History’s most famous security breach did not involve force, fire or siege engines. The city of Troy fell because it trusted what appeared to be a gift. The Trojan Horse was welcomed inside the city walls, only for its hidden occupants to emerge once the gates were closed. That lesson has endured for centuries, and […]

South Africa’s role in global space science is no longer symbolic. From deep-space astronomy to satellite technology and Earth observation, the country has become a serious contributor to international space research and innovation. A striking illustration of this is the South African Large Telescope, located near Sutherland in the Northern Cape, which remains the largest […]

With effect from 1 January 2026, South Africa has formally transitioned to the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification (NCL 13-26), following its international implementation by the World Intellectual Property Organization on the same date. The change was confirmed locally by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission through Practice Note 3 of 2025, published on […]

South Africa’s merger control regime is poised for a long-overdue recalibration. After almost ten years of regulatory stasis, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has published draft amendments that would materially revise merger thresholds and increase filing fees under the Competition Act. The authority to make these adjustments flows from section 11 of the […]

In several construction-heavy jurisdictions, most notably the United Kingdom, adjudication is no longer merely a contractual convenience. It is a statutory right. Parties to construction contracts are entitled by legislation to have disputes resolved swiftly by adjudication as a first step, precisely to avoid projects grinding to a halt under the weight of protracted litigation. […]

When something goes wrong in a medical setting, the instinctive reaction is often to assume fault. Roman law, however, has long warned against that reflex. The principle incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat reminds us that the burden of proof rests on the person who makes the allegation, not on the one who denies […]

If trusts had a hall of fame for self-inflicted disasters, two things would be inducted immediately:badly drafted trust deeds and “we’ll sort the paperwork later” administration. Spoiler: later is now, and both the Master and South African Revenue Service are paying very close attention. Paperwork isn’t admin fluff, it’s the trust’s lifeline One of the […]

Every few months, the internet loses its mind over headlines announcing that an “electronic will has been declared valid by the High Court.” Cue panic, excitement, and at least one person thinking their Notes app is now a legally recognised estate-planning tool. Let’s calm down. Electronic wills are not suddenly legal in South Africa. They […]

Post-Employment Restraints Remain Enforceable Despite Dismissal for Misconduct In a significant late-2025 judgment, the Labour Appeal Court has clarified that an employer’s right to enforce a restraint of trade does not automatically fall away when an employee is dismissed for misconduct. The decision provides welcome certainty for employers seeking to protect confidential information, client relationships […]

Annual Adjustment to the National Minimum Wage The National Minimum Wage Act requires the Minister of Employment and Labour to adjust the National Minimum Wage (NMW) annually with due regard to economic conditions, inflation, the cost of living, wage inequality, employment implications and other socio-economic factors. For the year beginning 1 March 2026, the Minister […]

Lewis Stores v Pepkor: A Major Reset in Competition Merger Jurisprudence In Lewis Stores (Pty) Ltd v Pepkor Holdings Ltd and Others [2026] ZACC 4, the Constitutional Court of South Africa delivered an important judgment reaffirming the proper test for third-party intervention in large merger proceedings and curbing appellate overreach into the discretion of the […]

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has issued an urgent directive affecting all matters enrolled for hearing between 16 February 2026 and 6 March 2026, confirming that proceedings during this period will primarily be conducted virtually. The directive arises from a security upgrade at the SCA’s Bloemfontein premises and is intended to ensure the uninterrupted […]

South Africa’s cannabis regulatory landscape remains in a state of significant transition as of January 2026, presenting both opportunities and substantial legal risks for those seeking to resell cannabis products. The signing of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act in May 2024 formally decriminalized private adult use, yet commercial trade in cannabis remains strictly prohibited […]

VVC v JRM and Others [2026] ZACC 2 Introduction In VVC v JRM and Others, the Constitutional Court of South Africa was called upon to confirm an order of constitutional invalidity granted by the High Court in respect of section 10(2) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998. At the heart of […]

