In an era of volatility and shifting expectations, trust has become the cornerstone of business resilience.
By Surinder Sond vice-president: sustainability at Sage
For South Africa’s SMBs, sustainability is more than environmental stewardship – it is a holistic approach that encompasses ethical conduct, responsible financial management, transparent operations, and fair treatment of people.
Foundations for growth
In this context sustainability and ethics are intertwined – businesses earn trust not by mere compliance, but by consistently demonstrating integrity and accountability. This trust enables SMBs to thrive, attract investment, and contribute to economic inclusion and growth.
Sage’s recent SME Climate Finance Stocktake report reveals that while SMEs’ ambition to operate sustainably is rising, systemic barriers are hindering their progress. Access to finance isn’t keeping pace, with the report noting that for most SMEs, it “remains flat.” Fragmented and complex reporting requirements block progress, leaving billions in potential investment untapped.
These barriers risk slowing the transition to a more inclusive and resilient economy, as SMBs are unable to fully participate in climate action and unlock the benefits of green finance. When SMEs are held back by these challenges, the ripple effects go beyond balance sheets, impacting job creation, innovation, and the ability of small businesses to contribute confidently to the economic system.
The imperative of ethical and sustainable business
While compliance is about following the law, ethics is about doing what’s right, even when it’s not mandated. Ethics is the internal compass that guides decisions, shaping how business interact with customers, employees and society.
This distinction is crucial. Businesses that focus solely on compliance, risk becoming reactive, constantly vulnerable to shifts in legislation. In contrast, those that embed ethics at their core – cultivate a culture of integrity, enabling them to anticipate challenges, adapt confidently, and build trust with stakeholders – here, ethics is seen as a strategic asset.
For South African SMBs, ethics is reflected in everyday actions: setting fair prices, prioritising responsible payments, treating people with respect, and maintaining transparent, accurate financial records. Sustainability means building a business that balances short-term performance with long-term resilience, that can thrive amid change, contribute to economic inclusion, and support the wellbeing of employees and society.
Digital solutions
This proactive approach is vital for SMBs, who are often disproportionately impacted by administrative burdens. The Sage report identifies complex reporting as a “key bottleneck” and barrier for accessing finance.
This challenge sits at the intersection of ethics and sustainability; honest, transparent reporting to enable building resilient, future-ready businesses. The report details how digital tools are the solution – adopting cost-effective cloud software, automating bank feeds, and using e-invoicing cuts admin and reduces errors.
This digital shift is reinforced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which is moving towards mandatory e-invoicing and real-time VAT reporting, targeting full implementation by 2028. For businesses to thrive, the system must enable, not hinder, their ethical and sustainable conduct.
Sage supports this transformation by helping SMBs automate compliance, simplify VAT, and manage cash flow, payroll, and year-end processes, enabling our customers to focus on sustainable growth rather than administrative complexity.
Building trust and resilience
A business’s long-term viability is anchored in the trust it builds with customers, employees and society. Integrity builds loyalty, which is essential in competitive markets. In today’s digital landscape, this means safeguarding customer data with secure cloud solutions and maintaining transparency about its use.
Increasingly, stakeholder confidence is built on both technological innovation and ethical stewardship; every digital advance must be matched by a commitment to responsible conduct.
Ethical companies are better equipped to navigate crises. Their reputation for integrity provides a buffer against reputational challenges and attracts partners who value stability. This resilience is especially evident in supply chains, where ethical practices can reduce operational disruptions and lower risks, leading to a more sustainable business model.
Practical steps like supplier scorecards, fair payment terms, and basic segregation of duties strengthen controls and trust. Our own A rating from CDP for climate change and supplier engagement are tangible benefits of this commitment, showing that what starts as an ethical choice matures into measurable business value.
Integrity as a competitive strategy
Ultimately, doing good is a strategic investment. It builds the trust that underpins customer loyalty, attracts talent, and opens doors to new opportunities. Businesses can start with achievable actions: reconcile bank accounts weekly, enforce a monthly close, document policies in plain language, and publish a customer charter on service, pricing, and payments.
In a world of constant change, ethics provides a solid foundation for sustainability, enabling businesses to flourish. Integrity is not just a reflection of character, but a competitive strategy and the cornerstone of lasting resilience.