Reclaiming Financial Control: Understanding South Africa’s Debt Review Process
Debt Counselling in South Africa: A Lifeline for Financially Stressed Consumers In an economy grappling with sluggish growth, elevated interest rates, and rising living expenses, a growing number of South Africans are relying on credit to survive. Unfortunately, this growing dependence on borrowed money has led to increased financial distress, with many households finding themselves […]
Labour Court Reinforces Validity of Restraint Clauses in Employment Contracts
In a pivotal judgment handed down by the Johannesburg Labour Court in SMD Technologies (Pty) Ltd v Tavares and Another ([2024] ZALCJHB 546), the Court reaffirmed that restraint of trade clauses, when reasonably framed, remain enforceable under South African labour law. The ruling serves as a critical reminder for both employers and employees about the […]
Kiss Cam Fallout: What the Coldplay Incident Teaches Employers About Reputational Risk
A playful “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert recently escalated into a reputational crisis for Astronomer, culminating in the resignation of its CEO and speculation about the future of its Chief People Officer. While the events played out abroad, the fallout offers timely lessons for South African employers on how to handle public misconduct […]
Employment Equity Compliance: Setting Targets and Finalising Plans by 1 September 2025
On 15 April 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth, announced two major regulatory developments in the Government Gazette that will significantly reshape South Africa’s employment equity compliance landscape: These changes apply across both public and private sectors and aim to accelerate transformation through measurable and sector-specific benchmarks. New Employment Equity Regulations: Key […]
Challenging a Tax Assessment in South Africa: Lessons from the ABSA Judgment
Navigating the process of challenging a SARS tax assessment is no simple task. The legal and procedural hurdles can be both intricate and daunting. This complexity is clearly illustrated in the recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision in Commissioner for SARS v ABSA Bank Ltd and United Towers (Pty) Ltd, which sheds light on […]
Franchise Agreements: Essential Legal and Practical Considerations
Many franchisors assume that once a franchise agreement has been signed, especially when it includes all terms discussed during negotiations, the deal is ironclad. However, that is not always the case, there are several legal safeguards and obligations that can affect the enforceability of the contract, particularly under South African consumer protection law. Key Legal […]
The Legal Risks of Online Expression: Defamation in the Digital Age
In an era dominated by social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), individuals frequently turn to these channels to share their views. However, many people mistakenly believe that expressing opinions online comes without legal consequences. This belief is misguided. South African defamation law applies equally to both online statements and those […]
Understanding the Voetstoots Clause in Property Sales: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
When navigating the sale or purchase of a property, one legal term that frequently arises is the voetstoots clause. Though it may seem complex, its implications are fairly straightforward and crucial for both parties to understand. In essence, voetstoots means the property is sold “as is”, with all its visible and hidden flaws at the […]
Proposed Security Law Changes Raise Concerns Over Public Safety and Sector Viability
On 28 March 2025, the Department of Police published draft amendments to the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001 in Government Gazette No. 52388. These proposals seek to introduce tighter control over private security operations, raising serious concerns across the industry and among the public regarding the unintended consequences such changes could bring. […]
Beyond Decriminalisation: Towards a Regulatory Future for Cannabis in South Africa
1. Introduction: Constitutional Momentum Meets Legislative Delay The Constitutional Court’s 2018 judgment decriminalising the private use and cultivation of cannabis marked a turning point in South Africa’s approach to cannabis regulation. Rooted in the constitutional right to privacy, the ruling was widely seen as the precursor to broader reform. Yet, nearly six years later, the […]