September 8, 2026

The 2026 Employment Equity reporting season has officially opened. Following the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act on 1 January 2025, designated employers are now subject to stricter compliance requirements and increased scrutiny from the Department of Employment and Labour. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of sector-specific numerical targets, requiring designated employers to align their Employment Equity Plans and workforce transformation objectives with targets applicable to their specific industry. The 2026 Employment Equity reporting period:•    Online submissions: 1 September 2026 to 15 January 2027•    Manual submissions: 1 September 2026 to 1 October 2026 Failure to comply with the latest legislative requirements may result in penalties, compliance challenges, and the loss of business opportunities where an Employment Equity Compliance Certificate is required. Who Must Comply? The definition of a designated employer has changed.If your business employs 50 or more employees, you are classified as a designated employer and are required to comply with the full provisions of the Employment Equity Act. Businesses employing fewer than 50 employees may also benefit from compliance with certain Employment Equity requirements, particularly where an Employment Equity Compliance Certificate is required for tenders or future business opportunities. Employment Equity Compliance Requirements To remain compliant, employers should:•    Determine whether they qualify as a designated employer.•    Register and maintain their profile on the Employment Equity Online System.•    Review and update their Employment Equity Plan.•    Align their Employment Equity Plan with the applicable sector-specific targets.•    Conduct a workforce analysis.•    Prepare accurate EEA2 and EEA4 reports.•    Submit reports within the prescribed deadlines.•    Maintain supporting records and proof of submission. How Pinion SA Can Assist We provide comprehensive Employment Equity support, including:•    Determining your compliance obligations.•    Preparing and reviewing Employment Equity Plans.•    Conducting workforce analysis and compliance assessments.•    Completing and submitting Employment Equity reports.•    Providing guidance on sector-specific numerical targets.•    Assisting during Department of Employment and Labour inspections.•    Providing ongoing labour law and compliance support. Employment Equity compliance is no longer simply an annual reporting exercise. Employers are expected to actively plan, monitor, and demonstrate meaningful progress towards their transformation objectives. By reviewing your Employment Equity strategy now, your business will be better positioned to remain compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and confidently meet its reporting obligations. Need assistance with your Employment Equity compliance? Please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can assist your business. Licinda CordierEE/Skills Compliance Administrator📞 084 997 0690📧 Licinda.cordier@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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Dear Valued Recipients, We would like to inform you of a recent security incident involving one of our email accounts: phelisa.plaatjie@pinionza.com, which has been compromised. We have taken immediate steps to secure the account and are actively managing the situation. An unauthorized email may have been sent from this address containing an attachment. If opened, the attachment may prompt you to click on a link and enter your login credentials. ⚠️ Please take note of the following: We are aware that various phishing scams are currently circulating, including those impersonating trusted entities such as SARS. We urge you to remain vigilant at all times. 🚨 If you have already clicked on the link or entered your credentials: If you have received such an email: If you are unsure whether a communication is legitimate, please contact our office directly to verify. Your security and the protection of your personal information remain our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and caution in this matter. Kind regards,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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Dear Client, The Information Regulator continues to increase its focus on POPIA and PAIA compliance. Recent high-profile data breaches have highlighted the serious consequences of non-compliance, including regulatory investigations, fines, legal action, operational disruption and reputational damage. POPIA and PAIA compliance is not optional, it is a legal requirement. Organisations that fail to comply may be exposing themselves to significant legal and financial risk. Important PAIA Submission Deadline – 30 June 2026 The Information Regulator has set 30 June 2026 as the deadline for annual PAIA report submissions. Failure to submit the required report may constitute non-compliance and attract regulatory attention. Pinion Human Capital remains committed to assisting clients with their compliance obligations and reducing legal and operational risk. If you require assistance with your PAIA Annual Report submission or would like to review your organisation’s compliance status, please contact us. We also encourage you to join our POPIA & PAIA Compliance Training Session via Microsoft Teams on 10 June 2026, where we will discuss key compliance requirements, PAIA reporting obligations and practical compliance guidance. Kind RegardsPinion Human Capital 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

