July 22, 2024

Navigating and staying on top of regulatory requirements and deadlines is crucial for businesses across all sectors, especially those focused on sustainable farming. Ensuring compliance not only keeps operations running smoothly but also supports the long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility of your business. Key updates and reminders include significant changes in diesel rebates, which are particularly relevant for those in the agricultural sector. Understanding these changes and maintaining meticulous records can ensure that your sustainable farming practices benefit from available rebates. Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the submission deadlines for Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR). These submissions are vital for receiving grants that can support training and development initiatives, which are integral to sustainable farming. Compliance with POPI (Protection of Personal Information Act) and PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act) is also critical. These regulations ensure the protection of personal information and promote transparency, both of which are important for maintaining trust and integrity in sustainable farming operations. For those managing trusts, staying up-to-date with tax compliance requirements is essential. This includes understanding the obligations for both active and passive trusts, ensuring timely submissions, and being aware of any changes that may affect tax filings. Proper compliance supports the financial stability and ethical management of sustainable farming ventures. Finally, protecting yourself from SARS email scams is crucial. Being vigilant and following best practices can safeguard your business from potential fraud, ensuring that your focus remains on sustainable farming practices and compliance with all relevant regulations. By staying informed and proactive about these regulatory requirements, businesses can ensure they operate within the law, support sustainable farming initiatives, and contribute to a healthier environment and community. Diesel Rebates: What You Need to Know The landscape of diesel rebates is evolving, especially for those involved in sustainable farming. Recent rulings by the Gauteng High Court have underscored the necessity of meticulous record-keeping for diesel refund claims. Taxpayers who fail to provide clear and comprehensive logs risk having their claims disallowed. This has significant implications for the agricultural sector, where diesel usage is integral to daily operations and sustainable farming practices. To avoid disallowance of claims, it is essential to maintain logbooks that detail every aspect of distillate fuel usage, from purchase to application. This includes recording the date of purchase, the amount of fuel bought, and the specific use of the fuel. Clear documentation helps in distinguishing between eligible and non-eligible fuel usage, ensuring that only valid claims are submitted. Adhering strictly to Schedule 6 criteria is essential for successful rebate claims. Schedule 6 outlines the requirements for logbooks, emphasising the need for precision and detail. For sustainable farming operations, this means keeping an accurate record of how diesel is used in various activities such as planting, irrigation, harvesting, and transportation. Each of these activities must be documented thoroughly to create a comprehensive audit trail. Importance of Diesel Rebates in Sustainable Farming Diesel rebates are particularly beneficial for sustainable farming, as they provide financial relief that can be reinvested into environmentally friendly practices. By ensuring that all diesel usage is well-documented and eligible for rebates, farmers can secure funds that support the implementation of sustainable technologies and practices. These may include: Investing in energy-efficient machinery: Using the rebate funds to purchase or upgrade to more energy-efficient farming equipment can reduce fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing precision agriculture: Utilising advanced technologies to optimise fuel usage during planting, irrigation, and harvesting can enhance efficiency and sustainability. Supporting renewable energy projects: Reinvesting savings from diesel rebates into renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can further reduce the farm’s carbon footprint. SETA Mandatory Grant Applications: What Sustainable Farmers Need to Know Employers are reminded to submit their Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to their allocated Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) by the 30 April deadline. Compliance with SETA requirements is crucial as it can earn you 20% of Mandatory Grants. This is particularly important for those in the sustainable farming sector, where continuous training and development are key to implementing effective and environmentally friendly farming practices. Importance of WSP/ATR Submissions in Sustainable Farming Submitting a comprehensive WSP and ATR is not just about compliance; it is an investment in the future of sustainable farming. The WSP outlines your organisation’s plan for addressing skills gaps and training needs over the upcoming year, while the ATR reports on the training that was conducted in the previous year. This process ensures that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt and maintain sustainable farming practices. Benefits of Compliance for Sustainable Farming Financial Incentives: By submitting the WSP and ATR on time and complying with SETA requirements, sustainable farming businesses can receive 20% of Mandatory Grants. These funds can be reinvested in further training and development programs, enhancing the capabilities of your workforce. Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Continuous training ensures that employees are up-to-date with the latest sustainable farming techniques and technologies. This can lead to improved productivity, efficiency, and environmental outcomes on the farm. Meeting Environmental Standards: Sustainable farming practices often involve adhering to strict environmental standards. Training funded through SETA grants can help ensure that your staff are knowledgeable about these standards and how to meet them. POPI and PAIA Compliance Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) is vital for protecting personal information and ensuring access to information rights. This is especially important for sustainable farming operations, which often handle a significant amount of personal and sensitive information related to employees, suppliers, and customers. Understanding POPIA and PAIA POPIA aims to protect personal information by regulating how it is collected, stored, used, and shared. For sustainable farming businesses, this means implementing measures to safeguard personal data, ensuring that it is processed lawfully, transparently, and securely. PAIA promotes transparency and access to information by ensuring that individuals can obtain information held by public and private

We are thrilled to announce that as of 1 March 2024, ACS 360 has officially joined the Pinion Global Network. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for our company, bringing together thought leadership, growth, and resources from the USA, Australia, and now South Africa. This transition not only rebrands ACS 360 to Pinion SA but also opens new horizons for our clients in the agriculture sector. The agriculture sector is facing an era of unprecedented change and opportunity. By joining the Pinion Global Network, we are enhancing our capabilities to support our clients through these transformations. The integration of ACS 360 into the Pinion Global Network leverages the extensive experience and innovative approaches of leading firms from around the world. This collaboration means that our clients in the agriculture sector can now benefit from a broader range of services, expanded global expertise, and strengthened partnerships. This rebranding to Pinion SA signifies more than just a name change. It represents our commitment to providing the agriculture sector with unparalleled support and resources. Our clients can expect continued excellence in service, coupled with new insights and strategies from a global network dedicated to advancing agricultural practices and business success. What Does This Mean for You as Our Client? As a valued client, you might be wondering how this change will impact you. We want to reassure you that, aside from the rebranding of ACS 360 to Pinion SA, there will be no significant changes to the services you receive. Broader Service Offering The integration into the Pinion Global Network allows us to offer a wider range of services. This means more comprehensive support for your agricultural, business, and financial needs. For clients in the agriculture sector, this translates to access to advanced agricultural consulting services that encompass everything from farm management and crop optimisation to financial planning and sustainability practices. Our enhanced service portfolio ensures that you have the tools and expertise needed to thrive in a competitive agricultural landscape. Expanded Global Presence Our association with leading firms in the USA and Australia strengthens our global presence, providing you with access to international expertise and resources. In the agriculture sector, this global reach means that you can benefit from the latest advancements and best practices from around the world. Whether it’s innovative farming techniques, cutting-edge technology, or international market insights, our expanded network brings global knowledge to your local operations, helping you stay ahead of industry trends and challenges. Strengthened Partnerships Our commitment to Accountability, Excellence, and Innovation remains unchanged, ensuring that you continue to receive the highest level of service and industry expertise. By joining the Pinion Global Network, we have fortified our partnerships with some of the most respected names in agricultural consulting worldwide. This collaboration enhances our ability to provide you with strategic advice and solutions that are both innovative and effective. Our strengthened partnerships mean that we can offer you deeper insights, robust support, and unparalleled expertise in the agriculture sector. About the Pinion Global Network The Pinion Global Network is a dedicated collaboration of food and agricultural advisory firms from around the world. This network strives to share information from local and country levels to empower farmers and agribusinesses on an international scale. By joining this network, Pinion SA becomes part of a global community that is committed to driving forward the success of the agriculture sector. Empowering the Agriculture Sector Globally The Pinion Global Network represents a concerted effort to bring together the best minds in the agriculture sector. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide comprehensive support and innovative solutions to farmers and agribusinesses. By leveraging the collective expertise and resources of our member firms, we can address the unique challenges faced by the agriculture sector and drive sustainable growth. Information Sharing and Best Practices One of the core strengths of the Pinion Global Network is its ability to facilitate the sharing of information and best practices across borders. In the agriculture sector, this means that farmers and agribusinesses can access cutting-edge knowledge and technologies from different parts of the world. By learning from the successes and experiences of others, agricultural businesses can adopt new strategies that improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Global Reach, Local Impact While the Pinion Global Network operates on an international scale, our focus remains on making a tangible impact at the local level. By combining global insights with local expertise, we ensure that our clients in the agriculture sector receive tailored solutions that are relevant to their specific needs and circumstances. This approach helps to bridge the gap between global advancements and local implementation, fostering innovation and growth in the agriculture sector. Commitment to Sustainability Sustainability is a key priority for the Pinion Global Network. In the agriculture sector, sustainable practices are essential for ensuring long-term viability and environmental stewardship. Our network is dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture by providing guidance on best practices, innovative technologies, and policy advocacy. By supporting farmers and agribusinesses in adopting sustainable methods, we contribute to the overall health and resilience of the agriculture sector. Enhanced Support and Resources As a member of the Pinion Global Network, Pinion SA has access to an expanded pool of resources and expertise. This enhanced support enables us to offer more comprehensive agricultural consulting services to our clients. Whether it’s advanced agronomic advice, financial planning, risk management, or market analysis, our clients benefit from the collective knowledge and capabilities of the entire network. Business Unit Name Changes As part of this rebranding, several business unit names have changed to align with the Pinion brand: ACS 360 (Pty) Ltd is now Pinion SA (Pty) Ltd ACS Consulting (Pty) Ltd is now Pinion Advisory (Pty) Ltd ACS Accounting Trust is now trading as Pinion Business Solutions ACS Investing (Pty) Ltd is now Pinion Wealth SA (Pty) Ltd ACS Empowerment Solutions (Pty) Ltd is now Pinion Human Capital (Pty) Ltd ACS Academy (Pty) Ltd remains unchanged. Our Commitment to You We want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued

Effective September 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a new requirement for trusts to submit an IT3(t) form. This submission is required in addition to the current Trust Return Process and must be completed before the annual Trust Income Tax Return is submitted. Ensuring tax compliance has never been more critical, as this new requirement underscores the importance of accurate reporting and transparency in trust management. The IT3(t) form is a key element in achieving full tax compliance, providing a detailed declaration of the trust’s income distribution to beneficiaries. As the regulatory landscape evolves, staying informed and proactive about these changes is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. By adhering to the new submission requirements, trusts can demonstrate their commitment to tax compliance and transparency, reinforcing their integrity and reliability. As we navigate these changes, Pinion SA is here to support you every step of the way. Our expertise in tax compliance ensures that your submissions are accurate and timely, helping you meet all regulatory requirements with confidence. What is the IT3(t) Form? The IT3(t) form is an annual submission to SARS that serves as a crucial component of trust compliance. Ensuring tax compliance is essential for maintaining the integrity and transparency of trust operations. The IT3(t) form involves reporting any amount vested in a beneficiary during a specific tax year. Essentially, this form is a declaration of the trust’s income distribution to beneficiaries. Accurate completion of this form is a key aspect of tax compliance, as it includes detailed disclosures of various types of income distributed to beneficiaries, such as: Capital Gains: Profits from the sale of trust assets. Reporting capital gains accurately is vital for tax compliance, ensuring that all profits from asset sales are properly declared. Dividends: Income from investments in stocks. Dividends received by the trust must be reported to maintain tax compliance, reflecting all earnings from stock investments. Interest: Earnings from savings or other interest-bearing accounts. Properly declaring interest income is a critical part of tax compliance, ensuring that all earnings from interest are accounted for. Rental Income: Revenue from properties owned by the trust. Rental income must be included in the IT3(t) form to adhere to tax compliance standards, showcasing all revenue generated from trust-owned properties. Other Income: Any additional income generated by the trust. Comprehensive reporting of all other income types is necessary for complete tax compliance, ensuring no income is omitted from the declaration. By accurately completing the IT3(t) form, trusts can demonstrate their commitment to tax compliance, ensuring