10 May 2024
Written by Milpark Communications
In the realm of compliance, where adherence to regulations can often feel rigid and formulaic, emerges a figure who defies convention and captivates with charisma and innovation. Meet KhanRoy Jacobs, dubbed as Milpark’s ‘Beyoncé of Compliance’.
In this piece, we delve into the enigmatic persona of Jacobs, exploring how he revolutionises the landscape of regulatory adherence with a unique blend of expertise, flair, and a touch of star power.
Certainly. I am an Advocate of the High Court and a Lecturer at Milpark Education, where I teach governance, risk, and compliance on the BCom in the School of Commerce. I am therefore not only a legal practitioner but also a Governance, Risk and Compliance specialist.
I grew up in Citrusdal, in the rural Western Cape. At one point, our family was facing a lot of hardship. I knew that I was not born to be an orange picker on an orange farm – and knew that I was destined for something glamorous!
I used every opportunity that presented itself and threw myself into my books. I was blessed to obtain bursaries and with the support of my family and the Citrusdal community and generous bursaries, I managed to pursue tertiary education.
I originally wanted to study drama because I love theatre and the performing arts. Now I make sure there is pizazz in all of my lectures! I want to be the Beyoncé of compliance!
But seriously, while I enjoy practising law, being a lecturer is such a rewarding experience. I love interacting with students and helping them reach their goals. It is the most amazing experience of my life.
Read More: BCom student: ‘Milpark really is the most flexible institution’
Not at all! Compliance is the soul and conscience of a company. Companies play an important role in the stability of society; they affect not only the employees who work for them but also the communities in which they operate.
Non-compliance with internal rules and regulatory obligations can result in financial losses – and when businesses fail due to financial losses – livelihoods are destroyed.
Risk management is a relatively new area in business, but it is growing fast. Many companies don’t have risk managers or officers and may lack an understanding of the positive impact that proactive risk management will have on their businesses.
There are so many kinds of risks: Compliance and Regulatory Risks, Legal Risks, Strategic Risks, Operational Risks, Reputational Risks, and Financial Risk (to name a few). Companies need to be aware of these and manage them successfully to flourish.
We are currently experiencing the fourth industrial evolution – and risks are everywhere. If companies have a sophisticated risk and compliance programme, they will soar in these uncertain times.
A big concern for concern for businesses everywhere currently is the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many businesses are unfortunately unaware of the impact that AI will have on their operations, products and services.
It is especially important for employees to be aware of the impact of AI on their roles – as some roles may become redundant. I would urge every employee to be aware of how AI is impacting their business and their roles to ensure their relevance and employability.
In my opinion, Milpark is the number one higher education institution in online and distance learning in South Africa. I’ve done online learning at other institutions, and I have heard and seen horrible things in the higher education environment.
I am blessed to be employed at such a prestigious institution. What I love most about my job is my colleagues – they live and breathe education and the student experience is their number one focus.
But what I love most about my job is to see students go from dreary caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. Seeing students manifest their potential (and being a part of that process) is what I cherish the most.
The answer is simple: Don’t do it. It’s not worth it. We understand students are struggling, trying to juggle work and studies. But if you are caught cheating, and you probably will be, the repercussions are severe.
You could even be charged criminally, and you could lose your job (it is requirement that all professionals embody the highest standards of honesty and integrity.) All your sacrifices and efforts will go down the drain.
Rather, contact the programme managers and lecturers - they are very compassionate as most of them worked and studied part-time. Milpark also has counsellors available that will assist and guide you on how to balance personal and professional pressures.
Open your entire being to your studies – become what your qualification is going to be. Tell yourself that you’ve got it! As a Christian, when things get tough for me – I call on the Holy Spirit for assistance and guidance!
I would urge students to do the same. Whether you are a Christian, a Muslim or a Spiritualist, call upon God to intervene and trust that He will. My life is a symphony and I have achieved so many things one would not expect a little kid from a rural orange farm to achieve – simply because I've allowed God's will to manifest in my life.
KhanRoy Jacobs is a source of inspiration in the compliance space, bringing energy, creativity, and a dash of celebrity appeal to his profession. Jacobs has ushered in a new age of energy and vibrancy at Milpark and beyond with his creative leadership and innovative methods.
He has also redefined the expectations for regulatory compliance. We are left with a last reminder that, in the hands of a real visionary, compliance may be both rigorous and captivating as we say adieu to this examination of Jacobs' extraordinary journey.