Legal updates and opinions
News / News
King V: South Africa’s Governance Evolution
by Eric Levenstein, Director and Head of Insolvency & Business Rescue and Helena Stoop, Senior Knowledge Lawyer
The official King V was launched on 31 October 2025. The project was spearheaded by the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa NPC (IoDSA) in its capacity as Secretariat for the King Committee and custodian of the King Reports on corporate governance in South Africa. It replaces the previous edition (‘King IV’) and will be effective for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2026.
The fifth edition of the Code (‘King V’) follows the trend of previous editions and sets out the philosophy, principles, practices and outcomes which serve as the benchmark for corporate governance in South Africa. It was drafted to address both national and global developments, improve accessibility for all types of organisations, and promote the ongoing evolution of governance outcomes. Werksmans provides a bespoke and summarised overview of key components relevant to King V.
Download the King V Overview here.
Latest News
“This is hate speech” – The Constitutional Court has spoken
This is hate speech The Constitutional Court has handed down judgment in the case of Qwelane v South African Human [...]
Countdown to POPIA Webinar
Countdown to POPIA Webinar The 1st of July 2021 is the day for all public and private bodies to [...]
Extension of COVID-19 Temporary Employer / Employee Relief Scheme (“TERS”)
On 11 July 2021 President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the Covid-19 Temporary Employer / Employee Relief Scheme ("TERS") would be [...]
Incitement of public violence (on social media) and the repercussions for individuals and contracts
Incitement of public violence With the recent public unrest and public violence outbreaks in the country the President of the [...]
Mr. President, you don’t need an iPad, please use a pen!
by Ahmore Burger-Smidt, Director and Head of Data Privacy and Cybercrime Practice and member of Competition Law Practice; and Nyiko [...]
The prohibition of the Burger King merger and the increasing importance of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment factors for South African competition law
The prohibition of the Burger King merger 1. The recent decision by the Competition Commission to prohibit the sale by [...]