With the 30 June PAIA Annual Report deadline fast approaching, now is the time to ensure your organisation is fully compliant. Join our free POPIA & PAIA Awareness Training on 10 June 2026 at 09:00 (MS Teams) for practical guidance and expert insights. In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of POPIA principles, PAIA requirements, Information Officer responsibilities, data protection and direct marketing regulations – along with the risks of non-compliance. Equip your organisation with the tools needed to strengthen your compliance framework and stay audit-ready. 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

We are pleased to welcome Elaine Luck to the ECSMAT team. Elaine has taken over from Toni and will be assisting Glenda with the administration of the East Cape Sharemilking Agency Trust. Please note that Glenda will be on leave from 1 June to 22 June 2026 and will not have access to her phone or emails during this period. During this time, all payments and administration of leases will continue as normal. Should you have any queries, please contact Elaine Luck at: 📧 admin@ecsmat.co.za📞 041 368 6691 Kind regards,Llewellyn Collettand the ECSMAT 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

There’s no shortage of pressure in agri and business right now – deadlines to meet, decisions to make, and risks to manage. But there’s also momentum, opportunity, and plenty happening across the sector. In this issue, we share updates, insights, and stories that matter. Supporting the Fight Against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) remains a serious risk to the livestock sector. Although progress has been made with vaccine rollout, current vaccination levels are still below what is needed for effective herd immunity, and the disease continues to spread. Through FMD Response SA, industry leaders Andrew Morphew and Stephen Butt (KZN) are supporting efforts to strengthen vaccination coverage and raise awareness of the impact of FMD on the sector. A focused media and awareness campaign, supported by Resolve Communications, has been launched to promote informed, practical solutions and support ongoing industry initiatives, including the work of bodies such as the MPO. How you can help A BackaBuddy fundraising campaign has been launched to raise R500,000 to support this initiative. Broader industry support is essential to ensure it has the desired impact.👉 Support the campaign here: FMD Response SA | BackaBuddy This is a challenge that affects the entire livestock industry. By supporting this initiative, we can help strengthen existing efforts and contribute to long‑term disease control. Pressure today, potential tomorrow Why South Africa’s livestock industry is more resilient than you think South Africa’s livestock industry is facing real pressure — from FMD and biosecurity risks to climate uncertainty and rising production costs. But despite these challenges, the long‑term outlook remains promising In our latest blog, we explore: Understanding what you can control is the key to building sustainability and profitability in tough years. 🔗 Read the full blog: Livestock Farming In South Africa: Current Pressures And The Promising Path Ahead | SA Large Herds Conference 2026 Big herds. Big decisions. Real answers. With rising costs, biosecurity pressure, and tighter margins, today’s herd managers can’t afford guesswork. SA Large Herds brings together leading experts, producers, and decision‑makers to unpack what actually drives performance, profitability, and resilience in large‑scale operations. This is not theory.It’s practical insight, shared experience, and informed discussion — designed for those who manage complexity every day. If scale is part of your reality, this is where clearer decisions begin. Secure your seat and be part of the conversation shaping the future of large‑herd farming. SA Large Herds Conference 2026 – SA Large Herds Conference 2026 Strengthening Our Agri & Business Finance Team Pinion SA is proud to welcome Andries le Roux, joining Jer and Lukas to further strengthen our Business and Agri Finance division. With over 30 years’ experience in banking, credit, and relationship management, Andries brings practical expertise in cash‑flow optimisation, debt restructuring, and sustainable funding solutions. We take the pressure out of finance by managing bank negotiations, funding, and cash flow, so farmers and business owners can focus on running their businesses. With over 60 years’ combined banking experience, our team delivers proactive, hands‑on support and finance structures built around how agri‑businesses actually operate. Are your banking structures still working for your business?