Expert Guidance on Supreme Court of Appeal Procedure Applications before the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) are highly technical and strictly regulated. Recent amendments to section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013 have significantly altered the legal test applicable to SCA petitions and applications for reconsideration, making specialist guidance essential. Our firm […]

1. What constitutes valid proof of electronic service? The Registrar of the Supreme Court of Appeal has made it unequivocally clear that, going forward, only two forms of proof will be accepted as primary proof of service where service is effected by email: Read receipts and acknowledgements of receipt are expressly downgraded and are no […]

1. Introduction Access to the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) is strictly regulated in terms of the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act 53 of 1985 (“the Act”). A formal notice issued under the authority of the Office of the Chief Justice serves as a reminder that the SCA, as the apex […]

On 18 December 2025, the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal issued Practice Directive 1 of 2025, introducing a significant procedural refinement to the conduct of oral arguments before the Court. The directive, which took effect immediately, is directed at improving the effective and optimal use of court time in matters where oral argument […]

Mayet & Associates Inc. is a specialist firm of correspondent attorneys in Bloemfontein, providing reliable, efficient, and procedurally compliant legal support to instructing attorneys across South Africa. We act as local court agents for matters in the Supreme Court of Appeal, Free State High Court, and Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Courts, offering precision-driven correspondent services tailored to […]

Expert Legal Support You Can Trust When navigating the procedural complexities of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), specialised expertise is essential. Our Supreme Court of Appeal Team offers unrivalled local correspondent support focused exclusively on SCA practice and procedure. We partner with legal practitioners and litigants to provide precise, authoritative guidance at every […]

1 Introduction The Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) has cautioned practitioners against the indiscriminate compilation of civil appeal records. In Minister of Police v Mzingeli and Others (SCA) (unreported case no 115/2021, 5 April 2022), the Court reiterated that appeal records must be compiled with care, discernment, and an appreciation of their purpose. The warning was […]

1 Introduction Appeals to the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) are governed by a procedural framework that demands precision, foresight, and strict adherence to time-limits and formal requirements. Practitioners who approach SCA litigation as a mere continuation of proceedings in the court a quo do so at considerable risk. The appellate process is distinct, rule-driven, and […]

South Africa has entered a new era of governance reform with the release of the King V Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2025. Published by the Institute of Directors in South Africa and replacing King IV, the new King V framework becomes applicable to financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2026. […]

The South African legal system has taken a significant step forward in recognising and safeguarding the rights of spouses in Muslim marriages. For decades, Muslim couples whose marriages were concluded solely under Islamic law (Nikah) lacked automatic legal protection under civil law, particularly in matters of divorce, division of assets, and maintenance. The Divorce Amendment […]

In business and in personal dealings, contracts form the backbone of every agreement we make. Whether it involves employment, property, services, partnerships, or major financial commitments, a contract determines your rights, obligations, remedies, and risks. Yet many people sign contracts without fully understanding the legal and commercial implications, often because the document appears standard, straightforward, […]

Family businesses carry a unique blend of personal relationships and financial investment, a combination that makes them especially vulnerable when a marriage breaks down. While owners often plan meticulously for market shifts, tax exposure or succession, many underestimate how a divorce can place the entire business at risk. When personal and commercial assets overlap, a […]

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) is one of South Africa’s most procedurally rigid courts. It demands absolute compliance with its rules, directives, timelines and formatting requirements. Even experienced litigators are caught off guard by the court’s unforgiving approach to non compliance, particularly where matters are prepared outside Bloemfontein without the support of a dedicated […]

The Supreme Court of Appeal has delivered a significant judgment in AIG South Africa Limited and Others v Azrapart (Pty) Ltd and Another, confirming that an infectious disease extension formed part of the insured’s business interruption cover. The case arose from the Fourways Mall COVID 19 losses and provides critical guidance on rectification, contract formation, […]

The end of year period often brings a false sense of procedural pause across the legal sector. Many practitioners assume that dies non automatically suspends time limits for filing in all courts. This assumption can have serious and costly consequences when dealing with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). A recent reminder from the SCA […]

