Softline Pastel launches Black Economic Empowerment Portal
February 2012
Softline Pastel’s one-stop Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) portal, BEE 123, launched today. It offers the complete range of tools, software, directories, news and BEE network partners to assist businesses of all sizes to understand and implement their BEE requirements… | more
Keep employee performance reviews short and frequent
November 2011
Staff performance reviews are critical in most businesses yet unpopular with the majority of managers who would probably admit they find conducting reviews a tedious task. However, with proper planning and the use of payroll and HR software, performance reviews can be a simple, quick, valuable and motivational experience for managers and employees… | more
Formal SETA Accredited Training helps both employers and staff
November 2011
Companies are well advised to send their employees to SETA-accredited training institutions as not only do they benefit from having better qualified, more motivated employees, they can also recover some of their investment in SDL payments… | more
Pastel Evolution announces best business partners
November 2011
The winners of Pastel Evolution’s Outstanding Business Partner competition were announced at an awards dinner held during the Pastel Evolution conference in early November.… | more
Automated Payroll Software ensures leave pay is a breeze and complies with BCE Act
November 2011
The end of the year is in sight and companies face the administrative burden of making the complex calculations related to determining the correct leave pay due to individual employees.… | more
Pastel Wins Microsoft Independent Software Vendor of the Year
October 2011
Softline Pastel has been awarded the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Software Partner of the Year by Microsoft.… | more
Pastel accounting still on top, according to newest survey
October 2011
Nine out of ten accountants still recommend Softline Pastel according to the latest research conducted by Pastel Accounting to ensure that its famous payoff line remains true.... | more
SARS implements new procedures and processes to protect taxpayers from fraud on SARS accounts
October 2011
SA Revenue Services has implemented new fraud prevention procedures and processes regarding the way in which taxpayers’ banking detail changes will be implemented ... | more
Making informed decisions is critical for successful internal company recruitment
September 2011
HR managers and line managers who play a recruitment role for companies need support and assistance to make informed decisions when recruiting new employees ... | more
Awards recognise small business
August 2011
The annual Small Business Awards on Talk Radio 702 with Softline Pastel launched this week with the aim of rewarding small businesses that are doing great things.... | more
Compulsory new e@syFile software from SARS streamlines interim PAYE reconciliation
August 2011
SME companies should brace themselves for the Interim PAYE Reconciliation that is due from 01 September 2011 to 31 October 2011. Employers are required to fully reconcile and submit their employee tax certificates and EMP501 Reconciliation for the period 01 March to 31 August 2011, by the end of October 2011... | more
Deadlines for individual taxpayers and employers are looming
August 2011
The manual Employment Equity Reporting deadline of 01 October 2011, set by the Department of Labour for companies intending to manually lodge returns and reports on their employment equity status, is drawing nearer... | more
Companies must meet Employment Equity Returns by 01 October 2011
August 2011
The manual Employment Equity Reporting deadline of 01 October 2011, set by the Department of Labour for companies intending to manually lodge returns and reports on their employment equity status, is drawing nearer... | more
Contact centre world awards – results announced
July 2011
Softline Pastel, South Africa’s leading developer of accounting and business software scooped nine awards at the Contact Centre World Awards in London this past weekend.... | more
Bi-Annual employers’ PAYE Tax Reconciliation season now looms for the SME companies
July 2011
SME companies should brace themselves for the bi-annual PAYE tax reconciliation process which starts early in September 2011. The closing date is yet to be confirmed by SARS, but speculation is that employers will have until the end of October 2011 to complete their submissions.... | more
Pastel Evolution is Aligned to SARS’ Requirements for E-Documentation
June 2011
The South African Revenue Service requires that all electronic invoices, credit notes and debit notes meet certain requirements in terms of the VAT Act and Pastel Evolution offers users requirement-compliance.… | more
Softline Pastel dominates international contact centre awards
June 2011
For the first time ever, individuals from Softline Pastel have been named as finalists in the Contact Centre World Awards next month in London. These awards are considered to be the Olympics in the Contact Center industry... | more
Companies missing the June 3 Paye reconciliation deadline will be penalised by SA Revenue Services
May 2011
The June 3 deadline for companies to submit their annual PAYE reconciliations to the South African Revenue Services (SARS) looms and according to some statistics released by SARS recently only about 50 000 of the 260 000 companies registered have so far lodged reconciliations since the submission season began on 4 April.... | more
Successful, sustainable HR management means keeping it simple
May 2011
The benefits of good Human Resource Management (HRM) are hugely significant but it requires a change in beliefs, particularly the idea that using software to strategically manage human resources merely creates administrative red tape that hampers company performance.... | more
Job-seekers urged to control their profiles and content on social media sites
April 2011
