that they are honest individuals. (2)
(o) Conflicts should be disclosed in good time and in full detail to the Board and then
appropriately managed (P1.RP1aii and P7.RP25 to 26). (1)
(p) Mark Word did not disclose his involvement in the Best Returns Ever contract and the
Board was not aware of it. (2)
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(q) The board should comprise a balance of power, with a majority of non-executive
directors. The majority of the non-executive directors should be independent (PR7.R8).(1)
(r) There are five directors, four executives and one non-executive, i.e. there is not a
majority of non-executive, independent directors. (1)
Available 20
Maximum 10
Formulate the substantive audit procedures that you would perform in order to obtain
sufficient and appropriate audit evidence with regard to the legality of the
Reliance-Networks (Pty) Ltd contract, in terms of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008.
Financial assistance
(a) Inspect Broad Based Investments’ MOI to ensure that it includes no provision that
prohibits the financial assistance and review it for any restrictions or conditions
concerning the granting of financial assistance. (1)
(b) Enquire from the directors if they are satisfied that any conditions or restrictions regarding
the granting of the financial assistance, as set out in the MOI, have been met. (1)
(c) Inspect the minutes of the board meeting to ensure that this has been minuted. (1)
(d) Obtain the board resolution that relates to the granting of the financial assistance and
inspect that the board approved the financial assistance. (1)
(e) Obtain the shareholders' special resolution that relates to the granting of this financial
assistance:
(i) Inspect it to ensure that general or specific approval was granted. (1)
(ii) Inspect the date of the approval to ensure that it was approved within the previous
two years. (1)
(f) Perform procedures to ensure that Broad Based Investments satisfied the solvency and
liquidity test requirements, subsequent to the granting of the financial assistance:
(i) Inspect the financial records and cash flow forecasts to ensure that at the date at
which the financial assistance was granted, assets fairly valued equal or exceed
the liabilities fairly valued; and (1)
(ii) the company will be able to pay its debts as they become due in the ordinary
course of business for 12 months. (1)
(iii) Recalculate the solvency and liquidity ratios of the company at the date at which
the financial assistance was granted. (1)
(g) Consider whether the terms under which the financial assistance was proposed, are fair
and reasonable to Broad Based Investments, by comparing the terms to relevant market
indicators (i.e. fair interest rates and reasonable repayment terms). (1)
(h) Enquire from the directors if written notice of the board resolution was distributed to all
shareholders and to any trade union representing the employees of Broad Based
Investments. (1)
Director’s personal financial interest
(i) Inspect the relating board resolution, to ensure that the agreement was duly approved. (1)
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(j) Inspect the register of directors' interest in contracts to confirm whether Investo King
disclosed the nature and extent of his financial interest in the web-security contract
before the contract was authorised by the board. (1)
(k) Inspect any written notice that was given by Investo King in advance, with regard to his
financial interest, and inspect whether the nature and extent of his financial interest was
disclosed in this written notice. (1)
(l) Inspect the minutes of the board meeting where the contract was authorised, and confirm
whether:
(i) Investo King disclosed any material information, observations or pertinent insights
concerning the contract at the meeting; (1)
(ii) left the meeting immediately after making such a disclosure (did not form part of
quorum); and (1)
(iii) did not take part in the consideration of the matter (did not vote). (1)
(m) If Investo King’s interest was not declared:

(i) inspect the ordinary resolution of shareholders to ensure that the matter was
approved (ratified); or alternatively (1)
(ii) inspect the court declaration to ensure that the matter have been declared valid in
terms of the Act. (1)
Communication skills: clarity of expression (1)
Available 20
Maximum 10
QUESTION 3
1. Describe the risk of material misstatement of the MedBest group at the overall financial
statement level for the 2017 financial year.
Description of risk Marks

The AFS may be materially misstated, as the control environment in the various
subsidiaries and locations might not be operating effectively resulting in fraudulent activities
or errors. 1
The company is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
• Management might fraudulently manipulate the financial statements in order to meet the
stringent listing requirements. 1
• Management might fraudulently manipulate the financial statement in order to increase the
company’s share price 1
The AFS may be materially misstated, as errors might occur during consolidation
because it involves an intricate process possibly resulting in material misstatements.
(Errors might be made in terms of IAS 27, IFRS 3/IFRS 10) 1
The AFS may be materially misstated, as related party transactions:
• might not be eliminated on consolidation 1
• might not be at arm’s length 1
• might not be disclosed (either due to fraud or error) 1
(max 2)
The company had various related party transactions during the year.
• There is a risk that MedBest does not comply with the Companies Act requirements which
places doubt on management’s integrity and increases the risk of fraudulent financial
reporting. 1
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Description of risk Marks