A recent decision of the Supreme Court of Appeal has brought important clarity to the limits of SARS’ powers and the scope of the Commissioner’s discretion, when taxpayers fail to meet technical customs requirements. In JT International Manufacturing South Africa (Pty) Ltd v Commissioner for SARS, delivered on 4 April 2025, the SCA overturned SARS’ […]

Customs valuation is usually a concern for importers, because duties and import VAT are calculated on the customs value of goods entering the country. Exporters seldom face the same scrutiny, as most exported goods attract no duty and do not trigger VAT on exit. One notable exception is the export duty on waste and scrap […]

The South African Reserve Bank’s Financial Surveillance Department has implemented new tax-compliance checks for sending income abroad, including dividends owed to foreign shareholders. These amendments mark a significant shift in the long-standing treatment of non-resident dividend flows. Overview of the Regulatory Update On 22 October 2025, the Financial Surveillance Department issued Exchange Control Circular No. […]

The responsibility of municipalities to ensure that public spaces are reasonably safe has once again come under scrutiny. In a recent decision in Thamsanqa Wilson Madubane v eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg held the municipality accountable for injuries suffered by a pedestrian who fell into an exposed manhole during loadshedding. The ruling […]

A recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal in Els v Venter and Another has provided important clarity on whether a residential lease of a private family home falls within the protective scope of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA). The case required the Court to determine two key issues: Background to […]

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission CIPC has intensified its automated deregistration programme, targeting companies and close corporations that fail to submit annual returns or beneficial ownership information. Entities that do not meet these statutory requirements face swift removal from the register, an outcome that carries serious legal and financial consequences. Why Compliance Matters To […]

As companies prepare to wrap up the year, staff functions, corporate lunches and end-of-year parties take centre stage. These gatherings usually come with plenty of photos, team snapshots, behind-the-scenes moments, and festive group shots. Many employers later upload these images to their LinkedIn pages, internal newsletters, recruitment brochures or digital marketing campaigns. However, even at […]

As South African businesses prepare to close the year, many employees begin anticipating year-end bonuses. However, it is important to understand that bonuses are not automatically guaranteed under South African labour law. Whether a bonus is payable depends entirely on the wording of the employment contract, workplace policies, or the specific bonus framework applied within […]

Criminal networks and corrupt actors have long attempted to disguise the origins of unlawful funds by funnelling them into the legitimate financial sector. As traditional laundering techniques became easier for regulators to uncover, these actors shifted toward more intricate schemes. One of the most common strategies has been the exploitation of corporate structures, companies, trusts, […]

The Western Cape High Court recently revisited the scope of appraisal rights under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 in Cilliers v LA Concorde Holdings Limited and Others (WCC, case no 23029/2016, 14 June 2018, per Papier J). The case concerned a minority shareholder in a holding company seeking to rely on s 164 appraisal […]

We’re not your typical law firm, and we’re proud of it. At Mayet & Associates, we’re a powerhouse team of young women breaking barriers in the legal profession. Based in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, we’ve built a reputation as one of the leading Supreme Court of Appeal correspondent firms driven by precision, […]

Introduction Arbitration is often praised for being faster and more confidential than court proceedings, but what happens when a dispute involves both arbitrable and non-arbitrable claims? A recent judgment by the High Court in AIG South Africa Limited v Brian Molefe (Gauteng Division, Pretoria, 1 August 2025) sheds light on this question and illustrates when […]

In an era where commercial disputes are increasingly resolved through negotiated settlements rather than lengthy litigation, the precision of contractual drafting has become more important than ever. Businesses are under growing pressure to ensure that their agreements are enforceable, practical, and free from ambiguity. Recent South African case law continues to shape this landscape, and […]

Understanding the Timing of Prescription in Contracts with Suspensive Conditions In South African contract law, few issues create more confusion than the intersection between prescription and suspensive conditions. When parties sign an agreement that is subject to a future condition, does the clock for prescription start ticking on the day of signature, or only once […]

