13/07/2026
A new chapter for GARVA
Dear valued clients and friends,
It is with immense pride and excitement that we announce an exciting new chapter for GARVA.
When GARVA was established, our vision was never simply to create another accounting practice. We set out to build something different- a modern professional firm where technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and meaningful client relationships would define everything we do. From the very beginning, our mission has been to challenge traditional thinking, embrace technology, and provide South African businesses with practical advice delivered by professionals who genuinely care about their clients' success.
Your confidence in that vision has enabled GARVA to experience remarkable growth. During the past year alone, our client base increased by an extraordinary 284%compared to the previous year. While this growth is something we are incredibly proud of, it has also reinforced an important principle: exceptional client service requires more than growth- it requires the right structure to support it.
As GARVA has evolved, it has become increasingly evident that the next chapter of our journey calls for a more integrated and collaborative model. One that allows us to combine the strengths of exceptional professionals, share specialist knowledge, expand our capacity, and continue investing in the technology and systems that distinguish the GARVA experience.
It is therefore with great pleasure that we announce that, with effect from 1 August 2026, GARVA will transition from its original franchise model into a fully integrated and National Partnership, operating in unity with offices in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Johannesburg.
This new Partnership brings together five highly accomplished professionals whose collective experience exceeds 100 years across a broad range of disciplines, including:
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Taxation and Strategic Tax Planning
Assurance and Independent Reviews
Governance and Regulatory Compliance
Forensic Accounting and Investigations
Commercial and Business Finance
Business Advisory and Strategic Consulting
By combining these complementary areas of expertise, GARVA is creating a firm with the technical depth and breadth typically associated with larger national practices, whilst preserving the accessibility, responsiveness and personal relationships that have always been the cornerstone of our business.
This transition represents far more than a change in legal structure. It represents a significant enhancement in the value, expertise and support available to every GARVA client.
Going forward, you will benefit from:
More than 100 years of combined professional experience available through one integrated firm.
A collaborative team of specialists, enabling complex matters to be considered from multiple professional perspectives.
Access to broader specialist expertise, including accounting, taxation, assurance, governance, forensic accounting, commercial finance and strategic business advisory.
Greater continuity and resilience, with a team of Partners able to support one another and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Expanded capacity through our unified offices in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and Johannesburg.
Continued investment in technology, automation and digital platforms that simplify the client experience and improve efficiency.
Stronger knowledge-sharing, allowing every client to benefit from the collective expertise of the entire Partnership rather than the experience of a single practitioner.
A broader range of professional services delivered under one trusted brand while maintaining the personalised service that our clients have come to expect.
In many respects, this Partnership enables us to offer our clients the best of both worlds- the technical capability and collective expertise of a larger professional practice, together with the accessibility, responsiveness and genuine relationships that only a boutique firm can provide.
Whilst our internal structure is evolving, our commitment to our clients remains unchanged.
You will continue working with your existing GARVA Partner, who will remain your primary relationship manager and trusted adviser. The difference is that your Partner will now be supported by the collective knowledge, experience and specialist capabilities of the entire GARVA Partnership whenever additional expertise is required.
The people you know, the service you trust, and the values that have shaped GARVA since its inception will remain exactly the same.
This Partnership marks the beginning of an exciting new era for GARVA.
It positions us to continue attracting exceptional professionals, expanding our specialist capabilities, investing in innovative technologies and developing new solutions that help South African businesses navigate an increasingly complex commercial environment.
Most importantly, it strengthens our ability to fulfil the promise we have always made to our clients- to be more than accountants. We strive to be trusted advisers, long-term business partners and passionate advocates for the success of every client we serve.
An introduction to our Partners:
Ian Ferreira-Massyn:
Ian is the Founder and Managing Partner of GARVA, leading the firm's vision of building a modern, technology-driven accountancy practice dedicated to helping South African SMEs thrive. With over 15 years of experience spanning audit, accounting, taxation and business advisory, Ian combines strong technical expertise with practical commercial insight to deliver strategic advice to business owners.
Ian holds multiple professional designations in South Africa and Ireland. His career includes experience at both a leading South African audit firm and an international Big Four firm in Ireland, where he managed large multinational audits and gained valuable international exposure to complex financial reporting, governance and corporate structures. At GARVA, he specialises in financial reporting, taxation, independent reviews, and strategic business advisory, while driving the firm's ongoing investment in innovation and digital client solutions.