There is non-compliance with King IV regarding the suitability of the Mr Timothy as the
chairperson and the rotation of independent non-executive directors which places doubt on
management’s integrity and increases the risk of fraudulent financial reporting. 1
Available 8
Maximum 5
2. Discuss the legality of the transactions reviewed during the board meeting of MedBest
held on 10 February 2017 in terms of the Companies Act 71 of 2008.
Transaction 1: Loan from DiscoverMed to MedBest for the purchase of shares Marks
In terms of Sec 44, the board of DiscoverMed may authorise a loan to MedBest for the
purchase of shares in BonniMed even though BonniMed is “related” to DiscoverMed by virtue
of the fact that they are fellow subsidiaries of MedBest. 1
DiscoverMed’s MOI may stipulate conditions or restrictions or may prohibit the loan. The MOI
must be adhered to and the board must ensure this. (section 44(4)) 1
The board may not authorise this loan unless 1
• it is pursuant to a special resolution of the company adopted within the previous two
years, which approved the specific recipient (BonniMed) or generally for a category of
potential recipients (into which BonniMed would fit). 1
• the board is satisfied that immediately after providing the loan, DiscoverMed would satisfy
the solvency/liquidity test and 1
• the terms under which the loan was granted, are fair and reasonable 1
• this appears to be the case as the loan was adequately secured and subject to market
related terms. 1
The above conditions cannot be overruled by the MOI. (section 44(3)) 1
If the board approves the loan in contravention of Sec 44 or the MOI, the loan is void.
(section 44(5)) 1
A director who was present at the meeting, or took part in the decision making, will be liable
for losses suffered by the company if that director failed to vote against the resolution
knowing that the distribution was contrary to this section (section 44(6)). 1
Transaction 2: Loan from HelpMed to Macy Gray
In terms of Sec 45, the board of HelpMed may authorise the loan to a director of itself (not the
case) or the director of a related company. 1
Macy Gray is a director of HelpMed’s holding company. Macy Gray therefore qualifies as
“related”. 1
In making any loans to directors, any conditions or restrictions in the MOI must be complied
with by the board. 1
In making the loan the board must
• ensure it is pursuant to a special resolution of the shareholders, adopted within the 1
previous two years, which approved the loan specifically to Macy Gray or generally to a
category of potential recipients into which Macy Gray would fall, e.g. directors 1
• be satisfied that immediately after providing the financial assistance HelpMed would
satisfy the solvency and liquidity test. 1
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Marks
The above conditions cannot be overruled by the MOI. 1
The board must provide written notice of this resolution to the shareholders and any trade
union representing its (HelpMed) employees. 1
• if this loan aggregated with loans related to other such resolutions taken during the
financial year, exceeds one tenth of 1% of the company’s net worth at the time of the
resolution, this notice must be given within 10 business days of the resolution. 1
• If this is not the case the notice period will be 30 days from year end. 1
If the board approves the loan in contravention of Sec 45 or the MOI it will be void. 1
for losses suffered by the company if that director failed to vote against the resolution
knowing that the distribution was contrary to this section (section 45(7)). 1
Transaction 3: The dividend on revaluation
In terms of the legal concept of divisible profits, the revaluation of the fixed assets may be
distributed provided 1
• the valuation was made in good faith by competent valuers – in this case it appears that
the revaluation was based on an instruction from the holding company and not carried out
in the required manner. 1
• the increase was of a permanent nature. 1
• the company’s MOI does not prohibit the distribution. 1
The board must by resolution, state that it considered the solvency/liquidity test and
reasonably concluded that the company would satisfy the requirements after the distribution. 1
The distribution must have taken place in full within 120 business days of the resolution or the
directors must reperform and acknowledge the performance of the test. 1
As this looks as though the holding company is putting pressure on its subsidiaries, the
directors of the subsidiary (DiscoverMed) should act with caution and make absolutely certain
that they are 1
• acting in the best interests of DiscoverMed, in good faith and 1
• the requirements of Sec 46 are complied with particularly in performing the
liquidity/solvency test. 1
for losses suffered by the company if that director failed to vote against the resolution knowing
that the distribution was contrary to this section. 1
Available 33
Maximum 20
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3. Discuss your ethical and governance concerns emanating from the information relating
to the audit of the MedBest group of companies in terms of the SAICA Code of
Professional Conduct and the King IV Report on Corporate Governance.
