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
Prudential Authority Issues Guidance on Climate-Related Governance/Risk Practices and Disclosures for Banks
By Slade van Rooyen, Candidate Attorney, reviewed by Natalie Scott, Director and Head of Sustainability On 10 May 2024, the [...]
The Role of the Corporate Doctor – Saving Distressed Companies in South Africa
South African corporates continue to face significant challenges in surviving economic constraints and turmoil in the market place. Looking at [...]
Evidential crossroads: Navigating hearsay evidence in CCMA proceedings
Introduction There is some debate surrounding the extent to which Commissioners are required to apply the general rule against the [...]
Navigating the termination of conditional offers of employment: What employers need to know
and Yendiswa Sithole – Candidate Attorney Introduction In today's highly competitive employment market, securing the most suitable candidates is of [...]
Employer ordered to pay compensation for failing to adequately investigate sexual harassment complaints
and Hanán Jeppie – Candidate Attorney Introduction An employer's liability in instances where it fails to comply with its statutory [...]
Change is inevitable with the evolution of technology
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the [...]
