Interfront 2025 Annual Report

71 GOVERNANCE Following a comprehensive interview process, the Board with the input of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, appointed Mr Danie De Kock as an executive director on the Interfront Board in January 2025 and he formally assumed the role of Operations Director on 1 April 2025. With over 30 years’ experience in software development, support services, and executive leadership, he brings deep operational insight and a strong client focus. Having been involved in the SARS eFiling programme since its inception, Mr De Kock has played a central role in its design, development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement. As an EXCO member since 2022, he brings a solid understanding of Interfront’s operations and stakeholder environment. His formal qualifications in Business Leadership and Future Studies, combined with his innovative mindset and alignment with Interfront’s values, position him to add significant value in his new role. The appointment of Mr Anton Roelofse as an independent non-executive director, effective 17 January 2025, increased the number of independent non-executive directors on the Board to three. With over three decades of experience in business development, strategic finance, and executive leadership, he brings deep expertise in SMME growth funding and portfolio management. Mr Roelofse served as Regional General Manager at Business Partners Limited for 14 years, leading multi-regional operations and overseeing a R1.1 billion portfolio. He also chaired the Regional Investment Committee, responsible for approving a wide range of complex transactions across sectors. His strengths in strategic thinking, financial due diligence, and stakeholder engagement position him as a valuable contributor to Interfront’s governance and oversight. Tenure and Role Distribution The independent, non-executive Chairperson and the two longest-serving members of the accounting authority, the Acting Managing Director/Finance Director and Mr. John Robertson, who previously served as Operations Director and now continues to serve on the Board in an executive advisory capacity, have each served on the accounting authority for thirteen years as of the date of this report. Mr H. Smith and Ms Ntlhabyane’ serve as non-executive directors and are employees of the Shareholder, thus qualifying as nominee directors. The third non-executive director, Mr E. Smith, was previously employed by the Shareholder and is therefore not regarded as independent. While these nominee directors represent the interest of the Shareholder, they are required to exercise independent judgment and maintain bona fide independence when making decisions. It is essential that all directors, particularly nominee directors, uphold impartiality and always consider Interfront’s affairs objectively. To uphold good governance practices, the roles of the Chairperson and Managing Director remain distinct. The Chairperson serves on the Remuneration, Social, and Ethics Committee but does not participate in the SARS/Interfront Audit and Risk Committee. The Interfront Financial Director currently serves as the Acting Managing Director. Considering this dual function, the Delegation of Authority was amended to ensure the continued separation of duties. The Board, as the accounting authority, remains committed to transparency, objectivity, and minimising potential conflicts of interest, always prioritising the best interests of all stakeholders.