KING IV Marks
Chairperson of the Board
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 31) the chairman of the board has to be a
non-executive director who is independent. 1
According to principle 7 (recommended practice 28 (d)) a non-executive director would not
be perceived to be independent if he/she has been in the employ of the company as an
executive manager during the preceding three financial years, or is related to such an
executive manager. 1
Mr Timothy’s wife was the CFO in the three preceding financial years and will not be seen
as independent as he has the ability to control or significantly influence management or the
governing body as he is the chairman of the board. 1
Lead Independent Director
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 32) a lead independent director (LID)
should be appointed in the case where the chairperson is not independent or is conflicted. 1
It is of concern that the board structure as stated does not indicate that the company has
appointed such an LID and did not adhere to the recommendations of KING IV. 1
Rotation of non-executive directors
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 12 to 13) the board should establish
arrangements for periodic, staggered rotation of its members and should establish a
succession plan for its membership. 1
All the non-executive directors acted for approximately the last 3 years and therefore they
did not rotate their directors as recommended nor is there an indication of a succession plan
in place. 1
Compliance with laws, rules, codes and standards
The board should ensure that the company complies with applicable laws and considers
adherence to nonbinding rules, codes and standards (principle 13). 1
By not disclosing certain related-party transactions, the board is disregarding prescribed
accounting policies and are not complying with International Financial Reporting Standards
IFRS) 1
Other possible discussions that could be of concern
The board should provide effective leadership based on an ethical foundation (principle 1) 1
Due to the non-adherence of KING IV it is arguable whether the company is managed with
an ethical foundation that take into account all stakeholders within the firm 1
In terms of principle 1 (recommended practice 1 to 3) the board should act in the best
interest of the company embodying ethical characteristics at all times. 1
Taken all of the above into consideration it does not seem as if the board are acting in the
best interest of the company. 1
CPC
Mrs Mabida (CFO) is a CA(SA) and therefore SAICA’s CPC applies to her. She is also 1
present at the board meeting where the related party disclosures are discussed and forms
part of the decision not to disclose them. 1
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Marks
According to the CPC, a chartered accountant in business who has responsibility for the
preparation or approval of the general purpose financial statements of an employing
organisation, shall be satisfied that those financial statements are presented in accordance
with the applicable financial reporting standards (section 220.3 to 220.4). 1
As CFO, she will have a material influence on the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements, and according to section 220.4, she must take reasonable steps to ensure that
the AFS: 1
(a) Prepare or present the information in accordance with a relevant reporting framework,
where applicable; 1
(b) Prepare or present the information in a manner that is intended neither to mislead nor
to influence contractual or regulatory outcomes inappropriately; 1
(c) Exercise professional judgement to:
(i) Represent the facts accurately and completely in all material respects; 1
(ii) Describe clearly the true nature of business transactions or activities; and 1
(iii) Classify and record information in a timely and proper manner; and 1
(d) Not omit anything with the intention of rendering the formation misleading or of
influencing contractual or regulatory outcome inappropriately. 1
(max 2)
By taking part in a decision not to disclose the related party transactions, a threat to the
fundamental principle of professional competence and due care is created (section 220.8 1
and 220.9).
The threat will be significant based on the degree to which the information will be misleading,
in the case, the non-disclosure of related party transactions as required by IFRS (section
220.8 and 220.9). 1
According to section 110.2, a chartered accountant should display integrity by not knowingly
be associated with reports, returns, communications or other information that contains a
materially false or misleading statement. 1
By not making related party disclosures, the company’s stakeholders will be misled. 1
Safeguards would include:
• Mrs Mabida should have distanced herself from the decision of the board. 1
• Mrs Mabida should consult with the audit committee. 1
• Mrs Mabida should consult with the regulatory body for example SAICA. 1
(max 2)
Available 25
Maximum 15
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QUESTION 4
(a) With reference to the background information relating to Benz, discuss any corporate
governance concerns that you might have in terms of King IV.
1.1 Chairperson of the Board Marks