The explosion in the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter and even more business aligned Internet sites such as LinkedIn can have serious impacts on job-seekers and recruitment agencies.... | more
SMEs: monthly management makes for an easy Year End
February 2011
As we approach the end of the financial year, the calls to our support centre are starting to increase and the atmosphere of mass-panic in trying to close this year’s books can be clearly felt. It’s at this time every year that I wonder why business owners and managers often overlook the day-to-day administrative requirements that result in this major managerial load at the end of February.... | more
Balanced budget speech also emphasises employment and job creation
February 2011
Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan delivered a balanced Budget Speech yesterday (Wednesday 23 February) in which individual tax rates remain unchanged but tax brackets have been increased.... | more
Balanced budget from Gordhan but watch out for company cars and allowances
February 2011
Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan delivered a balanced budget speech today (Wednesday 23 February) in which individual tax rates remain unchanged but tax brackets have been increased. Good news for individual taxpayers was personal income tax relief totalling R8.1- billion, a third income tax rebate of R2000 for individuals older than 75 years and an increase in the monthly limits for Medical Aid deductions from R670 to R720 for principal members and first dependants and from R410 to R440 for each additional dependant... | more
Job-seekers benefit from recruitment agency expertise
February 2011
Most employers have a good grasp of the benefits of using a professional recruitment agency and by and large know what they can expect in terms of services and added-value. For individual job-seekers, particularly those entering the formal job market for the first time it is not quite as cut and dried.... | more
SARS appoints employers to collect outstanding submissions, penalties
January 2011
South African Revenue Services (SARS) has personal taxpayers with outstanding returns and penalties firmly in its sights with the introduction of the ITA88 “Agent Appointment” notification that will appoint companies to electronically collect outstanding penalties from employees and pay the amounts over to SARS... | more
SMEs hold the key
Steven Cohen
December 2010
Softline Pastel received coverage in the Financial Mail, in the form of an article written by Steven Cohen. The article was placed in the “On My Mind” section of the magazine and allows business leaders an opportunity to share their views with the readers of Financial Mail. Steven’s article is a response to the minister of economic development, Ebrahim Patel, and his new plan for economic growth. Particular focus is paid to the important role SMEs play in creating economic growth in South Africa.... | more
Culture fit vital when assessing new candidates for employment
November 2010
Of all the elements that need to be considered if a company is to be able to select the best candidate for a specific position, the most difficult to gauge or judge correctly is the culture fit... | more
Big isn't always better, especially in BI
October 2010
Softline Pastel received positive coverage on ITWeb. Steven Cohen shares his thoughts on the importance and power of business intelligence... | more
Consumer Protection Act demands a lot of homework for most companies
November 2010
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) which is due to come into effect on 31 March next year (2011) is complex legislation that will have an impact on everybody, holding serious ramifications for all individuals, companies and organisations that sell products or provide services... | more
Culture fit vital when assessing new candidates for employment
November 2010
Of all the elements that need to be considered if a company is to be able to select the best candidate for a specific position, the most difficult to gauge or judge correctly is the culture fit... | more
Big isn't always better, especially in BI
October 2010
Softline Pastel received positive coverage on ITWeb. Steven Cohen shares his thoughts on the importance and power of business intelligence... | more
Small Business with Big Ideas
September 2010
The 702 Small Business Awards with Softline Pastel are based on outstanding service and call for listeners to nominate small businesses they have dealt with that go the extra mile. On Tuesday night, 7 September 2010, Molobi Enterprises was named this year's winner in an awards ceremony held at Primedia Place in Sandton, Johannesburg... | more
Companies Get Two Months to Complete First Ever Bi-annual PAYE Tax Reconciliation for Employers
September 2010
SME companies should brace themselves for the first bi-annual PAYE tax reconciliation process which starts tomorrow (1 September) and closes at the end of October 2010. ... | more
702 Small Business Competition Opens
August 2010
Softline Pastel received coverage in the Citizen and Bizcommunity around the launch of the 2010 Small Business Awards with Softline Pastel. Steve Cohen was quoted in Bizcommunity on how he anticipates that we are going to hear a lot of incredible stories about how good ideas, creativity and exceptional service have kept SMEs going... | more
Manage Your Money Online
August 2010
Pastel InCheck, Softline Pastel’s free personal finance offering, and Pastel My Business Online, both received positive coverage in the Mail & Guardian Online... | more
Home-grown Pastel Evolution takes on Imported ERPs with New Version
August 2010
Softline Pastel’s latest release of its mid-market Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, Pastel Evolution, includes some major enhancements. Evolution 6.5 is billed as the most significant release since its launch in 2003 and presents a real challenge to its ‘imported’ competitors..... | more
Payroll Software can simplify and speed up auditing process for SMEs
Not much time left for companies to meet Employment Equity Returns deadline.
