Bargaining Council Aug 2025: Somatologists’ Survey & Critical HBSI Pension Fund Info

SURVEY: BEAUTY SECTOR: SOMATOLOGISTS

Following the indication by the AHPCSA (Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa) that it intended to approach the Minister of Health to open a register for Somatologists, many questions have been raised within the industry in this regard.

The parties remain concerned that there has been insufficient consultation with key stakeholders within the industry, and a call has been made for comprehensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders before any changes are implemented.

In the interim, establishments in the Beauty sector are asked to complete a questionnaire concerning Somatologists employed or working in their establishments.

Please kindly cooperate by completing and submitting the questionnaire.

A link to the questionnaire will be sent to establishments in the Beauty Sector, via email, within the next week.

Should you not receive the link within the next week, please email: Info@hcsbc.co.za for the link.

Please also check the website for the link to the survey. It will be posted within the next two days. Media , Events and Notices | HCSBC 

Please note, however, that the survey is intended for completion by relevant establishments in the Beauty Sector.

EXEMPTION FROM MEMBERSHIP OF THE HBSI: PROCESS PERIOD: SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER

The four-month timeframe during which exemptions from membership of the HBSI Pension Fund are processed spans from September to December each year, applicable for the next calendar year. Both applications and any appeals must be addressed within this timeframe. Should an exemption not be applied for or approved during this period, an establishment will be obligated to contribute to the HBSI Fund on behalf of its employees, and enforcement actions may ensue in the case of non-compliance.

Establishments are urged to finalise and submit their applications for the 2026 calendar year at their earliest convenience. These applications will be processed during the period from September 2025 to December 2025.

Current exemptions (for 2025) will automatically terminate on 31 December 2025, and charges will be raised in accordance with the Collective Agreement if your application is not received for processing within the timeframe and/or if an exemption is not granted.

The Exemption Application Form can be downloaded from the website, or you may request an application form via email at exemption@hcsbc.co.za.

Please consult the Council’s WEBSITE for the contact details of Agents in your area.

For more information, contact: www.hcsbc.co.za