August 2026

Newsletters

Time’s ticking! Only 24 hours remaining for our Early Bird Special

Or reply to this email to reserve your spot! Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

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National Minimum Wage Increase – Effective 1 March 2025

Dear Valued Clients, We would like to inform you that the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase from R27,58 per hour to R28,79 per hour, effective 1 March 2025. This adjustment represents an increase of approximately 4.4% and applies across all sectors, with a few exceptions. Key Points to Note: Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to pay the updated minimum wage could result in compliance orders, penalties, and legal action. Businesses that do not adhere to this requirement may face fines and enforcement measures from the Department of Employment and Labour. Should you have any concerns or require further clarification, reach out at info@pinionza.com. Best regards, Pinion SA Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

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Last Chance Alert! 1 week left to grab our Early Bird Special

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity – secure your tickets today and save! The early bird discount ends soon, so act fast and join us for an unforgettable experience! Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

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Early Bird Special – Valid from 11 Feb 2025

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity – secure your tickets today and save! The early bird discount ends soon, so act fast and join us for an unforgettable experience! Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

Happy New Year! Let’s Start 2025 on the Right Financial Footing

Pinion Wealth SA – FSP 50374 2025 has arrived with a bang, with promises to be the best year yet.Every year we are bombarded with more and more noise, content, hype, fake news, promises… the list goes on. As is my message every year, try not let this noise distract you from your goals and dreams, and let’s again focus on the things that are in our control, and not worry about those that aren’t. Don’t Miss Out! The run-in to February means that RA season deadlines are looming!This is the last chance to take advantage of the opportunities available to all of us to make RA and Tax-Free investment contributions to reduce your tax and increase your investments. Please don’t get caught up in the last-minute mayhem and risk missing these cut-off dates. Get your ducks in a row early and make these top-ups to your investments sooner rather than later. What I love about RA Season is the certainty!It sets us up for the year ahead with the certainty of a boost to your retirement nest egg and a guaranteed tax benefit. Just like it says on the bottle.If you don’t act now (see cut-off dates below), it is also certain that you will miss out on the tax deduction for the FYE 2025! Tax Planning & Retirement Top-Ups Below is a reminder of the benefits of making retirement annuity and tax-free investment top-ups before the end of February.Please engage with your accountant or tax practitioner (or us) early and don’t let the opportunity pass you by. Why Invest in a Retirement Annuity and Tax-Free Savings Account? Retirement annuities (RAs) and tax-free savings accounts (TFSA) are a great way to save for retirement or a long-term future objective. The earlier you invest in both, the better the end effect on your financial position both now (because of the tax deduction in RA’s) and in your future (due to compounding of the tax-free growth in both RA’s and TFSA’s). Retirement Annuity RAs should be used as part of your tax planning for the year. Your financial planner and/or tax practitioner can advise you on the optimum amount to contribute to your RA. Tax Benefits For every Rand spent on an RA your tax is reduced.  Someone earning R600k per annum would get 36c on the Rand back from SARS.  This tax reduction fluctuates from 18c on the Rand to 45c depending on your income level.  Chat to us or your tax practitioner if you need more guidance. An Added Benefit Since the implementation of the Two-Pot retirement system, you will now have access to 1/3 of your RA investment prior to reaching retirement age. This could perhaps provide further motivation to increase your future contributions, knowing that if push-comes-to-shove, you will be able to access a portion (seek advice here as tax implications do apply). Tax-Free Savings Account TFSA’s provide a capped opportunity to invest in a product that attracts no tax whatsoever on the growth of that investment. Contributions are capped at R36,000 a year and R500,000 in your lifetime. Tax benefits While you don’t receive an income tax deduction for contributions to a TFSA (i.e. contributions are made with post tax money), you will receive tax-free growth on this investment over the lifetime of the investment. No tax on interest, dividends or capital gains and ZERO tax when you withdraw any amount from the investment. Cut-Off Times for February Top-Ups! The different investment houses have different cut-off dates, so please make sure you are aware of what these are, and the documentation required in order to get your Top-ups invested in time.To avoid disappointment, try to have everything wrapped up prior to Friday the 21st of February 2025, and please keep in touch with us so that we can offer you our assistance in the process. The team at Pinion Wealth is here to assist you where needed. Wishing you all a prosperous 2025! Kind regardsBruce, Hugh, Leslee & Chaney bruce.brown@pinionza.com | leslee.marsh@pinionza.com | chaney.patience@pinionza.com Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

Happy New Year from Futa’s Footsteps!