The story of governance in South Africa has always been a moral one, a search for integrity in leadership and accountability in enterprise. Each version of the King Code on Corporate Governance has served as both a mirror and a guide, reflecting the values of its time while setting new expectations for ethical business conduct. […]

A recent ruling in South Africa has cast a spotlight on how intellectual property laws apply in the influencer economy, specifically involving social-media personality Ntando Duma Mthombeni (Duma) and the agency Pixel Kollective (Pty) Ltd in Pixel Kollective (Pty) Ltd v Ntando Duma Mthombeni and MSL, decided on 15 September 2025. This judgement draws a […]

A single sentence “some police are useless” led to a brutal assault, unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution. In Ratswene v Minister of Police, the Johannesburg High Court delivered a powerful judgment against police abuse, awarding R1.75 million in general damages and R65 000 for loss of earnings to the victim Acting Judge Ford condemned the […]

The North Gauteng High Court recently reaffirmed the strength of South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) in the used-car industry. In Avura Motors t/a Avura Executive Auto v National Consumer Commission and Others (A68/2025), the court dismissed an appeal by a second-hand car dealership that had sold a defective Mazda BT-50 to […]

The Compliance Reality Check Employment Equity submissions are currently in full swing across South Africa, but filing your annual reports is only the beginning. True compliance means your business can confidently demonstrate fair, inclusive employment practices if the Department of Employment and Labour pays a visit. The Employment Equity Act (EEA) is not a mere […]

Crypto assets operate in an unconventional legal environment. Unlike traditional currency issued by central banks, cryptocurrency functions through decentralised blockchain networks. Despite this distinction, digital assets can be traded, exchanged for goods and services, or used for fundraising and investment purposes in much the same way as money. South Africa has yet to establish a […]

The brutal assassination of a health department whistleblower in Gauteng serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to expose corruption and misconduct. Despite widespread outrage, whistleblowers across South Africa continue to live under threat. In one case, an employee who reported alleged price gouging at a state-owned rail company […]

Understanding the Legal Distinction Substance abuse in the workplace remains one of the most complex challenges facing employers in South Africa. Beyond its operational impact, it raises a crucial legal question, should substance dependence be managed as misconduct or as incapacity? The distinction is not merely academic. It determines whether an employer is justified in […]

A Landmark Decision Restoring Global Confidence In a significant milestone for South Africa’s financial credibility, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has formally removed the country from its grey list following the Paris Plenary on Friday. This decision reflects the success of South Africa’s far-reaching reforms to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, reforms that […]

The Judicial Capital Advantage Bloemfontein is home to South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal and the Free State Division of the High Court, making it the heart of the country’s appellate and procedural litigation. For attorneys practising elsewhere in South Africa, having a trusted correspondent attorney in Bloemfontein is not only convenient but essential for […]

The Competition Appeal Court (CAC) has overturned a decision of the Competition Tribunal, ruling in favour of Pepkor Holdings Ltd and Shoprite Holdings Ltd in their appeal against the wide-ranging intervention rights that had been granted to Lewis Stores (Pty) Ltd. This significant judgment reshapes the boundaries of third-party participation in merger proceedings under South […]

What Is a Marriage Contract in South Africa? A marriage contract in South Africa is a legally binding agreement that sets out how a couple’s assets, debts, and finances will be managed during the marriage and after death or divorce. It protects both partners and provides clarity on property ownership and financial responsibilities. In South […]

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) remains South Africa’s ultimate appellate authority in non-constitutional matters, and its decisions are rarely revisited once finalised. However, Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013 introduces a narrow but crucial exception that allows the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal to refer a matter back […]

For many company directors, the word liquidation immediately triggers thoughts of financial ruin, unpaid creditors, and reputational damage. It is often viewed as a last resort. A painful process that marks the end of commercial ambition. Yet, this perception overlooks the fact that liquidation is not always a symptom of failure. When applied strategically, voluntary […]

