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
Bad process doesn’t make a good dismissal bad: LAC draws a clear line between procedure and substance
by Bradley Workman-Davies, Director South African labour law has long recognised that a dismissal can fail for one of two [...]
Think before you prompt: How employee use of AI can shape your organisation’s legal position before lawyers become involved
by Tebogo Sibidla, Director The legal lifecycle begins long before a dispute reaches court, or a regulator commences an investigation. [...]
South African exporters: Take note!
by Natalie Scott, Director & Head of Sustainability The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has shifted from paperwork to payment [...]
The Bogeyman that is the GAAR
by Ernest Mazansky, Director, Werksmans Tax (Proprietary) Limited Introduction The general anti-avoidance rule - or the GAAR as it is "fondly" [...]
When can you set your mind at ease? Tax and the prescription issue
by Doelie Lessing, Director and Head of Tax and Private Wealth, and Robyn Schonegevel, Associate SARS is generally prohibited from [...]
What you need to know now to protect your brand in China
by Donvay Wegierski, Director Brand owners take note. Effective 2027 China will amend its Trade Mark Law. Efforts to curb [...]
