Special Leave to Appeal: What the Supreme Court of Appeal Requires
Introduction Applications for special leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) are subject to a stringent legal threshold. Unlike ordinary applications for leave to appeal, litigants approaching the SCA after refusal of leave by a lower court must demonstrate not only reasonable prospects of success but also the existence of exceptional circumstances […]
Influencer Marketing and Advertising Compliance in South Africa: Legal and Contractual Considerations
Introduction Influencer marketing has become one of the most powerful tools in modern digital advertising. Brands increasingly rely on social media personalities to promote products and services to highly engaged audiences across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X. However, as this form of marketing continues to expand, regulatory scrutiny has intensified. In South […]
Important Amendments to the ARIPO Banjul Protocol on Trade Marks: What Brand Owners Need to Know
In late 2025, the Administrative Council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) approved a series of substantial revisions to the Banjul Protocol on Marks. These changes were formally adopted following the Council’s 49th meeting and were confirmed through a notice issued on 8 December 2025. The amendments extend beyond simple administrative updates. They […]
Supreme Court of Appeal Correspondent Attorneys in Bloemfontein
Trusted Correspondent Attorneys for the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa Attorneys litigating in appellate matters frequently require the assistance of reliable local correspondents in Bloemfontein, the judicial seat of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa. Because the Court is situated in Bloemfontein, practitioners from across South Africa must often appoint a […]
Why Writing a Will May Be the Most Important Financial Decision You Make
When people think about financial advice, their minds often go straight to investments, interest rates, retirement funds or the latest developments in cryptocurrency. Conversations about managing wealth usually revolve around growing assets, reducing tax exposure or diversifying portfolios across local and offshore markets. Yet one of the most important financial decisions a person can make […]
Dismissal of Foreign Employees Without Work Permits: Lessons from the Sibanda v Roots Butchery CCMA Decision
A recent arbitration decision of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration provides important guidance for employers who engage foreign nationals without valid work authorisation. The case of Sibanda and Others v Roots Butchery ((2025) 46 ILJ 2969 (CCMA)) considered whether the termination of several employees was substantively fair where those employees did not hold […]
South Africa Invites Public Input on Proposed Labour Law Reforms
Significant changes to South Africa’s labour law framework may be on the horizon. On 26 February 2026, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, published two draft legislative proposals in the Government Gazette for public comment. These are the Labour Law Amendment Bill, 2025 and the Labour Relations Amendment Bill, 2025 together with their […]
Why Businesses Should Not Rely on Brand Use Alone
A business’s brand is often one of its most valuable commercial assets, yet many companies underestimate the importance of securing formal legal protection for it. Entrepreneurs frequently assume that once they begin trading under a particular name or using a distinctive logo, they automatically acquire ownership of that brand. While some protection may arise from […]
From Grey Listing to Regulatory Certainty: The 2026 Budget Review and the Future of Crypto Assets in South Africa
South Africa’s approach to regulating crypto assets has shifted markedly over the past five years. What began as exploratory policy work by the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG) has gradually matured into concrete regulatory and reporting obligations. Following the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in October 2025 and sustained growth […]
2026 Budget Speech: Key Tax and Regulatory Shifts Businesses Must Watch
The 2026 Budget signals a deliberate recalibration of South Africa’s tax framework. Rather than dramatic headline-grabbing reforms, National Treasury has opted for targeted refinements across corporate taxation, international tax mechanics, personal income tax relief, VAT administration, customs duties, and carbon-related measures. The overall theme is clear: improve certainty, strengthen compliance, manage fiscal pressures, and refine […]