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Enforcement notice issued to Dis-Chem due to contravention of POPIA
and Chiara Ferri, Candidate Attorney The importance of compliance has once again been highlighted as the Information Regulator issued an Enforcement Notice to Dis-Chem Pharmacies Ltd [...]
What are you worth? “if you’re not paying for a product, then you are a product.”
In the digital world, this happens to be true. But it is not only companies that have realised the value that lies in personal data and [...]
The privacy of customers seemingly protected by RICA
The Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act 70 of 2002 ("RICA") was enacted more than twenty (20) years ago. Since [...]
The publication of information by the Auditor General in terms of PAIA
and Chiara Ferri, Candidate Attorney In the High Court judgment of Sakeliga NPC v The Auditor-General South Africa (36297/2022) [2023] ZAGPPHC 501 (30 June 2023) penned [...]
The Financial Services Tribunal’s position on the withholding of a pension benefit pursuant to a criminal complaint
In this article we will discuss the extent to which employers may withhold a pension benefit if such employer has only laid a criminal complaint against [...]
OpenAI vs Open AI
OpenAI Inc ("OpenAI"), the originator of ChatGPT, has launched trade mark infringement and unfair competition proceedings in the USA against Open Artificial Intelligence Inc. and Guy [...]
Heritage Matters: Celebrating Heritage Month 2023
In this Heritage Month, as we celebrate the richness of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs), we also recognise the ongoing efforts to [...]
“All change is good”: potential implications of the proposed changes to taxation of income subject to withholding taxes awarded by South African trusts to foreign beneficiaries
and Benedict Ngobeni - Candidate Attorney Reviewed by Ernest Mazansky - Director, Werksmans Tax (Proprietary) Limited Currently, income arising in a South African trust that is [...]
The changing landscape of the Companies Act, 2008: the Second Amendment Bill, 2023
In the wake of the Zondo Commission of Enquiry into State Capture's recommendation that certain provisions in the Companies Act 71 of 2008 ("Companies Act") [...]
A definite end to an infinite loop – the interpretation of section 153(4) of the Companies Act, 71 of 2008
It is evident from recent judgments handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal (the "SCA") that various provisions of Chapter 6 of the Companies [...]
A South African perspective on the role of Pro Bono lawyers
This article was first published in TYL, a publication of the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division As a democracy, South Africa is somewhat of [...]
Employment in South Africa – a relationship built on trust
The employment relationship between an employer and its employees is heavily regulated in South African law and there are a number of statutory instruments which [...]
Testing the reliability of breathalyser tests
and Nombulelo Bashe, Candidate Attorney Whilst employers regularly rely on the convenience and accessibility of a breathalyser test to determine whether employees are under the influence [...]
Salary made up of commission: What rules apply?
Although South African labour law has a lot to say about minimum terms and conditions of employment, and pieces of legislation such as the Basic [...]
Labour laws – fairness to all parties
South African labour laws have been deliberately crafted in order to create a protective regulatory environment for employees. Additionally, labour dispute resolution forums such as [...]
Faking sickness in order to attend a political march: You have a huge price to pay
Our labour law allows employees to take paid sick leave when they are sick in order to attend to their health. This is so because [...]
Sustainable housing: Navigating the legal landscape for a green and resilient future
One of the first principles recognised in the Paris Agreement[1] is the importance of "sustainable lifestyles and sustainable patterns of consumption and production… [which] play [...]
ESG in Private Equity Funds: Insights from the Super Return Conference 2023
The integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors has become a crucial consideration for investors across various asset classes, including private equity funds. I [...]
Powers of the Information Regulator and how the Department of Justice could have avoided a R5 million fine
There has been great anxiety amongst organisations since the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) came into effect two years ago. Many [...]
The extent of an arbitrator’s jurisdiction
In the recent decision of Dis-Chem Pharmacies Limited v Dainfern Square (Pty) Ltd & Others[1] the Supreme Court of Appeal ("SCA") was required to determine [...]
Exercising due caution with regard to open source software in private equity transactions
Private equity investors play a role in supporting the growth and development of companies in South Africa. When a private equity investor is considering an [...]
Proposed draft legislation to replace Practice Note 31 of 1994
An indispensable requirement for the claiming of an income tax deduction is that the taxpayer must be carrying on a trade and the expenditure in [...]
Ruling in favour of the Digital Age: Local and foreign courts give a to electronic agreements and signatures
and Karabo Kekana, Candidate Attorney Recently a Canadian court decided that a emoji constituted an electronic signature and resulted in a binding and enforceable sale agreement. [...]
Powers of the Information Regulator and how the Department of Justice could have avoided a R5 million fine
There has been great anxiety amongst organisations since the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) came into effect two years ago. Many [...]
When is an instruction to work overtime unlawful and unenforceable?
and Nombulelo Bashe, Candidate Attorney AMCU obo Mkhonto v CCMA and Others (JR 2266/17) [2023] ZALCJHB (13 February 2023) Insubordination occurs when an employee fails to [...]