In April 2023, a borrower formally admitted owing a sum of R1,209,600 to a lender by signing an Acknowledgment of Debt (AOD). Two individuals, Motlhopesi and Morwadi Phekola, stood surety for the debt. The borrower undertook to settle the amount by 31 May 2023, failing which interest at 20% per month would accrue. When payment […]

As the judicial capital of South Africa, Bloemfontein is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal, the High Court, and several key tribunals. For law firms based outside the Free State province, having a reliable correspondent attorney in Bloemfontein is essential to ensuring that filings, appearances, and local procedures are handled efficiently and professionally. At […]

The Information Regulator of South Africa has invited written submissions by 10 October 2025 on newly proposed regulations under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). These draft regulations aim to enhance transparency and accountability in how organisations handle personal information relating to individuals’ health status and sex life, categories recognised as […]

In South Africa’s corporate landscape, directors are entrusted with managing the day-to-day affairs of a company, while shareholders retain ownership through their shareholding. Although all shareholders theoretically enjoy equal rights, in practice, majority shareholders often wield far greater influence, particularly in decisions requiring a vote. This imbalance raises an important question: what remedies exist for […]

A New Era for Travel to South Africa South Africa has taken a decisive step towards modernising its immigration and tourism systems. On 11 October 2025, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, officially launched the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a fully digital platform that will transform how short-term visitors apply […]

Purchasing residential property in South Africa involves more than just negotiating the price and signing the offer to purchase. One of the most strategic and often overlooked decisions is how to hold ownership of the property. Buyers frequently ask whether it is better to register the property in their personal name, through a company, or […]

Joint ventures (JVs) have become a defining feature of South Africa’s construction, mining, and infrastructure sectors. In an industry driven by complex regulations, high capital costs, and demanding project timelines, JVs allow contractors to combine financial capacity, expertise, and resources to deliver large-scale projects that would otherwise be unattainable. Yet while collaboration promises growth and […]

The digital age has revolutionised how individuals communicate, document, and express themselves. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and WhatsApp are no longer mere tools for social connection, they now serve as potential sources of legal evidence. Screenshots of online activity are increasingly relied upon in South African litigation, spanning cases […]

The statutory foundation of director delinquency Section 162 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 provides a potent statutory mechanism to safeguard corporate governance and ensure accountability. It empowers courts to declare a director delinquent where serious misconduct or dereliction of fiduciary duty has been proven. Once a breach meeting the statutory threshold is established, […]

On 8 September 2025, the Liquor Amendment Bill (B21-2025) was tabled in the National Assembly as a Private Member’s Bill by Ms Ntombovuyo Veronica Mente-Nkuna, representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The Bill proposes sweeping reforms to the Liquor Act 59 of 2003, aiming to drastically limit the visibility and commercial promotion of alcohol products […]

In a groundbreaking decision delivered on 3 October 2025, the Constitutional Court in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour dismantled the long-standing framework governing parental leave. The Court held that several provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (BCEA) and the Unemployment Insurance Act 63 of 2001 […]

South African businesses registered for VAT are facing new compliance obligations from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). With the release of Binding General Ruling 16 (BGR16) Issue 3, effective for all financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2024, VAT vendors must prepare for stricter reporting standards and a new true-up adjustment requirement. […]

Have you ever signed up for a “marketing” or “business listing” service after a phone call or email, only to regret it a few days later? Many businesses fall into this trap. Fortunately, the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you a clear way out through its cooling-off right. At Mayet & Associates Attorneys, we often […]

Looking for trusted correspondent attorneys in Bloemfontein for your Supreme Court of Appeal matters? Mayet & Associates Attorneys is your reliable partner for efficient and professional correspondent services. With the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) located in Bloemfontein, every appeal in South Africa (excluding constitutional matters) comes through this city. For law firms and clients […]

Introduction Whistleblowing remains a critical mechanism for promoting accountability and transparency in the workplace. South African courts, however, continue to emphasise that the protection offered under the Protected Disclosures Act is not absolute. The recent decision in Medici Energy v Bennet sheds light on the importance of motive, timing, and context when employees raise allegations […]