August 2010
The manual Employment Equity Reporting deadline of 01 October 2010, set by the Department of Labour for companies intending to manually lodge returns and reports on their employment equity status, is drawing nearer..... | more
Payroll Software can simplify and speed up auditing process for SMEs
July 2010
Payroll software also has an important role to play in the overall accounting and auditing process for SME companies. Auditors in particular, will find the payroll software system of great value by quickly providing accurate information and answers to questions or queries that may arise during an audit.... | more
Individual tax season kicks off for millions of taxpayers
July 2010
The 2010 tax filing season has begun for millions of South African taxpayers. From 1 July taxpayers are able to request their income tax returns from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and submit the returns manually by post or electronically (online using eFiling).... | more
Pastel call centre scoops international awards
June 2010
Softline Pastel, South Africa’s leading developer of accounting and business software has received international recognition by winning three awards at the Contact Centre World Awards run by ContactCentreWorld.com, the online magazine for the global contact centre industry.... | more
Pastel Evolution solution leads to clean bill of health
June 2010
Pastel Evolution received positive coverage in the June issue of Government Digest. The article is a case study which looks at the successful implementation of Pastel Evolution within the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. In the two years since the implementation of Pastel Evolution the municipality has received two consecutive clean audits.... | more
Pastel Evolution gives you even more bang for your buck
June 2010
Softline Pastel received editorial coverage in the June 2010 issue of Brainstorm magazine. The article speaks about the new version of Pastel Evolution which will be available in the 3rd quarter of 2010.... | more
Employers Need to Provide Right Environment for School-Leavers and Graduates to Succeed
May 2010
Many of the matriculants entering the job market today find it very difficult to adapt to a formal working environment. Lindi Dickinson, head of Pastel People Placements in Pastel, a division of Softline (Pty) Ltd, says employers should be seriously looking at providing.... | more
Employer Tax Submission Deadline Looms Closer and Closer
May 2010
Employer Tax Submission deadline is looming in South Africa’s rapidly changing tax environment where SA Revenue Services has phased out manual systems for electronic on-line systems.... | more
Steven Cohen in Destiny Magazine
April 2010
Steven Cohen was recently interviewed by Destiny Man for their Powerhouse feature. Some of the things Steven speaks about are self awareness, personal challenges, leadership style and advice for upcoming executives.... | more
International recognition for Pastel Call Centre
March 2010
Softline Pastel received coverage on the Contact Centre Industry website www.contactindustryhub.co.za on 16 March 2010. The article mentions Softline Pastel’s nomination as a finalist in the Contact Centre World Awards, which will take place in London in June this year. Pastel Accounting’s Support Team have been nominated as finalists in the categories of ‘Best Customer Service’, ‘Best Help Desk’ and ‘Best Community Spirit’.... | more
Will 2010 be a good year for ERP?
