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, […]
Alternate Directors in South African Company Law
The Companies Act 71 of 2008 permits the appointment of alternate directors where a company’s memorandum of incorporation (MOI) allows for such appointments. An alternate director effectively fills the role of a board member when the appointed director is unable to attend meetings or perform their functions, ensuring that the board can continue to operate […]
Recent Supreme Court of Appeal Judgments Clarify Directors’ Liability in South African Company Law
Two recent decisions of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) have provided important clarification on issues relating to the liability of directors and officers. The judgments address two areas that have generated ongoing legal uncertainty: the application of prescription to claims involving reckless or fraudulent trading, and the interpretation of directors’ fiduciary obligations when exercising […]
Estate Planning and Tax Considerations in South Africa: Key Principles to Understand
Effective estate planning in South Africa requires a clear understanding of the tax framework that applies to wealth, investments and asset transfers. A number of taxes may become relevant during a person’s lifetime and upon death, including estate duty, capital gains tax and donations tax. Understanding how these taxes operate can help individuals structure their […]