that all income distributions to beneficiaries are transparently reported and in line with SARS regulations. Submission Deadline for Trust The submission deadline for trusts typically falls by the end of September each year. However, the exact deadline may vary. Ensuring timely submission is crucial for maintaining tax compliance and avoiding any potential penalties or fines. Here’s an expanded look at why meeting the deadline is essential and how to stay on top of tax compliance requirements. Consult with a Tax Professional To ensure full tax compliance, it is highly recommended that trusts consult with a tax professional. A tax professional can provide precise guidance on the specific submission deadline for the IT3(t) form. This professional advice is invaluable in navigating the complexities of tax compliance and ensuring that all requirements are met accurately and on time. Refer to SARS Guidelines SARS guidelines are the definitive source for understanding the deadlines and requirements for the IT3(t) form submission. Staying updated with SARS guidelines helps maintain tax compliance by providing the latest information on submission dates and required documentation. Trusts should regularly review these guidelines to ensure they are aligned with the current regulations. Avoiding Penalties and Fines Meeting the submission deadline is a key component of tax compliance. Failing to submit the IT3(t) form on time can result in significant penalties and fines, which can have financial implications for the trust. By adhering to the deadlines and ensuring timely submission, trusts can avoid these unnecessary costs and maintain a good standing with SARS. Importance of Timely Submission Timely submission of the IT3(t) form not only ensures tax compliance but also reinforces the trust’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It reflects a proactive approach to managing tax obligations and demonstrates to beneficiaries and other stakeholders that the trust operates with integrity. Staying Organised Maintaining an organised record of all income distributions and necessary documentation is essential for tax compliance. Trusts should implement effective record-keeping practices to ensure that all information required for the IT3(t) form is readily available. This organisation simplifies the submission process and helps in meeting deadlines without stress. Regular Updates The landscape of tax compliance is dynamic, with regulations and deadlines subject to change. Trusts should seek regular updates from their tax professionals and stay informed about any changes in SARS guidelines. This proactive approach ensures that they are always prepared to meet their tax compliance obligations. Updating Tax Representatives for Trusts To comply with the new SARS requirements, it is now necessary to update your tax representatives for trusts. This update is essential for maintaining tax compliance and ensuring accurate IT3(t) submissions. Accurate representation is a crucial aspect of tax compliance, as it helps in the proper management and reporting of trust activities to SARS. In the coming weeks, Pinion SA’s Trust clients will receive a request from Simelita Adolph (simelita.adolph@pinionza.com) regarding this update. This communication will outline the steps needed to update your tax representative information, ensuring that your trust is fully aligned with the latest tax compliance requirements. Please prioritise responding to ensure compliance and accurate tax filings. Timely updates to your tax representatives will help prevent any delays or inaccuracies in your IT3(t) submissions, reinforcing your commitment to tax compliance and transparency. By addressing this requirement promptly, you can avoid potential issues and ensure that your trust remains in good standing with SARS. For any questions or further assistance, feel free to contact us at info@pinionza.com or call 041 368 6691. Our team

At Pinion Human Capital, we highly value cultivating client connections and providing comprehensive services that cater to the unique requirements of each client. Our commitment is evident in our extensive IR & HR service offerings, which are geared towards assisting businesses in navigating employee and workplace issues. In today’s dynamic business environment, effectively managing human capital is crucial for success. Establishing strong bonds with your workforce and overseeing staff operations efficiently are vital elements for fostering a productive and harmonious workplace. Pinion Human Capital stands at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that businesses are equipped to meet the challenges of modern employee relations and regulatory compliance. Comprehensive Industrial Relations Services at Pinion – Human Capital Pinion Human Capital specialises in providing comprehensive assistance and services in the realm of Industrial Relations (IR). Our dedicated team of experts is highly experienced and equipped to handle a wide array of issues that may arise in the workplace. Our goal is to support businesses in maintaining harmonious and compliant work environments, ensuring that employee relations are managed effectively and professionally. Dispute Resolution at CCMA and Bargaining Council One of our core services at Pinion Human Capital involves dispute resolution at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) and various Bargaining Councils. Workplace disputes can arise from a variety of issues, including unfair dismissals, wage disputes, and other employment