Legal

South Africa’s long-awaited Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system takes effect on 1 December 2025. It changes how every motorist and fleet operator manages traffic fines. We are warning drivers to prepare now for stricter unpaid fine penalties. Drivers must also be ready for the possibility of losing driving privileges under the new demerit system.

The High Court of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Local Division, Durban, recently delivered judgment. This follows a dispute concerning the supply of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The Plaintiff, a supplier of LPG, had provided the product to the First Defendant over several years.

With the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s review imminent, the country faces more than the risk of remaining greylisted. Outdated and costly international money transfers undermine competitiveness, increase trade risks and deter investment. A month remains before the FATF’s follow-up site visit. This visit will decide whether the country is ready to be taken off the dreaded FATF greylist.

We have called upon Parliament to repeal the Expropriation Act of 2024. We also urge lawmakers to introduce a just and equitable land reform programme that adheres to both the text and the spirit of the Constitution. This is an essential step toward pursuing real land reform.

Waiting until you’re on the wrong side of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) before taking action is a risk no business can afford. Beyond the threat of hefty fines or legal consequences, there is also the potential for serious reputational damage. Rebuilding trust after a breach is often far harder than paying a fine.

Running a small business in South Africa has never been easy. With economic pressures ranging from inflation to rising operational costs, every decision matters. For many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), overlooked details in contracts can mean the difference between financial stability and unexpected setbacks.

Selling a home is not a simple matter of putting it on the market and accepting the best offer. There are many factors to consider and decisions to make. The to-do list now includes the mandatory property disclosure form, which is a legal requirement for all property sales. Without it, an estate agent cannot legally list or market your home.

South Africa’s justice system is undergoing a necessary and exciting transformation. After years of relying heavily on traditional courtroom litigation, there is increasing conversation around making dispute resolution more accessible, affordable and culturally relevant.

South Africa’s family law is set for a significant shift. The proposed amendments could impact how property and other assets are divided in the event of divorce or death, even when there is an antenuptial agreement in place. This is one of the most substantial adjustments seen in matrimonial property law in some time.

When an employee has been unfairly dismissed, the Labour Relations Act (LRA) prescribes reinstatement as the remedy. The employer can depart from this only if it shows good reason. Full reinstatement requires the employer to pay the employee all remuneration accrued between the date of dismissal and the date of reinstatement.