In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 31) the chairman of the board has to
be a non-executive director who is independent. 1
According to principle 7 (recommended practice 28 (a) and (b)) a non-executive
director would not be perceived to be independent if he/she is a significant provider of 1
financial capital (shareholder) or ongoing funding to the organisation, or is an officer,
employee or representative of such shareholder or funder.
Mr Sedgefield has an 8% shareholding in Benz and will not be seen as
independent as he holds shares in the company and has the ability to control or 1
significantly influence management or the governing body as he is the chairman of the
board.
1.2 Lead Independent Director
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 32) a lead independent director
(LID) should be appointed in the case where the chairperson is not independent or is 1
conflicted.
It is of concern that the board structure as stated does not indicate that the company
has appointed such a LID and did not adhere to the recommendations of KING IV. 1
1.3 Appointment Process of the Chairperson of the board
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 32) a lead independent director
(LID) should lead the performance appraisal of the chairperson. 1
It is a concern that the company did not appoint a lead independent director as such
did not perform proper appraisals of the chairperson. 1
Furthermore, it is a concern that the chairman of the board was appointed by the
shareholders and not by the board of directors in terms of principle 7
(recommended practice 31). 1
1.4 Composition of the board
In terms of principle 7 the board should comprise a balance of the skills, experience,
diversity, independence and knowledge needed to discharge its role and
responsibilities. 1
It is of concern that Mr Amos Merc (CEO), his son (Marketing director) and his wife
(CFO) are the only executive directors of the company and are in effect controlling
the company as a block of individuals (family members) and as such no
diversity or independence (1). Principle 7 (recommended practice 7 (b))
recommends that the board should comprise an appropriate mix of executive,
non-executive and independent non-executive members (1). 2
Furthermore, principle 7 (recommended practice 8) recommends that the majority
of the board members should be non-executive directors. 1
Benz has 5 directors of which only 2 (Mr Sedgefield and Mrs Ntsenge) are
non-executive directors. 40% does not comprise a majority and consequently they do
not adhere to this principle. 1
Principle 7 (recommended practice 8) further recommends that majority of these
non-executive directors should be independent. 1
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Marks
With no information to conclude otherwise it seems as if Ms Ntsenge will be
independent and following the discussion in 1.1 Mr Sedgefield is not independent.
Therefore 50% (equal) of these directors are independent which does not comprise a
majority of the non-executive directors. 1
1.5 Audit committee
In terms of principle 8 (recommended practice 51) the board should establish be an
effective and independent audit committee with all the members of the audit
committee being independent non-executive directors (principle 8, recommended
practice 56). 1
The Committee should comprise of at least 3 members (principle 8 (recommended
practice 46)) (1), all those members should be independent non-executive directors
(principle 8, recommended practice 56) (1). 2
It is of concern that the company only have 1 independent non-executive director
that could be appointed to the audit committee and consequently adherence to the
recommendation is not possible currently as there are not enough board members for
the audit committee. 1
The audit committee should be chaired by an independent non-executive director
(principle 8, recommended practice 57). 1
Mrs Merc is the CFO of the company and therefore not a non-executive director. 1
According to principle 8 (recommended practice 45) the board should ensure that
each committee, as a whole, has the necessary knowledge, skills, experience and
capacity to execute its duties effectively. Principle 8 (recommended practice 55) 1
further recommends that members of the audit committee should, as a whole, have
the necessary financial literacy, skills and experience to execute their duties
effectively. 1
Mrs Ntenge is only 22 and it is arguable whether she will have sufficient competence
to perform these functions and Mr Joe Merc is a marketing specialist and it is unlikely
the he will possess the required specialised financial skill set to deal with matters
concerning an audit committee. 1
The board should elect the chairman of the audit committee (principle 8,
recommended practice 57). 1
In this scenario the chairman was elected by the committee itself. 1
The chairman of the audit committee should participate in setting and agreeing the
agenda of the committee (principle 8). 1
Due to the chairperson of the committee not being appointed yet at the time of the
meeting, it resulted in non-compliance with this principle with Mrs Ntsenge drafting the
agenda for the meeting. 1
According to principle 8 (recommended practice 59 (b) and (c)) and principle 15
(recommended practice 40) the board should delegate to the audit committee the
oversight role of the external audit process. 1
Due to the fact that the board of directors decided on the dismissal of the auditors, it
does not seem that the audit committee is overseeing this process. 1
1.6 Rotation of non-executive directors
In terms of principle 7 (recommended practice 12 to 13) the board should establish
arrangements for periodic, staggered rotation of its members and should establish a
succession plan for its membership. 1
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Marks
Both Mr Sedgefield and Ms Ntsenge have been the non-executive directors for
approximately the last 3 years and therefore they did not rotate their directors as
recommended nor is there an indication of a succession plan in place. 1
1.7 Compliance with laws, rules, codes and standards
The board should ensure that the company complies with applicable laws and
considers adherence to nonbinding rules, codes and standards (principle 13). 1
Due to various companies act laws not being adhered to (for example matters relating
to the audit committee, remuneration of directors etc.), the companies laws are not well
managed and is concerning. 1
1.8 Other possible discussions that could be of concern
The board should provide effective leadership based on an ethical foundation
(principle 1) 1
Due to the non-adherence of KING IV it is arguable whether the company is managed
with an ethical foundation that take into account all stakeholders within the firm 1
In terms of principle 1 (recommended practice 1 to 3) the board should act in the
best interest of the company embodying ethical characteristics at all times. 1
Taken all of the above into consideration it does not seem as if the board (especially the
executive directors) are acting in the best interest of the company. 1
Available 42
Maximum 17
(b) Evaluate the ethical conduct of each of the two proposed audit firms (referred to in
Annexure A of WP B100) that may raise concerns in terms of the
SAICA Code of Professional Conduct.
CWP Auditors Incorporated Marks

Benz is a Public Interest Entity (PIE) as defined by the SAICA CPC as it is listed on the 1
JSE.
In terms of section 320, before a registered auditor may accept a client they must determine
if they can comply with the fundamental principles. 1
Taxation services:
In terms of section 604.7A2 a company may not perform any taxation calculations for the
preparation of accounting entries that may be material to the entity (May be allowed in
emergency situations) 1
The assistance with the income and deferred tax calculation will amount to a self-review and
advocacy threat to the auditor’s independence (objectivity) (604.4A1 to 604.4A3). 1
As Benz is a prospective audit client of CWP, the taxation services cannot be provided
should the engagement be accepted. 1
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Marks
Personal or family relationship:
In terms of paragraph R521.8, self-interest, familiarity and intimidation threats to the
auditor’s independence (objectivity) may be created by the relationship of Mrs Barbara Santa
and her husband, the financial manager (Mr Andre Santa). 1
Should the engagement be accepted, the significance of the relationship in terms of the
audit should be evaluated based on the roles that the two individuals will play in the audit 1
engagement.
Safeguards will have to be implemented for example the proper structuring of the two
individual’s roles and responsibilities to reduce any potential influence over the audit
engagement. 1
Fee size:
In terms of section R410.4 the relative size of the audit fees from a client may create
concerns relating to self-interest and intimidation threats to the auditor’s independence 1
(objectivity).
The significance of the threat should be evaluated and will for example depend of the
operating structure of the firm etc. 1
Safeguards will have to be implemented should Benz be accepted for example to reduce the
dependency on the client. 1
Competence:
In addition, CWP Auditors is a small audit firm that wants to take on an audit of a listed
company. 1
This may create a threat to professional competence and due care in terms of section
R113.SA. 1
D&T Auditors Incorporated
Giving I-Pads to the members of the audit committee can lead to a third person making the
conclusion that the gifts were given to influence the professional judgement of the member. 1
This is not professional behaviour in terms of section 115 of the CPC. 1
Available 15
Maximum 6
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(c) Refer to the background information and formulate the audit procedures that you would
perform regarding the share buyback. You can assume that sufficient notice was given
by the company in an appropriate manner, before all meetings and thus, you need not
include audit procedures in respect of notices in your answer.
Audit procedures on share buyback
Marks
1.1 The purchase by Benz of its own shares amounts to a “distribution” as defined in the
Act – Section 48.
it is a transfer by a company of money to the holders of shares of that company as
consideration for the acquisition of any of its shares (Sec 46). {Please note this is the
underlying principle. No marks are awarded as no procedures are performed.}
1.2 Inspect the Memorandum of Incorporation to determine whether there are any
conditions/restrictions that must be complied with. 1
1.3 Other procedures to test the validity of the share buy-back in terms of section
46:
Inspect the minutes of the directors’ meeting and enquiry of Mavis Bentley, the
company secretary, if it is pursuant to an existing legal obligation or court order
[Sec 46(a)]. 1
Inspect board meeting’s minutes to ensure that it is authorised by the board of the
company [Sec 46(1)(a)]. 1
If there is a court order, it can also be inspected to ensure that it exists and relates to
the matter in question. 1
1.4 Inspect the minutes of the meeting of directors (obtain the relevant date from Mavis
Bentley) to determine that: 1
the meeting was quorate – the decision will be a majority decision and therefore at
least half of the directors must have been present; 1
the directors applied the liquidity/solvency test [Sec 46(1)(b)] i.e. after the distribution
the company: 1
• will be able to pay its debts (and has been able to do so) in the normal course of
business for the 12 months after the distribution and 1
• the company’s assets fairly valued, exceeded its liabilities 1
the directors acknowledged in the minutes that they had applied the liquidity/
solvency test and had concluded that the test was satisfied before and after the 1
transaction [Sec 46(1)(c)].
Recalculate the liquidity/solvency test to determine whether the company was
solvent and liquid. 1
1.5 Obtain the working schedules used by the directors and inspect; recalculate;
analytically review; etc. that the test was conducted based on: 1
accurate and complete accounting records 1
financial statements which comply with the financial reporting standards as to form
and content (as we are conducting the audit this should not be difficult to do). 1
HJB
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Marks
1.6 Obtain a summary/schedule from Mavis Bentley detailing the buyback and inspect
that: 1
the number of shares purchased, was 50 000 Benz shares 1
the purchase price was R60 and that 1
the transaction took place within the financial year and that these details all agree
with the directors minute 1
the buyback price of R60 was fair and reasonable by comparing it to the market price
on that specific date. 1
1.7 Inspect the paid cheques/bank transfers/bank statement to confirm that 1
the buyback took place within 120 business days of the resolution, in full (note: if it
did not, the directors must reperform the liquidity/solvency/acknowledgement 1
exercise).
the amount paid out was R3 000 000 (50 000 x R60). {Marks can also be awarded 1
if the student recalculated this amount}
1.8 Inspect the share register to confirm that the shareholders details/holding have
been correctly amended. 1
1.9 Inspect the financial statements that: 1
the buyback has been accurately and completely disclosed; 1
issued share capital has been reduced by 50 000 shares; and 1
stated capital reduced by R2 500 000 (50 000 x R50) and reserves by R500 000
(R10 x 50 000). 1
Available 28
Maximum 17
QUESTION 5
1. Identify and discuss in detail the statutory (except for matters relating to business
rescue), corporate governance and ethical concerns relating to Device TV (Pty) Ltd for
the year ended 28 February 2017. Limit your answer to the requirements of the
following:
(a) Companies Act
Shares issued to the Community Trust
In terms of Section 37 (2), every share, irrespective of its class, has associated with it
one voting right, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act and the Memorandum of
Incorporation (MOI). (1)
Shares issued to the Community Trust have no voting rights, this is contravention of the
Companies Act. (1)
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Financial assistance for purchase of shares
Section 44 provides that to the extent that the MOI of a company does not provide
otherwise, and any conditions or restrictions respecting the granting of financial
assistance set out in the company’s MOI have been satisfied; (1)
The board may authorise Device TV to provide financial assistance by way of a loan to
any person (which will include the Community Trust), for the purpose of the purchase of
any securities of the company, subject to the following requirements: (1)
• the board may not authorise any financial assistance, unless the particular
provision of financial assistance is pursuant to a special resolution of the
shareholders; (1)
• adopted within the previous two years, and which relates to the specific recipient,
or generally for a category of potential recipients, and the recipient falls within that
category; (1)
• the board is satisfied that immediately after providing the assistance, the company
would satisfy the solvency and liquidity test; and (1)
• the terms under which the assistance is proposed to be given are fair and
reasonable to the company. (1)
The Chairman proposed that a resolution be adopted to ratify the decision – the
requirement that a special resolution is adopted within the previous two financial years
has not been adhered to. (1)
Device TV will satisfy the solvency requirements after providing the assistance
considering all reasonable foreseeable financial circumstances of the company, as the
assets of the company fairly valued, exceed the liabilities of the company fairly valued
(solvency ratio of 1.8). (1)
Device TV is however, not liquid, since its current liabilities exceed its current assets and
might therefore not be able to pay its liabilities as they become due, in the ordinary
course of its business (Liquidity ratio of 0.6). (1)
Based on the information, the financial assistance provided is illegal; since it does not
meet the liquidity requirement and a special resolution/board resolution were not
obtained, thereby constituting a breach of section 44 of the Companies Act, 2008, as
amended. (1)
Directors could be held liable in terms of section 77 as a result of the non-compliance

