Field Notes

You Read Your Business Email Inside Gmail? That Stops in January 2027

Google is removing Gmail's POP fetching and third-party "send as" in January 2027. Here's what breaks, what doesn't, and the four routes forward.

Is This SARS Email Real? How to Check, in Tax Season

Five scam alerts logged on SARS's own register in six weeks, plus a separate one warning of a phishing link hidden in a PDF. One check catches them all.

Why Your Business Email Is Being Spoofed (And How to Stop It)

Your domain can send mail you never sent — that's invoice-redirect fraud. SPF, DKIM and DMARC close the gap in one afternoon, set up in the right order.

SARS Interim EMP501: What Employers Must File Before 31 October 2026

The interim EMP501 window is 21 Sep-31 Oct 2026, not September 1. Here's what changed this cycle and the checklist to run before it opens.

Cybersecurity for South African Small Businesses: The 2026 Checklist That Actually Protects You

Only 8% of SA SMEs have avoided a breach in the past 3 years. This guide covers the five threats hitting SA hardest, POPIA requirements, and practical steps you can take this week.

AI Tools for South African Small Businesses: What's Actually Worth Using in 2026

74% of AI use cases deliver measurable value but only 24% achieve strong ROI. The difference is picking the right use case, not the flashiest tool.

Moving Your Business to the Cloud in South Africa: A Plain-English Guide for 2026

SA cloud market hit USD 6.4 billion in 2025. Nearly half of African SMEs are already on cloud. The challenge is knowing the order to migrate and which provider to trust with SA data.

How Much Does a Website Cost in South Africa? The 2026 Guide for Small Business Owners

Answers range from R2,950 to R150,000 with no explanation. This guide breaks down what different price points actually buy.