Legal updates and opinions
Post Author
News / News
Governance Reforms for Listed Companies
by Kevin Trudgeon, Director and Helena Stoop, Senior Knowledge Lawyer
Listed companies in South Africa are facing a rapidly changing governance landscape. Three key instruments namely, the revised JSE Listings Requirements which took effect on 16 February 2026, the King V Code of Corporate Governance launched in October 2025, and amendments to the Companies Act promulgated in 2024 shape the regulatory framework under which boards must operate.
Although these three instruments address similar key aspects of corporate governance, they differ in purpose, scope and enforceability. This note offers an overview of governance obligations arising under the Companies Act, the JSE Listings Requirements, and King V. It highlights both points of alignment and areas of divergence, with particular focus on board composition, director independence, nomination and election processes, the roles of key officers, and the structure and functioning of board committees.
Each topic is discussed in light of recent developments, and the analysis is complemented by a comparative table that consolidates the requirements currently applicable to listed companies in South Africa.
Download the comparative guide here.
Latest News
The ‘AI Chatbot Race’
By Kyra South, Senior Associate and Janice Geel, Candidate Attorney, reviewed by Natalie Scott, Director, Head of Sustainability Practice 2023 [...]
Mining for industries of the future
In his opening address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2023, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr [...]
The Competition Commission turnips the heat on fresh produce – 10 things you should know
by Dominique Arteiro, Director Fresh Produce Market Inquiry On 14 February 2023, the Competition Commission of South Africa (“Commission”) published in the [...]
The Green Revolution – Africa’s time is now
Green Revolution With over 6000 thousand delegates having descended at the CTICC in Cape Town for the annual Investing in [...]
Legal position regarding the sedation and transport of wild animals
by Neil Kirby, Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences, Helen Michael, Director and Slade van Rooyen, Candidate Attorney The escape, [...]
Severance pay is not always due when dismissed for operational requirements
by Jacques van Wyk, Director, Michiel Heyns, Senior Associate and Danelle Plaatjies, Candidate Attorney Introduction Section 41(4) of the Basic Conditions [...]
