Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the Imbali community received practical guidance on tax compliance during a South African Revenue Service (SARS) Compliance Workshop hosted by the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) in collaboration with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
The workshop provided SMME owners with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of their tax obligations, maintain accurate business records and better understand their responsibilities as their businesses grow.
Ms Lynette Thomas, Service Consultant at SARS, facilitated the workshop, providing guidance on key tax compliance requirements and responding to questions from participants about issues affecting their businesses.
“SMMEs need to understand that compliance is part of running a business. It is important to keep your records in order and submit the required returns, even when the business is not doing well. Staying compliant helps you to know where you stand with SARS and puts you in a better position as your business grows,” said Ms Thomas.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of understanding a business’s tax status rather than assuming that a lack of income automatically removes its tax obligations. SARS guidance indicates that companies that remain registered may continue to have filing responsibilities, while businesses that have ceased trading or otherwise qualify for deregistration must follow the appropriate SARS process.
For participants, the workshop provided practical information that could be applied directly to their businesses.
“I got important information about how to remain tax compliant regardless of my business’s performance, as well as the importance of creating a distinction between my personal bank account and my business account and how to go about doing that. I am truly grateful to SARS for this knowledge. Although this may seem small, it was really imperative for me as a business owner based in Imbali township with no formal business education,” said Peggy Ngcobo, founder of Imbali-based Nongqashela Trading Company.
Dr Wellington Zondi, Interim CEO of the IEIP, encouraged SMMEs to take a proactive approach to their tax affairs and seek the necessary guidance to ensure that their businesses remain compliant.
“SMMEs must make sure that they understand their obligations to SARS and continue to keep their tax affairs in order. Not generating income does not, on its own, mean that a business can simply stop dealing with its tax responsibilities. Business owners need to understand their status and comply with the requirements that apply to them,” said Dr Zondi.
He said the workshop reflected DUT’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates by providing access to relevant knowledge, expertise and practical assistance.
“As a university, we have a responsibility to be part of the community in which we operate. Through the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct, DUT will continue working with the community and creating opportunities that provide support, knowledge and practical assistance,” he said.
The engagement forms part of the IEIP’s broader focus on entrepreneurship, skills development and knowledge sharing, while strengthening links between DUT and the Imbali community.
Participants also welcomed the opportunity for continued engagement with institutions such as SARS.
“These workshops are important and we need more of these programmes. SARS needs to keep our businesses in their database and invite us for upcoming workshops of this manner,” said Sibongile Mtolo, owner of Tolokazi Catering Services.
Through initiatives such as the SARS Compliance Workshop, the IEIP continues to create opportunities for local SMMEs to engage with relevant institutions, access practical information and strengthen the knowledge needed to navigate the regulatory and operational demands of running and growing a business.
Pictured: Dr Wellington Zondi, Interim CEO of the IEIP along with distinguished guests at the SARS Compliance Workshop.
Photographer: Sifundo Thwala
Tiyani Mboweni