with section 44. (1)
Reckless trading
In terms of Section 22 a company must not carry on business recklessly, with gross
negligence, with intent to defraud any person or for any fraudulent purposes. (1)
Section 29 further requires that the company’s financial statements fairly present the
state of affairs and business of the company etc. (1)
The directors of Device TV traded recklessly as Sharon Ntsumpa’s statement indicates

that the company’s financial records were misstated in order to mislead financiers. (1)
HJB
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The directors also renewed a contract for call centre services even though they were
aware that the contract is not in the best interest of the company. This amounts to
negligence. (1)
The lease agreement does not seem to be in the best interest of the company as Device
TV was being overcharged by Ntsumpa Properties. (1)
Device TV’s current assets do not exceed current liabilities. Thus the company is not
liquid. This amounts to trading recklessly as per Section 22. (1)
Directors’ fiduciary duty and liability
In terms of section 77 the directors of Device TV may be held liable because - (1)
they did not act in the best interest of Device TV (section 76) by trading recklessly. (1)
Audit Partner Rotation
The auditor has not been rotated for eight years, which is in contravention of Section 92
of the Companies Act - (1)
which states that the audit partner may not be the auditor for more than five
consecutive years. (1)
Director’s personal interests in contracts
It appears that the executive chairman did not disclose his financial interests in
Matrix Signal Distributors. (1)
This is direct financial interest since he owns shares in Matrix Signal Distributors. (1)
Failure to declare their financial interest in the contract amounts to contravention of the
Section 75 of the Companies Act. (1)
According to Section 75 of the Companies Act, the executive chairman should have
disclosed his interest in the contract and not participate in the decision relating to
the contract. (1)
It appears that Benjamin Ntsumpa did not excuse himself from the meeting when the
revised rental was voted on. (1)
This is contravention of Section 75 of the companies Act which states that the director
with financial interest must leave the meeting immediately after making any
disclosure and must not take part in the consideration of the matter. (1)
Available 29
Maximum 14
(b) Auditing Profession Act (APA)
There are various instances of non-compliance with the Companies Act as stated above
and a reportable irregularity therefore needs to be considered. (1)
A reportable irregularity means:
• Any unlawful act or omission – non-compliance with Act and failure to disclose the
true state of affairs to financiers amounts to omission. (1)
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• Committed by the person responsible for the management of the entity – The
board of directors was aware that the financiers were provided with incorrect
information and were also involved in the transgression of sections 22, 44, 75 and
76. (1)
• Which has caused or is likely to cause material financial loss – default interest
rates on loans due to finance agreements will increase Device TV’s finance costs.(1)
• is fraudulent or amounts to theft – The board of directors was defrauding their