conditions. Our team is skilled in facilitating conciliation and mediation processes to resolve conflicts amicably and efficiently, minimising disruption to your business operations. Trade Union Negotiations Trade unions play a significant role in representing employees’ interests, and negotiating with them can often be complex and challenging. Our Human Capital experts are proficient in handling trade union negotiations, addressing various employee issues such as working conditions, pay disputes, and other employment terms. We aim to achieve mutually beneficial agreements that align with both organisational goals and employees’ rights. Assistance with Condonation & Rescission Applications In instances where deadlines have been missed or initial rulings need to be revisited, we provide assistance with Condonation and Rescission Applications. These applications are critical in ensuring that businesses have the opportunity to present their cases or defenses despite procedural setbacks. Our Human Capital team guides clients through the application process, ensuring that all necessary documentation and justifications are meticulously prepared. Keeping You Informed on Labour Legislation Staying current with the latest labour legislation and statutory changes is crucial for compliance and effective workforce management. Our Human Capital team is committed to keeping our clients informed about new laws, amendments, and regulatory updates that impact their operations. We provide timely updates and advice on how to implement necessary changes within your business to remain compliant with South African labour laws. Optional Representation in Labour Court For cases that escalate beyond initial dispute resolution mechanisms, we offer optional representation in Labour Court through recommended legal practitioners. Our legal partners are experienced in labour law and can provide robust representation to protect your business interests. This service ensures that clients have access to professional legal support when facing complex and high-stakes employment disputes. Contact Information For more information on our HR/IR service offerings, please contact: Madelaine Loock: madelaine.loock@pinionza.com, +27 (0) 74 547 1934 Natassja Barnard: natassja.barnard@pinionza.com, +27 (0) 82 437 1498 Visit our website or contact info@pinionza.com for more information. Alcohol Testing: How Reliable is a Breathalyser Test Result? The reliability of breathalyser tests in alcohol testing has been a topic of scrutiny and debate, particularly following a recent case at the Labour Court. This case highlighted significant concerns regarding the accuracy and dependability of breathalyser results in the workplace, raising important questions about their validity as a sole indicator of alcohol consumption. The Case Overview In the case under review, an employee tested positive for alcohol on three separate breathalyser tests conducted by the employer. Despite these results, the employee adamantly denied consuming any alcohol and subsequently underwent a blood test, which returned a negative result for alcohol. Legal Proceedings and Outcomes The employee challenged his dismissal at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The arbitrator, considering the evidence presented, ruled in favor of the employee. The decision was based on the premise that the blood test results were more accurate and reliable compared to the breathalyser tests. This ruling was subsequently upheld by the Labour Court. Key Findings Accuracy of Breathalyser Tests: The case brought to light the potential for false positive results in breathalyser tests. Various factors can affect the accuracy of these tests, including the presence of certain chemicals, medical conditions, or even environmental influences. The court acknowledged that while breathalyser tests are useful, they are not infallible. Reliability of Blood Tests: Blood tests are widely regarded as the gold standard in alcohol testing due to their higher accuracy and reliability. In this case, the negative blood test result provided a definitive indication that the employee had not consumed alcohol, contradicting the breathalyser results. Corroborating Evidence: The Labour Court emphasised the importance of corroborating breathalyser test results with other forms of evidence. This includes conducting general observation tests and documenting witness observations to provide a comprehensive assessment of the employee’s condition. Relying solely on breathalyser results without additional evidence can lead to unjust conclusions. Implications for Employers The outcome of this case has significant implications for employers who use breathalyser tests as part of their alcohol testing policies: Policy Review: Employers should review their alcohol testing policies to ensure they are not overly reliant on breathalyser tests. Incorporating blood tests as a confirmatory step can provide a more accurate assessment. Training and Documentation: Proper training for personnel conducting breathalyser tests is crucial. Additionally, thorough documentation of the testing process and any observations made about the employee’s behaviour and condition should be maintained. Legal Compliance: Employers must ensure that their alcohol testing procedures comply with legal standards and consider the potential for false positives. This includes being prepared to corroborate breathalyser results with other evidence. National Minimum Wage 2024 The National Minimum Wage (NMW) represents the lowest amount of