Practical guidance for employers and employees On 4 September 2025, the Minister of Employment and Labour brought into effect the new Code of Good Practice: Dismissal under the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). The Code consolidates and updates South Africa’s dismissal framework, replacing the long-standing Schedule 8: Code of Good Practice: Dismissal and […]
Changes to parental leave law When it comes to taking time off work to care for a newborn infant (or newly adopted child), Norway and Bulgaria are the best places to live, both in terms of duration and pay. The UK comes next, with other European countries as well as New Zealand and Canada making […]
Can AI in contracts replace lawyers? AI is on the march. The number of tasks various AI-powered tools can complete in a fraction of human time is growing every day. In many cases, AI-enabled functions improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that AI is not infallible. ChatGPT, though […]
“Good-faith negotiations” are no longer enough. Here’s how to comply — and how to protect your rights. What happened — the short version A full bench of the Land Court has clarified that mediation is mandatory before a landowner may apply for an eviction under the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA). The judges […]
Rethinking the way we say goodbye to top earners The labour landscape in South Africa is changing. Proposed amendments to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) are set to redefine how unfair dismissal disputes involving high-income earners are handled. These changes could transfer the focus for both employers and senior employees from job reinstatement to financial […]
Introduction Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of the most pressing social and legal issues in South Africa. It affects people of all ages, genders, and communities. GBV is not only a violation of human rights but also a crime that undermines the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in the Constitution. At SD Law – […]
Understanding Fraud in Plain English Fraud is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — criminal offences in South Africa. It appears in headlines almost daily, from corporate scandals to social grant fraud, but many people are unclear about what the law actually defines as fraud. Quick answer: what is fraud in South […]
Navigating the turbulent waters of divorce can be a daunting and emotionally charged experience. Choosing the right divorce attorney in Cape Town is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and to protect your position and make clear decisions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting a divorce attorney […]
Are they still a smart way to raise money? For years, South African businesses have leaned on preference shares as a clever way to raise funding. The idea was simple: instead of borrowing money and paying interest, companies issued preference shares to investors. These shares came with fixed dividends and a promise to buy the […]
Is buyer’s remorse adequate justification to cancel? We’ve all bought something we later regretted, from an unsuitable garment that looked great in the shop to an appliance that seemed life-changing, only to sit and gather dust. Most of the time, buyer’s remorse stings our pocket temporarily and is soon forgotten. But what happens if you […]
Sectional title schemes If you live in an apartment building or residential complex, you probably live in a sectional title scheme. In South Africa, a sectional title scheme is a form of property ownership where individuals own specific sections (like apartments or townhouses) within a larger development, along with an undivided share of the common […]
The following article appeared in the Daily Maverick on 11 Aug. We’ve been following and writing about cybercrime for some time and this piece provides comprehensive information on the current status of online scams and how to respond. A must-read! Reprinted from the Daily Maverick, by Yeshiel Panchia – 2025-08-11 If you’ve ever received a […]
