Industries
Energy and Natural Resources
The energy and natural resources sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and stability, powering industry and communities. South Africa’s development plans emphasize that investing in energy infrastructure is essential for growthgrantthornton.co.za. The country’s abundant mineral deposits (coal, gas and others) further underscore this sector’s strategic importance. At the same time, rising global energy demand (forecast to increase roughly 20{6d3a863ea9c086f145e291946101e709efee66f54127bca934d18b58086895d2} by 2040grantthornton.co.za) highlights both opportunity and competition. Lande advises clients across mining, oil & gas, utilities and renewables to harness these dynamics while managing risk.
Our Services:
- Audit & Assurance: Statutory audits for energy and mining companies, including IFRS compliance and evaluation of large asset valuations (reserves, infrastructure).
- Tax Advisory: Specialized guidance on mining royalties, customs duties and environmental levies (such as carbon taxes), helping clients optimize tax position.
- Consulting & Advisory: Support on major projects (M&A due diligence, feasibility studies, project finance) and sustainability strategies for long-term value.
- Risk & Sustainability: Advisory on environmental compliance, health and safety, and ESG reporting, including carbon footprint reduction and resource management.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Market Volatility: Fluctuating commodity prices (e.g. for oil, gas and minerals) make planning difficult.
- Energy Transition: Shifting to renewables and meeting emission targets introduces regulatory change and capital demands.
- Infrastructure & Regulation: Aging infrastructure and evolving rules (e.g. carbon taxes, mining codes) create compliance complexity.
- Capital Intensity: Large-scale projects require careful financing and risk control to avoid cost overruns.
Lande’s energy and resources team brings deep industry knowledge and a future-focused approach. We use advanced audit techniques to address sector-specific risks (like reserve valuation and long-life asset testing) and provide proactive tax planning under complex energy regulations. Our consultants help clients plan sustainable growth strategies drawing on global best practices. By combining specialized expertise with a long-term perspective, Lande helps energy and natural resource businesses adapt to change and achieve resiliencegrantthornton.co.za.
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
The technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector is defined by rapid innovation and digital growth. It spans everything from hardware and network infrastructure to software, e-commerce, social media and emerging fields like AI, IoT, blockchain and cloud computinggrantthornton.co.za. South African TMT companies drive productivity and connectivity, but they also face unique challenges. For example, massive data volumes raise data privacy and cybersecurity concerns, as highlighted by recent industry analysesgrantthornton.co.za. Meanwhile, continuing investment in new technologies is essential to stay competitive. Lande works with telecom operators, broadcasters, software firms and tech startups to manage these opportunities and risks.
Our Services:
- IT Audit & Assurance: Audits of IT systems, data integrity and cybersecurity controls, ensuring compliance with technology regulations.
- Digital Transformation Advisory: Guidance on digital strategy, cloud migration, analytics and adoption of new platforms to improve operations.
- Tax & Regulatory Compliance: Advice on R&D tax incentives, cross-border taxation and compliance with telecom/media laws.
- Risk & Cybersecurity: Forensic investigations, cyber risk assessments and implementation of controls to protect against data breaches and fraud.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Cybersecurity Threats: Increasing cyberattacks demand robust security frameworks.
- Regulatory Change: Evolving privacy laws (e.g. POPIA) and content regulations require ongoing compliance effort.
- Rapid Innovation: Technologies like 5G, AI and edge computing create continuous pressure to innovate.
- Market Disruption: New entrants (fintech, streaming services, etc.) and business models challenge traditional players.
Lande’s TMT specialists combine technical know-how with industry insight. Our IT auditors perform thorough assessments to fortify clients’ data security and system reliability. Tax experts assist tech firms in navigating complex international and local tax rules. Our advisory teams help media and telecom clients optimize digital platforms, refine content strategies and streamline operations. By blending technology expertise with a practical mindset, Lande equips TMT businesses to innovate confidently while maintaining strong governance and controlsgrantthornton.co.zagrantthornton.co.za.
Financial Services
The financial services industry (banks, insurers, asset managers, fintech, etc.) is tightly regulated and central to economic stability. By channeling capital and managing risk, financial firms underpin growth and contribute significantly to GDP. However, rapid technological change and evolving regulations mean these institutions face complex demands. New reporting standards (such as IFRS 9 and 17), capital requirements, and digital banking trends require audit and advisory approaches beyond the conventionalgrantthornton.co.za. Lande’s dedicated financial services group offers industry-specific expertise to help clients adapt and excel.
Our Services:
- Regulated Audit Services: Statutory and internal audits tailored for banks, insurers, pension funds and fintech. We cover complex financial instruments and ensure compliance with sector accounting standards.
- Risk & Compliance Advisory: Support for corporate governance, risk management frameworks and regulatory compliance (e.g. banking laws, insurance regulations, AML/KYC).
- Tax & Transaction Services: Corporate tax planning, VAT and structuring advice for mergers, acquisitions, restructurings and FinTech arrangements.
