Risk management & internal controls Archives

02/07/202502/07/2025

The Rise and Fall of Drip Footwear: What South African SMEs Must Learn About Sustainable Growth

Part of the Drip Footwear range of sneakers

Drip Footwear was one of South Africa’s most visible SME success stories—until it wasn’t. Within five years, the brand evolved from a township startup to a national retail name, celebrated for its bold sneaker designs and an inspiring origin story. But behind the popularity, financial cracks were forming. Drip collapsed under the weight of unsustainable growth and weak internal controls. For South African business owners, this case holds vital lessons: how rapid expansion, without the right systems in place, can quickly lead to cash flow crises, regulatory troubles, and reputational damage.

10/09/202418/09/2024

Managing Risk in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa

*Managing risk in SME’s creates long-term value*

Risk management is vital to the success of SMEs in South Africa which has one of the highest failure rates of SME’s globally, with 75% of SMEs failing within their first two years. Therefore, adopting a robust risk management approach can improve operational resilience, mitigate potential threats, and enhance business growth. For businesses in South Africa, understanding and managing risks effectively is a key determinant of survival and long-term success.

17/12/202106/09/2024

Managing risk in small-and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) has many benefits

Managing risk in SME’s enables them to improve performance, accelerate growth and create sustainable long-term value. In addition, SME’s can also minimise losses and avoid catastrophic disruptions if they manage risk effectively and efficiently.

All businesses and organisations implement strategies to achieve its goals and objectives. The achievement of such goals and objectives produces many benefits such as inter alia: