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Dr Samantha Smith holds a BSocSci, LLB, LLM, and PhD (Law) from UCT.  She strategises, plans, and produces STBB’s content across all channels and platforms and works on corporate and marketing collateral.

Pulse | Advancing corporate governance: King V Code released by IoDSA

Following our detailed March report, the progressive King V Code – the fifth iteration of the country’s King Codes of Corporate Governance – was officially released by the Institute of Directors in South Africa (‘IoDSA’) and the King Committee late last month. Superseding King IV, the new Code applies to all financial years beginning on or after 1st January 2026 – with early adoption advocated by IoDSA.

A streamlined version of its predecessor, King V reflects various global and local developments, namely amendments to the Companies Act, expanding technological advancements, and changes in sustainability reporting and remuneration practices. With South Africa’s corporate entities operating in a complex regulatory environment, King V seeks to modernise corporate governance by:

  • Simplifying the Code’s structure, terminology, layout, and use of graphics to enhance accessibility and applicability across sectors.
  • Introducing a standardised disclosure framework to improve transparency, internal monitoring, and consistency in governance reporting in line with an apply-and explain approach.
  • Reconciling recent legislative changes and global developments in reporting and governance.
  • Improving core principles and governance practices to better reflect modern realities.

Evaluated together, these updates position King V as a forward-looking framework intended to both strengthen corporate accountability and inform ethical leadership across South African organisations.

With the Code’s implementation on the horizon, corporate entities are encouraged to begin preparing for compliance and reporting. While King V does not substantially deviate from the content or key principles and practices of King IV, adjustments may be necessary. This may include, but is not limited to, reviewing and updating board charters, company policies, and governance structures as well as aligning existing reporting processes with the new disclosure requirements.

For expert legal assistance, contact our skilled and experienced corporate law attorneys at commercial@stbb.co.za.

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