Ian has also made significant contributions to the accounting profession, having served on the Board and Executive Committee of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), chaired the SAIPA Southern Region, and served on the Subject Advisory Board of Nelson Mandela University's School of Business and Economic Sciences. He is a regular keynote speaker and radio guest, recognised for sharing practical insights on business, taxation, entrepreneurship, and the future of the accounting profession.
Robert Kitching:
Robert "Bobby" Kitching is a Partner at GARVA and brings more than 35 years of distinguished professional experience to the firm. A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and Registered Auditor (RA), Bobby has built an outstanding reputation for delivering trusted professional advice to businesses across a diverse range of industries, from owner-managed enterprises to established organisations in the manufacturing, information technology, retail, property, agriculture, and sectional title sectors.
Bobby specialises in external audit, financial reporting, taxation, corporate governance and strategic business advisory, with particular expertise in statutory audits, trust account audits of legal practices, and body corporate audits. His extensive commercial experience enables him to provide clients with practical, solutions-focused advice that extends beyond compliance to support sound decision-making and sustainable business growth.
As a Registered Auditor, Bobby continues to provide independent audit services to clients who may require statutory or voluntary audits in his sole proprietor capacity, thereby maintaining the independence required by the auditing profession. In his capacity as a Partner of GARVA, he contributes his extensive expertise across the firm's non-assurance service offerings, including accounting, taxation, financial reporting, governance and strategic business advisory, ensuring clients benefit from his experience while preserving the integrity and independence of audit engagements.
Known for his calm, approachable and pragmatic style, Bobby has become a trusted adviser to generations of business owners, valued for his ability to simplify complex financial matters and develop long-term client relationships. His wealth of experience and commitment to professional excellence make him an integral part of the GARVA Partnership and its vision of delivering exceptional service through collaboration, technical expertise and trusted advice.
Leana Van Der Merwe:
Leana is widely recognised as one of South Africa's leading technical accounting specialists. A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Leana brings exceptional expertise in financial reporting, accounting standards, corporate governance and professional regulation, developed through senior executive technical roles within both the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) and the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA).
Leana specialises in IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, company law, financial reporting, ethics, technical accounting consultations and professional education. She has also been appointed by the IFRS Foundation Trustees to serve on the prestigious SME Implementation Group (SMEIG), where she contributes to the international implementation and ongoing development of the IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard. Her extensive technical knowledge enables GARVA to provide clients with advice that is firmly grounded in current accounting standards and evolving regulatory requirements.
A respected author, conference presenter and industry thought leader, Leana regularly delivers technical presentations to accounting professionals and publishes articles on emerging developments in financial reporting and corporate governance. Her commitment to technical excellence, education and the advancement of the profession strengthens GARVA's ability to provide clients with trusted, technically sound advice while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Darren Bouwer:
Darren brings almost two decades of experience spanning public practice, taxation and commercial finance across South Africa and the United Kingdom. His career began in audit and assurance, where he developed a strong technical accounting foundation before progressing into senior commercial finance roles focused on strategic financial management and business performance.
Darren specialises in management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, cash flow management, operational reporting and strategic financial planning. His unique combination of professional practice and corporate finance experience enables him to bridge the gap between technical accounting and commercial decision-making, providing clients with practical financial solutions that support long-term business success.
Having worked closely with executive management teams across a range of industries, Darren is recognised for his analytical approach, disciplined financial governance and ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful business insight. His expertise in commercial finance and strategic planning strengthens GARVA's ability to help clients improve operational performance, enhance profitability, and make informed decisions with confidence.
Mariska Bouwer:
Mariska brings valuable international experience in valuations, forensic accounting and business advisory. After completing her SAICA articles with a mid-tier audit firm in Port Elizabeth, she joined the firm's United Kingdom practice within the Audit & Assurance division before progressing into its specialised Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services team.
This international experience provided exposure to complex financial investigations, commercial disputes, forensic analysis and business valuations across a broad range of industries. Mariska specialises in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, litigation support, business valuations, governance, risk management and financial analysis. Her strong analytical ability and meticulous attention to detail enable her to interpret complex financial information, identify irregularities and deliver objective, evidence-based advice to clients facing sensitive financial and commercial matters.
Having returned to South Africa, Mariska now focuses on assisting businesses to strengthen governance frameworks, enhance internal controls, manage financial risk and implement sound financial processes that support sustainable growth. Known for her professionalism, integrity and solutions-driven approach, she is committed to helping clients navigate increasingly complex financial and regulatory environments with confidence and clarity.
Thank you...
None of this would have been possible without the confidence, loyalty and support of our clients, professional contacts and business community. For that, we extend our sincere gratitude.
