Printing SA has shared updates on labour, environmental, tariffs and trade, technology, as well as corporate governance legislation.
Labour
Employment Services Amendment Bill Introduced To Parliament
One of the most significant labour law developments of 2026 is the introduction of the Employment Services Amendment Bill, 2026 (B16-2026) into Parliament on 29 May 2026. The Bill proposes extensive amendments to the Employment Services Act, 2014, and forms part of government’s broader strategy to regulate labour migration and strengthen enforcement of employment laws.
Among the key proposals are:
– The introduction of a comprehensive framework regulating the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa.
– Empowering the Minister of Employment and Labour to prescribe sector-specific, occupational and geographical quotas for the employment of foreign nationals.
– Expanded powers for labour inspectors and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.
– Additional offences and penalties for employers who fail to comply with labour and immigration laws.
– Expanded regulation of private employment agencies and labour brokers.
– Measures aimed at prioritising employment opportunities for South African citizens and permanent residents.
The Bill also proposes stronger enforcement provisions against employers who employ undocumented foreign nationals and introduces a framework for labour migration management aligned with the Immigration Act and Refugees Act. In terms of the proposed amendments, employers may be required to demonstrate that reasonable efforts were made to recruit suitably qualified South African citizens or permanent residents before employing certain categories of foreign nationals. Read more.
Printing SA Commentary
While the legislation is not yet law, it signals government’s intention to introduce stricter regulation of labour migration and workplace compliance. Employers should ensure that employment records, work permits, visas and recruitment procedures are regularly reviewed and properly documented. Businesses employing foreign nationals may be required to reassess their recruitment and workforce planning strategies should the Bill be enacted in its current form. Printing SA will monitor developments and update members accordingly.
OHS Inspections Reveal Significant Compliance Gaps
The Department of Employment and Labour continues to intensify workplace inspections across South Africa as part of its ongoing compliance and enforcement strategy. Recent inspection campaigns have revealed concerning levels of non-compliance with occupational health and safety requirements, particularly within manufacturing environments.
A recent inspection initiative found that approximately 73% of workplaces inspected failed to meet Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements. The findings underscore the Department’s increasing focus on proactive enforcement and workplace safety compliance. Read more.
For printing and packaging businesses, inspectors are paying particular attention to:
– Machine guarding and lockout procedures.
– Hazardous chemical management.
– Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
– Fire safety compliance.
– Risk assessments.
– Employee training records.
– Incident reporting procedures.
Businesses should conduct internal compliance audits and ensure that OHS files, risk assessments, safety committee records and training documentation are readily available for inspection. Failure to comply may result in improvement notices, prohibition notices or prosecution in serious cases.
Printing SA Commentary
Printing operations frequently use heavy machinery, cutting equipment, solvents, inks and electrical systems. As enforcement activity increases, businesses should ensure that health and safety compliance receives the same level of attention as financial and operational management.
Environmental
World Environment Day: Five Years On, South Africa’s EPR System Is Showing What Partnerships Can Achieve
Every year, World Environment Day reminds us that environmental progress is not driven by policy alone. Real change happens when governments, businesses and communities work together to build systems that make sustainable behaviour possible in everyday life.
In South Africa, one of the most important shifts towards that kind of circular economy began five years ago with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. Widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant waste management reforms, EPR fundamentally changed how industry participates in the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. Read more.
For printing and packaging businesses, the continued implementation of EPR schemes and broader waste reduction initiatives is placing increased emphasis on responsible material use, recycling and waste management practices.
Businesses are encouraged to review:
– Waste disposal arrangements.
– Recycling programmes.
– Packaging design and recyclability.
– Chemical storage and handling practices.
– Environmental reporting obligations.
Increasing customer and procurement requirements around sustainability are also influencing purchasing decisions, particularly within large corporate and public sector supply chains.
Printing SA Commentary
Environmental compliance is no longer solely a regulatory matter. It has become a competitive issue as customers increasingly favour suppliers that can demonstrate sustainable production practices and responsible environmental stewardship.
Tariffs And Trade
Mondi Seeks Trade Protection For Office Paper Industry
A significant development for the South African printing and paper sector is Mondi South Africa’s recent application to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) for safeguard protection against imported A3 and A4 office paper.