Dear Clients Happy New Year from all of us at Futa’s Footsteps! As we embark on another year, we want to express our gratitude for your continued partnership and commitment to excellence in dairy farming. Together, we have the opportunity to grow, learn, and improve our practices as we build a sustainable future for the agricultural community. With over 45 years of experience in managing dairy cows and a passion for fostering skilled dairy professionals, I, Futa Oxenham, am excited to announce a range of tailored training programs designed specifically for farm workers and managers. These programs aim to enhance your team’s knowledge and skills in key areas that directly impact the efficiency and health of your dairy operations. Our Focus Areas Include: Milking Procedures for Udder Health:  Learn the best practices to ensure udder health and milk quality, minimizing the risk of infection and promoting overall well-being for your cows. Bovine Disease Management: Equip your team with the knowledge to recognize symptoms, manage disease prevention, and implement effective treatment strategies. Heat Spotting and AI Procedures: Gain insights into reproductive management, including heat detection and artificial insemination practices to optimize breeding efficiency. Cow Health and Comfort: Discover ways to tailor your environment and management practices to enhance cow comfort, leading to improved productivity and welfare. Calf Rearing Techniques: Understand the essentials of calf management to ensure healthy growth and development, setting the foundation for future productivity. Junior Pasture Principles: Learn the fundamentals of pasture management to maximize grazing efficiency and improve the health of your herd. My mission is to share knowledge and skills back into the farming industry. I believe that modernized practices should never overshadow the irreplaceable value of a farmer walking his lands, understanding the intricate dynamics of his farm, and nurturing relationships with his animals and workers. As we move forward into this promising year, I invite you to connect with us. Whether you’re looking to enhance your team’s capabilities or simply to exchange insights, we are here to support you. Let’s work together to cultivate a thriving and knowledgeable farming community where every worker and manager is empowered to excel in their roles. Wishing you a successful and fulfilling year ahead! Kind regards, Futa Oxenham Futa’s Footsteps  georgie.muller@pinionza.com | futa.oxenham@pinionza.com Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2025 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

Pinion Wealth turns 5!

Thank You to Our Loyal Clients! We are thrilled to announce that ACS Investing, now known as Pinion Wealth SA, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary as an official Financial Services Provider since receiving our license on December 10, 2019. This milestone reflects not just the passage of time but also the incredible journey we’ve shared with our loyal clients. Over the past five years, we’ve experienced remarkable growth, not only in our team’s development but also in our range of products and the quality of service we provide. Navigating through an exceptionally challenging and unpredictable period, we are proud to report that our clients’ portfolios have withstood significant trials. We owe our success to you—our dedicated clients—who have persevered through adversity, maintained your business strength, and remained steadfastly committed to your investment strategies. Your continued investment throughout these challenging times has yielded positive outcomes, and we sincerely hope our guidance has played a role in that success. As we express our gratitude for your trust and loyalty, we also recognize the hard work and expertise of our team, which has been instrumental in what we’ve built together. We have not only weathered storms but have flourished alongside you. Reflecting on 2024 As we draw the curtain on 2024, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the journey we’ve navigated this year and to set our sights on the opportunities and challenges that await us in 2025. The past 12 months have tested our resilience as a financial advisory practice, but they have also highlighted our strengths, values, and the unwavering trust placed in us by our clients. Highlights and Lowlights of 2024 This year, the financial landscape has been shaped by a mix of highs and lows, driven by market dynamics and geopolitical events: Growth and Evolution Despite the turbulent backdrop, Pinion Wealth SA has continued to grow steadily. This year, we expanded our client base, strengthened our team with new talent, and introduced innovative processes and reporting to enhance the client experience. We have always sought to differentiate ourselves through a steadfast commitment to independence, client-centricity, and goal-focused advice. These values are not mere words; they are the foundation of every decision we make and every service we deliver. To continue standing apart in a competitive industry, we have embraced technology, refined our processes, and deepened our expertise. Innovation remains at the heart of our evolution, and we are excited about the steps we are taking to meet the future with confidence. What Awaits Us in 2025 As we look ahead, 2025 promises both opportunities and challenges. Staying True to Our Core In a world of constant change, our core values serve as our compass. We remain fiercely independent, committed to offering unbiased advice tailored to our clients’ unique goals. Our focus on long-term success over short-term gains ensures that we act in the best interest of those we serve. Following the crowd instead of a process would likely not be met with great, long-term success. Our processes are founded on principles that continue to ring true and, we believe, always will. Following such a process and “controlling the controllables” creates more certainty and predictability in our clients’ lives and plans allowing us to take advantage of some of those opportunities that present themselves when they do. We will continue to work with you to maximise these opportunities. A last word on South Africa! I remain deeply positive on South Africa! There is no better place in the world to live and raise children [fact-checked] and the majority of people and clients that I speak to, I believe, feel the same way. However, I‘ve grown weary (and wary) of the word “resilient” when we South Africans self-describe ourselves – as though we are somehow better than the rest of the world. We do what is required in our circumstance and that makes us human. Nothing more. Through this, some are able to thrive. But not all are [thriving], in fact the vast majority are not – and we would do well to remind ourselves of that. If South Africa is to reach her full potential (and truly be better than the rest of the world), we all need to play our part in promoting and growing the rest of the country out of poverty. A tough ask, perhaps, to the “Average-Joe” grappling with their own struggles but as the festive season approaches, my suggested starting point is ‘Positivity and Humanity’. Let’s be positive in every conversation we have this December with family, friends, expats and visiting tourists. And give a human touch to those less fortunate in any way we can. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones this festive season. May this time be one of joy, rest, and reflection. Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2025, filled with opportunities to grow and achieve your financial goals. We look forward to walking this journey with you. With gratitude and best regards, Bruce BrownManaging Director, Pinion Wealth SA As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform you that our offices will be closed from 2 pm on December 20, 2024, and will reopen on January 6, 2025. Warm regards,The Pinion SA Team Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2024 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