- Digital Finance Consulting: Advising on fintech integration, blockchain applications, cybersecurity for financial platforms and digital customer experience.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Regulatory Pressure: Stringent oversight (e.g. Basel III, sector-specific compliance) and frequent rule changes increase complexity.
- Digital Disruption: Competition from fintech start-ups, mobile money and digital payment platforms challenges traditional banks.
- Economic Volatility: Interest rate fluctuations, credit risks and market turbulence affect balance sheets and strategy.
- Data & Privacy: Handling sensitive customer data and meeting anti-money laundering requirements are critical concerns.
Lande’s financial services experts combine industry knowledge with innovative thinking. We deliver audit and advisory solutions that go beyond routine compliance, helping clients navigate technical accounting challenges and regulatory expectationsgrantthornton.co.za. Our teams tailor audits of complex loan portfolios and investment products, while our consultants advise on digital transformation, compliance frameworks and capital raising. By introducing fresh insights and solutions, Lande empowers financial institutions to transform and thrive in a dynamic marketplace.
Public Sector
The public sector—including national and local governments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and public–private partnerships—is vital for national development and service delivery. Public budgets fund infrastructure, health, education and more, directly influencing economic growth and quality of life. At the same time, public entities face intense scrutiny over efficiency, governance and transparency. Lande partners with government clients to strengthen controls, improve service delivery, and align programmes with policy goalsgrantthornton.co.za.
Our Services:
- Audit & Compliance: Assurance audits for government departments and SOEs, ensuring accountability in financial reporting and adherence to public finance regulations.
- Advisory & Consulting: Guidance on public financial management, budgeting and performance improvement (e.g. optimizing resource allocation and service efficiency).
- Infrastructure Advisory: Support for large public projects and PPPs, including due diligence, project financing and programme assurance.
- Governance & Risk: Development of governance frameworks, risk management systems and anti-corruption measures in public organisations.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Fiscal Constraints: Delivering services under tight budgets requires prudent planning and transparent spending.
- Governance and Transparency: Enhancing accountability and preventing fraud in complex bureaucracies is an ongoing challenge.
- Modernization: Upgrading legacy systems, digitizing services and achieving policy goals amid political and operational complexity.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Balancing economic, social and political priorities when managing public projects.
Lande’s public sector team brings local focus and long-term perspective to every engagementgrantthornton.co.za. We work closely with officials and managers to understand their unique contexts. Our auditors and consultants help public clients improve internal controls and governance, while advising on infrastructure and policy initiatives to support economic development. By combining sector expertise with proactive service delivery, Lande helps government organisations enhance efficiency, transparency and social outcomes.
Real Estate & Construction
The real estate and construction industry drives economic activity through housing, commercial development and infrastructure. Performance in this sector often reflects broader economic trends, and many firms still face challenging conditions. As Grant Thornton observes, even as the economy recovers, property and construction companies grapple with complex operations, and some struggle to stay afloatgrantthornton.co.za. Rising construction costs, tight financing, and evolving regulations (on zoning, building codes and sustainability) all shape the landscape. Lande works with developers, contractors and property investors to navigate these issues and capitalize on market opportunities.
Our Services:
- Audit & Assurance: Specialized audits for property developers, construction firms and real estate investment trusts. We focus on project accounting, revenue recognition (e.g. percentage-of-completion) and asset valuations.
- Tax Planning: Advice on property taxes (transfer duties), VAT on construction, and structuring investments (e.g. REITs, funding incentives) to optimize tax outcomes.
- Finance & Restructuring: Support with project finance structuring, debt reorganization, and mergers or acquisitions in the real estate space (including valuations and due diligence).
- Business Consulting: Guidance on cost management, supply chain optimization, and sustainable building practices (green building certifications, energy efficiency initiatives).
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Market Cycles: Sensitivity to interest rates, inflation and economic sentiment causes demand to ebb and flow.
- Cost Pressures: Escalating prices for materials and labor squeeze profit margins and project budgets.
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to environmental, safety and zoning regulations (and rising sustainability standards) adds complexity.
- Project Execution: Large-scale developments carry risks of delays and overruns, requiring strong project governance.
Lande’s real estate and construction professionals have deep industry knowledge and a track record of delivering practical, sustainable solutionsgrantthornton.co.za. Our auditors understand the nuances of real estate accounting, while our tax and advisory teams help clients secure financing and manage fiscal risks. From initial planning through project completion, we improve processes, mitigate risks and unlock value. By applying realistic strategies and industry best practices, Lande helps property and construction businesses reach their full potential even in a challenging market.
Travel, Tourism & Leisure
The travel, tourism and leisure sector is a major economic driver, creating jobs and bringing in foreign exchange. This industry is constantly evolving with globalization, technology advances and shifting traveler preferences. Grant Thornton notes that advancements in technology and the search for authentic experiences continually transform tourismgrantthornton.co.za. Recent years have also seen unprecedented disruption (for example, due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Lande assists both public and private organizations in this sector to adapt and prepare for recovery and growth.
Our Services:
- Audit & Financial Services: Audits for airlines, hotels, tour operators and other leisure businesses, with attention to seasonal revenue recognition and cost controls.