March 2010
Softline Pastel received coverage in the March issue of Brainstorm magazine. The article was written as a result of an ERP roundtable which was attended by Ashley Pillay, divisional director of Pastel Evolution and addresses some of the challenges ERP vendors face.... | more
March 2010
Companies are well advised to send their employees to SETA-accredited training institutions as not only do they benefit from having better qualified, more motivated employees, they can also recover some of their investment in SDL payments.... | more
March 2010
Softline Pastel received positive coverage in the Sunday Times It’s My Business supplement on Sunday 7 March 2010 . The article was around the Budget and how it impacts SMEs. Steven Cohen was quoted extensively in the second half of the article and successfully positioned Pastel as the mouthpiece for South African SMEs.... | moreMarch 2010
Recruitment and retention of the right employees is one of the most difficult and critical aspects of the HR function in companies and organisations both large and small. Fortunately there are new ways for agencies and companies to select the right employees and retain them.... | more
February 2010
Softline Pastel received coverage in Business Report on 16 February 2010. Steve Cohen was quoted on his thoughts of how the Budget and Turnover Tax impacts SMEs.... | more
February 2010
In his maiden budget speech Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan enhanced his popularity on Wednesday 17 February by announcing a practical Budget which provides tax relief for individuals totalling R6.5-billion and does away with SITE tax with.... | more
January 2010
It is time to change ingrained perceptions of Human Resource Management, such as the belief that (a) implementing HR software and (b) placing a strategic focus on HRM will result in a layer of red-tape and adversely affect a company’s operational success.... | more
January 2010
South African Revenue Services (SARS) has given company and individual taxpayers some breathing space as regards the compulsory electronic submission of employee tax certificates requiring additionl mandatory information fields after February this year.... | more
November 2009
Pastel Evolution received advertorial coverage in the November 2009 issue of Brainstorm magazine. The case study discusses how Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN), the South African developer of nutritional supplements, has implemented Pastel Evolution.... | more
November 2009
National Payroll and HR software specialist Softline Pastel Payroll, which provides training for up to 30 000 learners a year at its four academies in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria, is now formally accredited with the SETA for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other financial services.... | more
October 2009
Pastel Evolution received advertorial coverage in the October 2009 issue of Brainstorm magazine. The article discusses the speed of implementation and cost-effectiveness of Pastel Evolution as an ERP solution.... | more
September 2009
Softline Pastel received advertorial coverage in the September 2009 issue of the Brainstorm magazine. The article was written in a Q&A format and positions Pastel Evolution as a home-grown ERP solution suited for larger business. It also looks at Pastel Evolution’s key differentiators, Softline Pastel’s thinking behind moving to the ERP space, and when a company should look at moving to an ERP solution.... | more
August 2009
Pastel Evolution received positive coverage in the August issue of the Entrepreneur magazine. The article discusses ERP solutions for small, medium and large businesses.... | more
August 2009
Companies with more than 50 employees will no doubt be pleased that the Department of Labour has significantly reduced the length and detail of compulsory Employment Equity planning and status reports.... | more
June 2009
By Steven Cohen, Softline Pastel MD
I have a general dislike of acronyms like ERP (enterprise resource planning) because, for business people, they create an entirely undeserved mystique around technology. As a consequence, they create confusion and, therefore, additional resistance by business people to technology.... | more
June 2009
It’s now easier than ever for small municipalities to stabilise their revenue streams through efficient accounting and billing. According to Mohammed Mosam, divisional director at Softline Pastel, ordinary accounting systems are unsuitable for municipal use and often lead to financial difficulties in smaller municipalities.... | more
June 2009
Pastel Evolution Payroll and HR software developed by Softline Pastel Payroll for medium to larger sized businesses is not only customisable but also offers an HR module called Pastel Evolution HR, a software solution focused on streamlining and improving the efficiency of day-to-day human resource management.... | more
June 2009
A best-of-breed software solution that presents customisable, adaptable payroll and HR functionality on a highly secure Microsoft SQL database for medium to large sized businesses has been developed and launched by Softline Pastel Payroll.... | more
June 2009
Companies have in the past thrown big money at all-encompassing HR software solutions. Two years later they invariably end up using just 20% of the functionality as they begin to discover the remainder is either not applicable or practical.... | more
May 2009
Payroll has become a critical financial aspect of running a business whether it is a micro enterprise with just five employees, a small or medium sized-enterprise with up to 250 employees or a larger corporate operation.... | more
January 2009
Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN), South African developer of nutritional supplements designed to foster health and fitness among international athletes and corporate achievers, has implemented Evolution, the enterprise resource planning-based accounting solution from Softline Pastel, to facilitate its international expansion.... | more
January 2009
Glasfit, South Africa’s fastest growing motor and flat glass fitment franchise and joint venture network, uses a combination of Pastel Partner and Pastel Evolution to administer 77 fitment centres as well as a distribution centre.... | more
August 2008
It’s remarkable how often, when two differently resourced organisations tackle the same problem, the one with fewer resources will deliver a product that is as effective as the other, but is easier to use and also less costly.... | more
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