From the office of the CEO 2024

As we approach the conclusion of 2024, it is with great pride that I reflect on what has been a transformative year for our company. This year marked the beginning of a new chapter as we embarked on a significant rebranding journey, aligning ourselves with the Pinion Global Network. This partnership not only enhances our capacity, but also opens a world of possibilities for our clients and our business in the years to come. The rebranding was more than a change of name or logo – it was a redefinition of our identity. By joining forces with like-minded organizations across the globe, we have expanded our horizons, strengthened our expertise, and solidified our commitment to delivering cutting-edge agricultural advisory and business support solutions. Our Strength Lies in Our People At the core of our success is our human capital. Our team, comprising some of the most talented, innovative, and dedicated professionals, is our greatest asset. It is their expertise, creativity, and passion that enable us to deliver best-of-breed services and solutions to the market. We have invested significantly in training and development programs, ensuring our people remain at the forefront of innovation and excellence. I am deeply grateful for their contributions and unwavering commitment and trust in our vision. Innovation at the Heart of Growth The agriculture and business support sectors are rapidly evolving, with new technologies, practices, and opportunities emerging every day. This year, we focused on harnessing our expanded network to bring global best practice to our business and to our clients. Whether it was through introducing advanced financial models, deploying expert agriculture knowledge, or offering data-driven insights; we have continued to lead from the front. Our integration into the Pinion Global Network has provided access to a wealth of shared knowledge and resources, empowering us to deliver solutions tailored to both local needs and international standards. 2024 Agriculture Overview There is not sufficient time to get into specific sectors, but from an agricultural perspective we have seen significant swings in commodity prices, as hyper food inflation has impacted our struggling consumers. Evidence of this is the red meat industry prices dropping to 2018 prices, and maize fluctuating 30% in the year. All the above occurring with low published inflation, and high-cost increases in labour, distribution and energy. It has been a clear reminder that we need to build robust low-cost businesses; that can handle the cyclical, seasonal nature of commodity-based agriculture.To this extent the continuous improvement of our production systems and implementation thereof is what will keep our businesses flourishing into the future. Pinion SA believes that the knowledge we can bring back to our clients from the Pinion Global Network will be an enabler of this continuous improvement; without the school fees we usually incur. This is summed up by my favourite quote – “There is nothing more wasteful than optimising a process that should never have been done” – Peter Druker And in agriculture we spend a lot of time finding solutions for problems we can avoid. Lastly the Foot and Mouth outbreak in the Tsitsikamma has been a clear reminder/warning to all of us about the biological risk. My thoughts are with all those that where affected by it and I believe that when you look back there will be many key learnings which will enable you to improve your businesses. I encourage you to document and implement what you have learnt.  It is my hope that all farmers take note of the financial impact that an event such as this can have on your business and pay biosecurity the due respect it deserves. EURFRAS 2024 Conference Some interesting international developments I noted during the EUFRAS conference I attended in Edinburgh: 2024 Pinion SA Highlights It really has been a year of change, growth, learning and opportunity. Below are a few of the changes we have made over the past 12 months. Looking Ahead to 2025 As we set our sights on 2025, we do so with confidence and anticipation. The possibilities ahead are boundless, and we are excited about the opportunities to grow alongside our clients, partners, and communities. In the coming year, we will continue to focus on: Festive Wishes As we wrap up this extraordinary year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our clients, partners, and staff for your trust, support, and collaboration. You are the reason for our success, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones together in 2025. On behalf of everyone at Pinion South Africa, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May 2025 bring growth, abundance, and happiness. Warm regards,Llewellyn CollettCEO, PINION SOUTH AFRICA Please save our WhatsApp number, +27 71 324 1544 as a contact on your phone to ensure you receive important updates from the Pinion SA Group. As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform you that our offices will be closed from 2 pm on December 20, 2024, and will reopen on January 6, 2025. Warm regards,The Pinion SA Team Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2024 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