- Tax & Incentives: Advice on tourism-related incentives, VAT, and cross-border tax issues for multinational hospitality companies.
- Business Recovery & Strategy: Support for post-crisis recovery planning (e.g. pandemic resiliency), revenue management strategies and business continuity.
- Experience & Operations Consulting: Guidance on digital marketing, customer experience enhancement and operational efficiency in hospitality and leisure services.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Pandemic Recovery: Ongoing impact of health crises on travel demand, safety protocols and consumer confidence.
- Consumer Behavior: Rise of eco-tourism, personalized itineraries and online platforms requires industry agility.
- Seasonality & Shocks: Vulnerability to economic cycles, exchange rate fluctuations and unforeseen events (e.g. natural disasters).
- Sustainability: Increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices and comply with environmental and social norms.
As South Africa’s tourism industry prepares for recovery, Lande is ready to help stimulate business and uncover new opportunitiesgrantthornton.co.za. Our specialists work with airlines, hotels, travel groups and tourism boards to navigate the shifting environment. We deliver services ranging from financial audit and risk assessment to strategic advisory on market positioning and cost management. By combining industry know-how with innovative ideas, Lande helps travel and leisure businesses reinvent themselves and meet evolving traveler expectations.
Education
Education is fundamental to long-term economic development. In South Africa, education consumes one of the largest shares of public spending and shapes the future workforce. Despite significant investment (around 20{6d3a863ea9c086f145e291946101e709efee66f54127bca934d18b58086895d2} of the national budgetgrantthornton.co.za), the sector faces persistent challenges: unequal resource distribution, aging facilities and inconsistent learning outcomesgrantthornton.co.za. These issues have contributed to higher enrollment in universities and vocational colleges in recent years. Lande partners with schools, colleges and universities to improve operations, accountability and outcomes in this critical sector.
Our Services:
- Audit & Compliance: Assurance audits for educational institutions (public and private) and funding bodies, ensuring proper use of resources and adherence to regulations.
- Tax & Funding Advisory: Guidance on tax exemptions, payroll taxes and the management of education levies; advising on state funding programs and grant compliance.
- Strategic Consulting: Support for digital transformation (e-learning platforms, data analytics), curriculum innovation and infrastructure projects (e.g. campus expansion).
- Risk & Governance: Assistance with governance frameworks, fraud prevention, internal controls and optimizing administrative processes in academic institutions.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Resource Constraints: Meeting demand for better facilities, technology and teacher training within tight budgets.
- Access & Equity: Addressing disparities in educational outcomes linked to location, socio-economic status and infrastructure deficits.
- Digital Learning: Integrating online learning tools effectively while bridging the digital divide and safeguarding data privacy.
- Performance Pressure: Complying with government performance targets and accreditation requirements, and preparing students for a changing job market.
Lande’s education team understands the unique mission of learning institutions. We collaborate to create fit-for-purpose solutions that address sector challenges and improve outcomes. For example, we help schools and universities implement robust financial controls and guide them in leveraging data analytics to enhance student results. Our forensic and cybersecurity specialists also work with educational clients to protect against fraud and cyber threats. By tailoring our services to each institution’s needs, Lande empowers education providers to enhance quality, compliance and long-term sustainabilitygrantthornton.co.za.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors have become strategic priorities for organizations across all industries. Stakeholders now expect businesses to manage sustainability, social impact and strong governance as core responsibilities. Many companies, however, struggle to determine which actions (carbon reduction, board diversity, community engagement, etc.) are most important and how to integrate them into their modelsgrantthornton.co.za. Lande helps frame clients’ ESG landscapes, turning complexity into clarity and driving sustainable growth.
Our Services:
- Sustainability Strategy: Developing ESG frameworks and climate action plans, including carbon management and social impact initiatives.
- ESG Reporting & Assurance: Assisting with preparation of sustainability reports and providing assurance on non-financial disclosures (aligned with global reporting standards).
- Risk & Compliance: Identifying ESG-related risks (e.g. carbon taxes, supply chain social issues) and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
- Training & Change Management: Guiding leadership and boards in building ESG governance culture and embedding sustainable practices throughout the organization.
Key Challenges and Trends:
- Climate & Resource Risk: Pressure to reduce emissions, manage energy use and adapt to climate-related regulatory costs (such as carbon tax).
- Social Responsibility: Ensuring fair labor practices, equity and community engagement as part of corporate purpose.
- Governance Expectations: Strengthening board oversight and governance structures to support sustainable, long-term growth.
- Reporting Complexity: Meeting investor and regulatory demands for transparent ESG metrics amid rapidly evolving frameworks.
Lande’s ESG practice combines deep advisory experience with advanced analytical tools (such as our ESG Intelligence Hub)grantthornton.co.za. We help clients identify their most material sustainability priorities and integrate them into strategy. By optimizing ESG practices and measuring impact, Lande not only ensures compliance but also helps drive economic value. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to become more resilient and future-ready through strong ESG governance and practices.