👉 Get in touch to find out. Out & About: Industry Events & Engagement Our accounting team attended the Xero Road Show in Cape Town, with posts celebrating a day packed with innovation, insight, and networking. The event provided fresh perspectives on the evolving accounting landscape and reinforced our commitment to continuous professional development. ACS Academy at the Kouga Working World Expo ACS Academy was proud to attend the Kouga Working World Expo, engaging with learners and stakeholders to showcase the pathways available through skills development and accredited training. The expo provided a valuable platform to highlight how education, workplace readiness, and practical qualifications play a critical role in preparing youth for the working world. We’re committed to building futures through meaningful skills development and supporting the next generation as they step into the world of work. The Mandatory Grant 2026/2027 submission window closes 30 April 2026. Who should submit? All SETA‑registered, levy‑paying employers. Submit your WSP/ATR via the correct SETA online platform to remain compliant and avoid losing out on Mandatory Grant funding. May 2026: Events & Key Compliance Dates Stay ahead of your obligations with our May compliance calendar, including key VAT, PAYE and EMP501 deadlines, as well as important industry events to diarise. 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Deadline: Friday, 17 April 2026 Dear Client, Public comments on the proposed amendments to Section 10 of the Animal Diseases Act, specifically the Draft Routine Vaccination Scheme for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), close today – 17 April 2026.This process is critically important for South African agriculture. Why this mattersAs currently drafted, the scheme allows vaccination but does not ensure effective, timely, and large-scale immunity. Of particular concern is that it does not adequately provide for: Without these, South Africa risks continued outbreaks, slow response times, and limited access to vaccines when they are most urgently needed. What outcome we are pushing forThe objective of the submission is clear:➡️ Permission for private procurement and distribution of FMD vaccines, alongside public mechanisms, to ensure sufficient supply, speed, and coverage.A strong, coordinated response from industry stakeholders will significantly improve the chances of achieving the outcome required to protect livestock producers and the broader agricultural economy. What we need from you – todayA generic submission letter has been prepared and is ready to use.We urgently ask as many individuals and businesses as possible to add their details and submit it. Please do the following: You do not need to rewrite or customise the content – simply adding your details and submitting makes a difference. Please help us amplify thisThis is time-sensitive. We ask you to: The greater the volume of aligned submissions received today, the stronger the message to regulators. If you need the generic letter resent or assistance completing it, please contact us immediately. Thank you for acting promptly and for supporting an effective, practical FMD vaccination framework for South Africa. Kind 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Dear Valued Client, We are pleased to invite you to a Statutory Compliance Training Session designed to support your organisation’s ongoing compliance and risk management obligations. This online session will cover two critical compliance areas: 📅 Date: Thursday, 9 April 2026🕘 Time:  09:00 – 09:30 | COID                09:30 – 10:00 | POPIA📍 Platform: Microsoft Teams (link provided after registration) We look forward to supporting you in keeping your organisation compliant and protected. 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Dear valued Client, Join us on Friday, 6 February 2026 at 9:00 AM for our POPI Act Awareness Training session. This online session will unpack the essentials of POPIA, including lawful processing principles, organisational implementation, risk considerations, and the impact of non‑compliance. Register today to secure your spot; https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3MJBR65 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.

Dear Valued Client, We would like to inform you that we have changed our document signing platform to Signeasy. Going forward, should you be requested to sign any documents, the signing request will be sent from NameOfPersonSendingDocuments <notifications@signeasy.com>. If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a signing request, please contact our IT department at jacques.vaneck@pinionza.com or reach out to us on 041 368 6691 before proceeding. Please note that any agreements already sent via Adobe will continue to be processed there until the end of February. If you currently have any Adobe documents awaiting your signature, we kindly ask that you complete them as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support. Kind 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 © 2026 Pinion South Africa. All rights reserved.