Luxury “Dupes” Under Scrutiny in South Africa: Legal Risks for Influencers, Brands and Consumers
Recent reports indicate that the South African Revenue Service is intensifying its focus on the online sale and promotion of so-called “luxury dupes”. These products, often marketed on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, imitate high-end designer goods while being sold at significantly reduced prices. While SARS has traditionally concentrated on tax collection and customs […]
Piercing the Corporate Veil in South African Law: Key Lessons from Groundswell Developments v Brown
Introduction The doctrine of separate legal personality remains a cornerstone of company law in South Africa. However, courts will not hesitate to intervene where this principle is abused. A recent example is Groundswell Developments Africa (Pty) Ltd and Others v Brown, where both the Western Cape High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) […]
Mangaung Property Valuation Roll 2026: What Property Owners Must Check Before the Deadline
Introduction: Why the 2026 Municipal Valuation Matters Property owners within the Mangaung Metropolitan area should take note of an important development that could directly impact their municipal rates for the next four years. The Municipality has released its General Municipal Property Valuation Roll for 2026, calling on all property owners to verify the details recorded […]
POPIA Enforcement in South Africa: Key 2026 Developments and What Businesses Must Do Now
Introduction: A Turning Point for Data Protection in South Africa South Africa’s data protection landscape is undergoing a decisive shift. Recent developments involving the Information Regulator point to a more assertive and enforcement-driven approach to compliance under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). From increased investigations and enforcement action to new […]
VAT Deregistration in South Africa: What SMEs Must Consider After the New Threshold Increase
Introduction: A Long-Awaited VAT Threshold Shift South Africa’s proposed increase in the VAT registration threshold marks the first adjustment in nearly two decades. While this development is widely seen as a positive step for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it introduces an important strategic decision for existing VAT vendors. Businesses that may no longer be […]
Deepfakes and Digital Evidence in South Africa: The New Legal Challenge to Truth
Introduction: When Seeing Is No Longer Believing For decades, courts have treated video and audio recordings as some of the most persuasive forms of evidence. That assumption is now under serious threat. The rise of deepfakes and AI generated media has introduced a new evidentiary crisis where fabricated content can appear indistinguishable from reality. In […]
Think Before You Post: The Legal Risks of Sharing Conflict Footage Online
In an era where information travels instantly, videos of missile strikes and military activity often appear on social media within minutes. While many people share this content believing they are raising awareness or reporting on current events, the legal consequences, particularly in conflict regions such as the Middle East, can be far more serious than […]
Corporate Compliance Starts with Accurate Records
Corporate compliance is often viewed as a complex regulatory obligation, but in reality it begins with something far simpler: maintaining accurate and up-to-date company records. For any business, proper record-keeping is the foundation of sound corporate governance and legal compliance. Many important corporate processes depend entirely on the accuracy of a company’s records. Director appointments […]
Contracts That Protect Your Business
In business, agreements are often concluded quickly and with optimism. Many transactions begin with trust, a handshake, or a short email confirming the terms of a deal. While goodwill plays an important role in commercial relationships, relying solely on informal arrangements can expose a business to significant legal and financial risk. Carefully drafted contracts remain […]
Influencer Marketing and the Importance of Transparency in South Africa
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for brands seeking to reach consumers. Businesses increasingly collaborate with influencers to showcase products, demonstrate services, and promote lifestyle experiences to large online audiences. However, as influencer marketing becomes more widespread, an important question often arises for viewers: is the influencer expressing a genuine opinion, […]