The recently released draft of the King V Code is about to stir up conversation across boardrooms in South Africa, and globally. Almost 9 years after the publication of King IV™, this week the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) announced that the King V Draft is open for public comment. This forward-thinking framework isn’t just a tweak to existing standards—it’s a bold call for organisations to rethink their approach to governance in an increasingly complex, digital, and interconnected world.
A Bold New Approach to Corporate Governance
The King V draft aims to shift the focus from traditional, one-size-fits-all governance to a more agile, stakeholder-inclusive, and sustainability-driven model. Key highlights include:
- Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The draft encourages companies to broaden their view beyond shareholders. It calls for active consideration of employees, communities, and other key stakeholders, ensuring that decisions support long-term societal and economic value.
- Integrated Thinking and Risk Management: Recognising that risk today isn’t limited to the financial sphere, King V stresses the importance of integrating technology, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into strategic planning. This means companies must be proactive in identifying and mitigating risks that arise from digital transformation and global market volatility.
- Emphasis on Ethical Leadership and Transparency: The code underlines the need for clear, ethical leadership and greater transparency in decision-making processes. Leaders are expected to be accountable not just for financial outcomes but also for fostering a culture of ethical behaviour and sustainability.
This draft has opened for public comment, inviting businesses, regulators, and industry experts to weigh in on these transformative changes. As South Africa’s corporate landscape continues to evolve, the King V Code sets the stage for a governance model that aligns with global best practices while addressing local challenges.
What This Means for Your Organisation
For many companies, the King V draft isn’t just an update—it’s a signal that the traditional ways of doing business need an overhaul. Organisations must now be prepared to:
- Reassess Governance Structures: With the shift towards integrated and ethical decision-making, there’s a clear need to realign board structures and oversight mechanisms. Companies will be expected to embed governance practices that are adaptable, resilient, and forward-looking.
- Embrace Technological Change: As digital transformation accelerates, the boundaries between IT and corporate governance blur. Effective IT governance is no longer optional—it’s a critical component of risk management and strategic planning.
- Prioritise Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Beyond ticking regulatory boxes, companies need to ensure their practices contribute to long-term value creation. This means making deliberate choices that support sustainability and social responsibility.
How Symphonise Consulting Can Help
At Symphonise Consulting, we understand that navigating these changes isn’t straightforward. That’s why we offer specialised services designed to help your organisation not only comply with emerging governance standards but also leverage them for competitive advantage.
Governance of IT and COBIT® Training & Consulting
Our Governance of IT and COBIT® training and consulting services are built to align your IT strategy with your business objectives. We help you:
- Strengthen IT Governance: By adopting frameworks like COBIT®, you can better manage risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and align IT with the broader business strategy. This integrated approach is essential in today’s environment where technology is at the heart of every business decision.
- Streamline Decision-Making: With clear governance frameworks in place, your board and management teams can make informed decisions that balance risk, innovation, and ethical considerations.
- Enhance Accountability: Our services support the development of robust oversight mechanisms that reinforce transparency and accountability across all levels of the organisation.
AI and Automation Training for Ethical, Sustainable Implementation
As organisations increasingly turn to AI and automation, it’s critical to ensure these technologies are used for the right reasons—and in the right way. Our EXIN and APMG-International accredited AI and automation training is designed to:
- Promote Ethical AI Use: We equip your team with the knowledge and skills to implement AI responsibly. This includes understanding bias, ensuring transparency, and embedding ethical considerations into every phase of development and deployment.
- Support Sustainable Automation: Automation should drive efficiency without compromising sustainability or regulatory compliance. Our training helps you balance technological innovation with the need for robust governance frameworks.
- Mitigate Risks: With emerging technologies come new risks. We help you identify, assess, and manage these risks, ensuring your digital transformation journey is secure and aligned with both business goals and governance standards.
The Road Ahead
The King V draft is more than a regulatory update—it’s a roadmap for a future where corporate governance is holistic, adaptive, and deeply integrated with technology. Organisations that embrace these changes will be better positioned to manage risk, drive innovation, and build sustainable value.
At Symphonise Consulting, we’re ready to help you navigate this evolving landscape. Whether you need to bolster your IT governance framework with COBIT®-aligned practices or ensure that your AI and automation strategies are ethical and compliant, our tailored training and consulting services provide the expertise and guidance your organisation needs to stay ahead.
Take the Next Step:
Engage with us to understand how these new governance challenges can be transformed into strategic opportunities. Reach out today to learn more about how Symphonise Consulting can support your journey towards a more resilient, ethical, and forward-thinking corporate future.