financiers by presenting fictitious financial records; OR (1)
• represents a material breach of any fiduciary duty by management – the board of

directors are not acting in the best interest of the company (section 76). (1)
• All of the requirements have been met and a reportable irregularity exits that has to
be reported to IRBA. (1)
Available 7
Maximum 5
(c) King IV
Ethical leadership
The Board should lead ethically and effectively (principle 1). (1)
It appears that this not the case at Device TV as the board is maintaining inaccurate
financial records to mislead the financiers, as well as various other instances of
non-compliance with the Companies Act. (1)
The Chairman’s reasons for renewing the Call Centre contract does not appear ethical as
he refers to his road maintenance contract being affected if he does not renew the
contract. (1)
The Board should act in good faith and in the best interest of the company (principle 1,
recommended practice 1(a)(i)). (1)
The lease agreement signed and failure to meet the license agreements suggest that the
Board is not acting in the best interest of the company. (1)
Members of the governing body should avoid conflicts of interest (principle 1,

recommended practice 1(a)(ii)) (1)
Conflicts of interest arising from Benjamin Ntsumpa’s company and Thapelo Masiza’s
interest in Matrix Signal distributors do not appear to be compliant with this principle. (1)
Composition of the Board
The board should comprise a majority of non-executive directors. The majority of

non-executive directors should be independent (principle 7, recommended practice 8).
(1)
The King Code defines an independent non-executive director as a director who:
• is not a significant provider of financial capital, or ongoing funding to the
organisation, or is an officer, an employee or a representative of such provider of
financial capital or funding (principle 7, recommended practice 28(a)); and (1)
• does not receive remuneration contingent upon the performance of the company. (1)
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It would appear that Benjamin Ntsumpa does not qualify as an independent

non-executive director as he is Device TV’s landlord receiving rent based on the revenue
of the company. This may interfere with his capacity to be independent. (1)
Dr Peace Lapane and Mr Ronald Swanepoel do not qualify as independent as well as

they are representatives of shareholders who have the ability to significantly influence
management. (1)
It thus appears that only one of the nine board members are independent non-executive
directors. (1)
The board should elect a chairman of the board who is an independent non-executive
director. The CEO of the company should not also fulfil the role of chairman of the board
(principle 2.16). (1)
Mr Masiza acts as the CEO and chairman and is also not independent due to his 20%
shareholding in the company. (1)
Where the guidelines in the principle are not applied, a lead independent director should
be appointed and disclosure provided in the integrated report. (1)
Compliance with laws and regulations
The board should ensure that the company complies with applicable laws and considers
adherence to nonbinding rules, codes and standards (principle 13). (1)
There are various instances of non-compliance (Co Act, APA) which would suggest that
the principle above is not adhered to. (1)
Audit Committee
The board should ensure that the company has an effective and independent audit
committee with independent oversight of the effectiveness of the organisation’s
assurance functions and services. (principle 8, recommended practice 51(a)). (1)
The fact that no engagement letter was signed for the business review indicates that the
audit committee is not effective in its activities. (1)
The audit committee should consist of at least three members and all of them should be
independent non-executive directors (principle 8, recommended practices 46 and 56).
(2)
The current composition of the board will make it impossible to adhere to these
requirements. (1)
Available 23
Maximum 9
HJB
118
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(d) SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (CPC)
Partner rotation
The auditor has been involved in the audit of Device TV for the last eight years. (1)
This creates a familiarity – and self-interest threat to the fundamental principle of