Changes to Tax Laws impacting distributions to non-residents

Changes to Tax Laws Impacting Distributions to Non-Resident Beneficiaries from South African Trusts Effective 1 March 2024 The recent amendments to South African tax laws that affect distributions from local trusts to non-resident beneficiaries, effective 1 March 2024, will alter the taxation framework for trust income and capital gains, requiring trustees and beneficiaries to adapt their financial strategies. Overview of Section 25B of the Income Tax Act Section 25B of the South African Income Tax Act governs the taxation of income earned by trusts and distributed to beneficiaries. Historically, this section allowed income and capital gains from a trust to “flow through” to beneficiaries, ensuring that taxation occurred at the beneficiary’s level rather than within the trust itself. Key Changes Effective 1 March 2024 As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform you that our offices will be closed from 2 pm on December 20, 2024, and will reopen on January 6, 2025. Warm regards,The Pinion SA Team Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2024 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Newsletters

November 2024 Newsletter

Labour Law Insights, POPIA Compliance, Employment Equity Season, Skills Reporting Season, ACS Academy Offerings and our Newly Launched Livestock Study Group. As we dive into November, it’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by! Join us as we explore essential topics including Labour Law Insights from Pinion Human Capital, the importance of POPIA Compliance, and updates on Employment Equity and Skills Reporting Seasons. Additionally, discover our exciting Pinion Livestock Study Group and latest ACS Academy offerings. Let’s ensure we finish the year strong and compliant—read on for more! Please save our WhatsApp number, +27 71 324 1544 as a contact on your phone to ensure you receive important updates from the Pinion SA Group. Pinion Agri Conference 2025 Join us for an exciting exploration at the upcoming Agri Conference, where innovation meets tradition!  Theme: Revisiting the Rules of the GameDate: 11 & 12 March 2025Location: Running Waters, Plot 6, Kragga Kamma Rd Port Elizabeth 6070Workshop by: Chantell Ilbury, who has co-authored three best-selling books on scenarios and strategy with Clem Sunter. (Mind of a Fox) This is your chance to gain insights, network with industry leaders, and scenario plan the future of agriculture. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information on registration and the agenda. We can’t wait to see you there! Exciting news from Pinion Advisory! Livestock Study Group is up and running. Our first session delved into production data and financial analysis, sparking healthy debates and valuable discussions on optimizing performance in sheep, beef, and goat farming. Employment Equity Season All clients to please remember to submit your Employment Equity (EE) data for the 2024 EE Compliance season. The deadline for final online submission of EE Reporting is January 15, 2025. Timely submission ensures compliance and allows for a smoother review process.Failure to comply with this deadline may have serious implications, including potential penalties, fines, or legal actions. Skills Reporting Season The skills reporting season will open in December 2024. This is the period to submit your Annual Training Report (ATR) and Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) with the relevant Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa.Submitting these reports is essential for compliance with skills development regulations and is a key step in securing your Mandatory and Discretionary Grant funding. Please prepare your data and documentation ahead of time to ensure a smooth submission process. Skills reporting online submissions is due on 30th of April 2025. Reach out if you need support with preparing your reports or have questions regarding the requirements. Labour Law Insights by Pinion Human Capital  In the complex landscape of labour law, understanding vicarious liability is crucial, particularly when it comes to issues of sexual harassment in the workplace. The legal concept of vicarious liability holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees during the course of their employment, especially when those actions involve discrimination or harassment. This principle is firmly grounded in Section 60 of the Employment Equity Act, which delineates the circumstances under which an employer can be held liable for the misconduct of its employees. Employers are deemed vicariously liable if discriminatory acts were committed during the course of employment and in connection with fulfilling the employee’s duties. The employer may have a defence, if it can demonstrate that it has taken all reasonable steps to prevent such conduct. Examples of reasonable steps could include amongst others the following: Please contact madelaine.loock@pinionza.com for more advice or to arrange workplace training regarding the above for your managers and employees. POPIA Compliance Is your business fully POPIA compliant? At Pinion Human Capital, we specialize in guiding companies through every step of the POPIA compliance journey, safeguarding your organisation and building trust with your clients.Our comprehensive services include: Avoid penalties, build customer confidence, and protect your brand with Pinion’s expert POPIA compliance assistance. Contact us today to secure your business’s compliance future!If you have any questions regarding Employment Equity / Skills or POPIA Compliance, feel free to reach out for assistance, please contact Licinda.cordier@pinionza.com or rene.botha@pinionza.com As we approach the festive season, we would like to inform you that our offices will be closed from 4:30 PM on December 20, 2024, and will reopen on January 6, 2025. Warm regards,The Pinion SA Team Disclaimer: The information supplied herein should not be used or relied upon as professional advice.  No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.  Always contact our office for specific and detailed advice. Any legal information presented is a precis of current legislation, is subject to change and should not be used as a substitute for detailed professional advice. Copyright © 2024 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

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