According to ITAC’s investigation notice, the application was lodged by Mondi South Africa and supported by Sappi Southern Africa. The investigation concerns imported A3 and A4 office paper classified under tariff headings 4802.56.20 and 4802.56.90. The investigation covers the period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025 and seeks to determine whether increased imports have caused serious injury to the domestic industry.
Mondi has argued that increasing volumes of imported office paper have negatively affected local manufacturers, resulting in declining sales, reduced output, lower market share, decreased profitability and job losses. Following a preliminary assessment, ITAC indicated that sufficient prima facie evidence exists to justify a formal safeguard investigation. The Commission is reportedly considering the use of World Trade Organisation safeguard provisions that could result in additional duties or other protective measures being imposed on imported office paper products. Read more.
Printing SA Commentary
Businesses should closely monitor the progress of the ITAC investigation. While trade protection measures may strengthen local paper manufacturing capacity and support employment within the paper sector, any increase in import duties could also influence paper pricing and availability for downstream users. Members that rely heavily on office paper products should engage with suppliers early and assess potential impacts on procurement budgets and customer pricing strategies. Printing SA will continue to monitor developments and provide updates accordingly.
AGOA Extension Provides Temporary Relief While Trade Uncertainty Remains
South Africa’s export environment remains subject to considerable uncertainty following developments affecting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). During 2026, the United States approved a limited extension of AGOA, providing temporary continuity for eligible African exporters. However, concerns remain regarding the long-term future of the programme and the broader direction of the United States’ trade policy towards South Africa.
At the same time, South Africa has implemented several trade protection measures designed to support local manufacturing industries. Increased tariffs and anti-dumping duties have been introduced on certain imported steel products following investigations into unfair trade practices and import surges. Read more.
While these developments do not directly affect the printing industry, they signal a broader policy trend towards industrial protection and localisation.
Businesses should continue monitoring:
– Import costs for machinery and equipment.
– Paper and packaging material supply chains.
– Exchange rate volatility.
– Export market access developments.
– Localisation initiatives within public procurement.
Printing SA Commentary
Trade policy developments often affect the printing industry indirectly through input costs, manufacturing activity and customer demand. Businesses should continue diversifying customer bases and supply chains where possible.
Technology
Artificial Intelligence And Smart Manufacturing Move Into The Mainstream
Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and digital manufacturing technologies continue to reshape manufacturing industries globally.
Recent international research highlights the growing adoption of AI-driven production systems, predictive maintenance technologies, digital twins, automated workflow management and advanced analytics throughout manufacturing value chains. These technologies are increasingly being integrated into printing and packaging operations to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance quality control. Read more.
Key technological trends affecting the printing industry include:
– AI-assisted workflow automation.
– Predictive maintenance systems.
– Cloud-based production management.
– Digital printing technologies.
– Data analytics and production optimisation.
– Cybersecurity and information governance.
Printing SA Commentary
The competitive advantage of printing businesses is increasingly linked to technological capability. Businesses should evaluate opportunities to digitise workflows, improve operational efficiency and strengthen cybersecurity controls.
Corporate Governance
Beneficial Ownership Compliance Remains A Key Governance Priority
Corporate transparency and beneficial ownership reporting continue to receive significant regulatory attention. The CIPC has reiterated the importance of maintaining accurate Beneficial Ownership (BO) information and has integrated BO reporting into annual compliance processes.
Companies are required to maintain accurate records of individuals who ultimately own or exercise effective control over the company. Failure to comply may affect annual return submissions and expose companies to regulatory action. Read more.
In addition, ongoing discussions within governance and regulatory circles continue to focus on improving transparency and accessibility of beneficial ownership information as part of South Africa’s efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering and corporate accountability measures.
Businesses should ensure that:
– Beneficial Ownership information is current.
– Annual Returns are submitted timeously.
– Company records are properly maintained.
– Director information is accurate and up to date.
– Governance policies are periodically reviewed.
Printing SA Commentary
Corporate governance is increasingly extending beyond traditional board responsibilities. Effective governance now includes oversight of technology, cybersecurity, sustainability and regulatory compliance risks. Businesses that proactively manage these areas are likely to be better positioned for growth and resilience.
PRINTING SA
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