I suppose it's good that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has initiated a far-reaching and fundamental review of SA's tax system. It is going to look at a number of issues around taxation. A major issue is simply that there is a relatively small tax base and many might reckon that tax base is being overtaxed.

Allied to any revisions in the tax regime, must come a genuine, no-hold-barred, no-sacred-cows approach to combating corruption, mismanagement and wasteful spending.

The average taxpayer understands the need for taxes, but when we see our hard-earned cash being flushed down the toilet or stolen, instead of being used properly, forgive us for becoming a little miffed.

Time is money, so it would be as well for those charged with issuing of radio licences to up their game where necessary and help local businesses. It seems license delays in SA are prompting communications companies to look elsewhere. That's a gain for "elsewhere" and a loss for South Africa.

Mandela Day has come... but there's no reason why it should have gone. Instead of making it a day a year, we could all try to make Mandela Day last 365 days. And there are people doing that... take a look at our CSI portal and see where you too can do your bit.

Finally, Bizcommunity and Recruitgroup have launched the BizCareers Column. On offer is sound recruitment advice for both job- and candidate-seekers.

Read and learn - and submit any questions you might have to careerquestions@bizcommunity.com.

Rod Baker, Content Director

Submit your company news to agriculturenews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to contributors-agriculture@bizcommunity.com.