Legal news and commentary from the offices of Simon Dippenaar
Lessons from the Beadica case Contracts are the building blocks of business deals. In legal terminology, “pacta sunt servanda”, or “agreements must be kept”. But what happens when sticking to the contract feels unfair? Can the courts intervene? The Constitutional Court recently had to answer a question of contracts and fairness in the case of […]
Reprinted from The Guardian, by Rachel Savage – 2025-06-13 Olorato Mongale, allegedly killed by man she went on date with, is latest victim of violence against women Yet again another South African woman has lost her life at the hands of a man, this time a date rather than a partner. Yet again we read […]
If you use AI in your business, you need to carry out a risk assessment Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in day-to-day business operations. Even small organisations use chatbots for customer service (including this website); and facial recognition software is used not only by large tech companies (to unlock your cell phone or laptop) […]
What happens when a trustee needs to be removed? A trust is a legal arrangement to protect assets and ensure they are distributed according to the wishes of the donor/founder (the person or entity who owns the assets). The donor gives another party, known as the trustee, the right to hold title to the assets […]
Defending against AI-enhanced surveillance In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology have significantly influenced surveillance, law enforcement and evidence collection. AI-powered tools include facial recognition, predictive analytics and automated licence plate readers, which are increasingly used in criminal and civil cases. However, despite their reputation for accuracy, these technologies are not fool-proof. […]
Why your attorney might use AI to prepare your case The legal profession is often perceived as resistant to change. Traditional values are important to law firms, as we have a duty of care to our clients and trust is essential. However, advancements in technology are bringing about a transformation in how we serve our […]
What foreign entrepreneurs need to know South Africa is an attractive destination for foreign investors looking to expand their operations or enter new markets. With a young workforce and a growing digital economy, the country is particularly appealing for industries such as tech, marketing and services. However, before starting operations, there are important legal and […]
How to minimise legal fees without compromising your case Litigation – taking a case to court – is daunting. But it can also be exciting. If you feel you have been wronged, you may be looking forward to seeing justice done and possibly winning financial compensation. But you may also be worried about the cost. […]
What you need to know if you are considering parenthood via surrogacy You probably know someone who has had a baby through fertility treatment, either via artificial insemination (AI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF, or a “test-tube baby”). Fertility issues are far from rare: the WHO estimates that globally one in six adults experiences infertility. […]
Key considerations for employers Are you an employer? Perhaps you are a small business on the verge of expansion, taking on staff for the first time. What do you need to know about employment contracts to ensure you stay on the right side of employment law and, more importantly, your employees? There is a complex […]
Empowering plaintiffs in high-stakes cases Have you ever wanted to take another party to court but felt unable to contemplate litigation due to the cost? The pursuit of justice can be an expensive and daunting endeavour and the financial burden may present a barrier to accessing justice. If you have a very strong case, particularly […]
Why a property inspection is important Whether you are a first-time buyer or trading up for more space, if you are buying a property there are many things to consider: location, size, layout and price. Unless you are buying a new build, you should pay particular attention to the condition of the property and check […]