objectivity. (1)
The only safeguard that could be applied in this regard is that the partner should not be
involved as the audit partner on the audit of Device TV at all. (Partner rotation) (1)
Engagement letter – Review
It would appear that no separate engagement letter was signed for the agreed upon
procedures. (1)
This is not in accordance with the applicable technical and professional standards as the
Standard on Engagements to Perform Agreed-Upon Procedures specifically requires that
the terms of engagement should be defined. (1)
There is therefore a threat to the compliance with the fundamental principle of
professional competence and due care. (1)
Preparation of financial information
Section 220 of the CPC says a chartered accountant in business who is involved in
preparation and reporting of information that may be used others has a responsibility to
present such information fairly, honestly and in accordance with relevant standards. (1)
Sharon Ntsumpa is in contravention of the CPC as she presented fictitious information to

the financiers of Device TV. (1)
Available 8
Maximum 8
Communication skills: logical argument (1)
Communication skills: layout (1)
If students did not structure their answer under the different categories, the mark for
layout was subtracted.
2. Briefly discuss the validity of the business rescue process as discussed by the Board at
the meeting, in terms of the Companies Act
In terms of the Section 129 of the Companies Act, the board of a company may resolve that
the company commence business rescue proceedings if the board has reasonable grounds to
believe that:
• the company is financially distressed; and (1)
• there appears to be a reasonable prospect that the company can be rescued (1)
However, the resolution may not be adopted
• if liquidation proceedings have been initiated by or against the company; and (1)
• has no force or effect until it has been filed (1)
HJB
119
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It would appear that the decision by the board to commence business rescue proceedings is
not valid as the creditors of the company have already initiated liquidation proceedings against
the company. (1)
Available 5
Maximum 2
MARKERS’ COMMENTS
• Time management: Very few students attempted the second question. This could
also be attributed to lack of knowledge on “business rescue” and as a result,
students did not bother to attempt.
• General lack of theoretical knowledge: The topics tested were theoretical in

nature and it was evident that student who had good theoretical knowledge
performed well as opposed to students who’s theoretical knowledge was not that
good who did not perform well at all.
• Lack of application: Students still struggle to apply the theory to the information in
the scenario.
HJB

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AUE4862/105/0/2020

Tutorial letter 105/0/2020

Department of Financial Governance

This tutorial letter contains important information

Lecturers and contact details 3

Prescribed method of study 4

Suggested working programme 4

12 The Auditing Profession Act (APA) of the Independent Regulatory

13 The auditor's responsibilities relating to fraud in an audit 23

14 The King IV Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa 25

15 Companies Act no 71 of 2008 38

TEST 4 ON TUTORIAL LETTER 105: 28 JULY 2020

LECTURERS AND CONTACT DETAILS

Personnel E-mail address

PRESCRIBED METHOD OF STUDY

3. Read the theory and interpretation(s) covered in the study units.

SUGGESTED WORKING PROGRAMME

Study unit 11 Study unit 12, Study unit 15 Answer the

HOW THE TOPICS OF THIS TUTORIAL LETTER RELATE TO THE AUDIT

STAGES OF THE AUDIT PROCESS

Establish overall audit Develop an audit plan

strategy (TL 102) (TL 102)

Obtain audit evidence (the

Perform tests of Perform substantive

STUDY UNIT 11 – THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, BY-LAWS

PRESCRIBED STUDY MATERIAL

SAICA Student Handbook 2019/2020 Volume 2B – SAICA /IRBA Pronouncements as

SECTION A – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Contents of the SAICA CPC (revised 2018)

DEFINITIONS, INCLUDING LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND STANDARDS

(ALL PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS)

COMPLYING WITH THE CODE, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS IN

PART 4B – INDEPENDENCE FOR ASSURANCE

The fundamental principles (section 110) are the following:

Part 2: Professional accountants in business

Part 3: Professional accountants in public practice

Part 4: International independence standards

1. Compliance to a fundamental principle being threatened

For example, compliance to the fundamental principle of objectivity is being

2. Evaluation of threat (R120.7 and R120.8)

3. Addressing threats (R120.10 and R120.11)

The threat should be either eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by putting

(a) eliminating the circumstances, including interests and/or relationships, that

2. Remember that both professional accountants in business and professional

Contents of the IRBA Code:

DEFINITIONS, INCLUDING LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND STANDARDS

COMPLYING WITH THE CODE, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND

REGISTERED AUDITORS PERFORMING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PART 4: INTERNAL INDEPENDENCE STANDARDS

PART 4A – INDEPENDENCE FROM AUDIT AND REVIEW ENGAGEMENTS

PART 4B – INDEPENDENCE FOR ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENTS OTHER THAN

• “Executive President” was replaced with “Chief Executive Officer”;

Refer to volume 2B of the SAICA Handbook to access these two documents.

SECTION B – QUESTION ON STUDY UNIT 1

Practice question 1 15 marks

YOU HAVE 5 MINUTES TO READ THIS QUESTION.

YOU HAVE 3 MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTION

For each of the situations above: