The final King V Code on corporate governance was published on 31 October 2025 by the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IoDSA). It is approximately 20 pages long and includes only the code (unlike previous versions, which also included a report). It is referred to as King V and not King 5. The drafters have made an effort to make the content accessible, but the code’s language could be significantly improved. The King V document is your greatest asset when it comes to successful, responsible and effective corporate governance. It is the most important document on corporate governance in South Africa, and all organisations must engage with and understand King V. If you are interested in aligning your organisation with good governance, then enquire now.
Applying King V is voluntary unless another regulatory requirement makes it mandatory. For example, the JSE listing requirements require listed companies to comply. You should apply or explain how you follow the code. To claim compliance with King V it will be necessary to disclose how the business or institution applies the principles and explains the practices that support application of the principles.
Essential elements of the final King V
Overarching themes in the final King V:
- To promote integrated thinking by realising the connectedness of the people and the planet with the organisation’s ability to create value.
- To make corporate governance accessible by promoting an outcome-based approach.
- To make the principles more accessible by using inclusive language and a simplified code, so that they apply to a wide range of entities.
- Assist in consistent disclosures by providing templates and guidance.
- There is an extensive emphasis on Information Governance and how businesses should be managed. Especially regarding emerging technologies.
It is vital to understand how King V can help you improve the governance of your organisation. It is now easier than ever to access and understand, as the principles have been reduced from the initial 75 to just 13, with 66 practices that are recommended!
King V is better than King IV
King V changes the form of the code, but the substance stays much the same.
Each version of King builds on the one before. King V is based on the underlying principles of the previous Codes and Reports. King V is more of a refinement (or update) than an upgrade. However, King V is better than King IV.
- King V includes the latest developments. For example, it addresses the governance of emerging technologies, such as AI.
- It is more accessible because it is just one document or code.
- It is better, but not more.
- It includes input from more people.
- The disclosure template helps an organisation apply the code or explain why they are not applying it in a streamlined, consistent manner.
Other actions you can take
- Gain the tools and insight to help you transition to the King V Code by asking for our help or attending one of our events.
- Improve your organisation’s IT Governance, Risk and Compliance by attending one of our events.
- Make the right disclosures for the King Code by asking us to assist you. We have created clever ways to assist you in drafting accurate, customised disclosures for your organisation as painlessly as possible.
- Read a plain language overview of the King Code.
Note: The Institute of Directors in Southern Africa NPC (IoDSA) owns the copyright to all of the King reports or codes on governance (including the latest version namely the King V Code) and owns various trademarks in relation to King IV (including King IV, King IV Report, King IV Report on Corporate Governance and King IV Code) and King V. All of the IoDSA’s rights are reserved. All views are our own, and we are not associated or endorsed in any way by the IoDSA.