The case of Fraser Alexander v CCMA provides important guidance on the limits of legal representation in proceedings before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). It reinforces that even small procedural missteps can render an arbitration award invalid. What Happened in the Fraser Alexander Case In this matter, the arbitrator permitted legal representation […]

The case of AIG South Africa Limited v Brian Molefe has clarified how South African courts approach arbitration clauses when issues of fairness and efficiency are at stake. While arbitration clauses are generally binding, this judgment demonstrates that courts will exercise their discretion to set aside arbitration agreements where strict enforcement would lead to injustice […]

When a marriage has reached a point of no return, South African law provides clear mechanisms for legally ending the union. The Divorce Act 70 of 1979 sets out the grounds for divorce in South Africa, and the court system plays a central role in ensuring the process is lawful, fair, and consistent. Unlike older […]

The Labour Court’s decision in Mediclinic Nelspruit (Pty) Ltd v Shiba and Others has placed workplace romances under the spotlight. The judgment serves as a cautionary tale for employers about the reputational, legal, and operational risks that can arise when personal relationships break down inside the workplace. Background: HR Professional Crosses the Line Charles Thamsanqa […]

In South African labour law, disputes over pay disparities often lead to claims of unfair discrimination. A recent case, AMCU obo Members v Aberdare Cables, illustrates how courts evaluate these claims, particularly when differences in wages are tied to collective agreements and not to protected grounds. The Dispute: New Hires on Lower Wages Following a […]

In South African trust law, mandates are an essential mechanism that allow individuals, companies, or trusts to appoint an agent to act on their behalf. These instructions (commonly given to attorneys, financial advisors, or service providers) are particularly valuable when it is inconvenient or impractical for trustees or beneficiaries to act directly. For example, appointing […]

Temporary Employment Services (TES), more commonly known as labour broking, remain one of the most contested areas of South African labour law. These arrangements provide employers with staffing flexibility but raise serious questions about workers’ rights, employer accountability, and compliance with the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). At the […]

On 17 September 2025, the High Court granted the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and Deputy Governor Nomfundo Tshazibana permission to take their dispute with Standard Bank directly to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). This follows the High Court’s earlier judgment in Standard Bank v South African Reserve Bank, which sparked significant debate over […]

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has once again clarified the requirements for proving a customary marriage in South Africa. In Tshivhase v Tshivhase N O and Another, the court stressed that an identity document cannot on its own validate a customary marriage. Instead, parties must produce proper evidence showing that the marriage was negotiated, […]

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) introduced Binding General Ruling 16 (BGR16) Issue 3 on 27 November 2023, replacing Issue 2. This updated ruling outlines the standard turnover-based (STB) method used by vendors to determine their annual VAT apportionment ratio. Issue 3 applies to all financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2024 and […]

When searching for reliable legal support in Bloemfontein, it is essential to partner with a law firm that values strong client relationships and delivers practical, tailored solutions. Mayet & Associates exemplifies this approach by combining deep legal expertise with a personal commitment to understanding each client’s unique circumstances. The Value of Professional Legal Representation in […]

The two-pot retirement system, introduced on 1 September 2024, is a landmark reform in South Africa’s pension landscape. Designed to give members earlier access to their retirement savings while preserving long-term security, the rules are intricate and often misunderstood. Many South Africans may only discover the real impact of these changes at retirement, which could […]

Introduction On 25 February 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court, Johannesburg, delivered a significant judgment in F v F (2024/114386) [2025] ZAGPJHC 174. The case concerned an application under section 28(1)(a) of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 to terminate a father’s parental rights and responsibilities. The decision reaffirms the constitutional principle that […]

Winning on paper is only the start. Many judgment debtors go quiet the moment an order is granted: phones are off, addresses are “last known,” and polite reminders change nothing. Converting a judgment into delivery of a car, opening of premises, removal of equipment, or payment of money is a distinct discipline that blends procedure, […]

The Gauteng Division of the High Court (Johannesburg) delivered judgment on 12 June 2025 in Jacobs v Minister of Police & Others, a civil action arising from an evening roadblock positioned outside a private residence in Kempton Park. The plaintiff, Mr Shaun Jacobs, arrived home on 1 March 2019 to find Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department […]

South Africa is on the brink of a major overhaul of its marriage and divorce framework. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has tabled the General Laws Amendment Bill, 2025, which will significantly affect how property is divided when a marriage or partnership comes to an end, whether through divorce or death. While the Bill is framed […]

Overview On 11 September 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously confirmed that section 26(1)(a)–(c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 is unconstitutional because it differentiates irrationally and unfairly on the ground of gender. In plain terms: South Africa may no longer restrict post-marriage surname options to women only. Men, and spouses in […]

On 27 August 2025, the Equality Court (Western Cape Division, Cape Town) handed down a reportable judgment in South African Human Rights Commission and Another v Julius Sello Malema and Economic Freedom Fighters (Case Nos EC 16/2022 & EC 17/2022), holding that parts of a 16 October 2022 speech by Mr Malema amounted to hate […]

Litigants who have had their applications for leave to appeal dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) are not without recourse. South African law provides a mechanism that allows such applicants to request that the matter be reconsidered, ensuring that procedural justice remains safeguarded. This article, prepared by Mayet & Associates, a leading Supreme […]

A common scenario is unfolding across South Africa: a business receives a slick sales pitch over the phone or via email, promising “enhanced online visibility” or “priority listings.” Tempted by the offer, the business signs up, only to discover soon after that the service is vague, invoices arrive almost immediately, and any request for clarity […]

In the recent Labour Court decision of Medici Energy (Pty) Ltd v Bennet NO and Others (LC) (unreported case no C89/2023, 21 May 2025, Leslie AJ), the court was asked to consider whether an employee’s dismissal for refusing to return to office was fair in circumstances where she had worked remotely for more than two […]

On 1 August 2025, the Constitutional Court delivered a landmark ruling that has reshaped the legal landscape around trustee decision-making in South Africa. The judgment brought long-awaited clarity following the controversial Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling in Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys v Abraham Johannes de Witt N.O. and Others 2023 (6) SA 419 (SCA), […]

The Information Regulator of South Africa has released a Guidance Note on direct marketing under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA). This document clarifies how businesses may lawfully process personal information for unsolicited marketing purposes, whether through traditional channels (such as post or hand-delivered flyers) or digital platforms (such as SMS, email, and […]

The Gauteng Division of the High Court has dismissed an urgent application brought by the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) and Sakeliga NPC, who sought to halt the implementation of newly introduced sectoral numerical targets under the Employment Equity Act (EEA). Background Section 15A of the EEA, effective from 1 January 2025, empowers […]

On 29 August 2025, the Labour Court in Johannesburg delivered a judgment in JDG (Pty) Ltd t/a Hi-Fi Corporation v Shear & Others (JR1014/18), setting aside an arbitration award and upholding the dismissal of a senior sales manager who used company petty cash to purchase chocolates for personal consumption The Facts The employee, a branch […]

The Minister of Employment and Labour has officially issued a new Code of Good Practice: Dismissal, which was gazetted on 4 September 2025 (Government Gazette No. 53294). This Code replaces the earlier framework under Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 and provides updated guidance on how dismissals must be handled in South Africa. […]

The Right to Request Reasons South African taxpayers often face uncertainty when dealing with assessments issued by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Rule 6 of the rules made under section 103 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 gives taxpayers the right to request reasons for an assessment before filing an objection. This […]

In South Africa’s fast-paced business world, communication has shifted from boardrooms to smartphones. WhatsApp messages have become a powerful tool in resolving business disputes and, as a recent Western Cape High Court case shows, they can make or break a company when legal battles reach the courtroom. At Mayet & Associates, we understand how easily […]