Tag: Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc (CDH)

South Africa’s rail sector is moving from diagnosis to delivery. The challenges are well documented. They include a shortage of operational trains, ageing infrastructure, widespread theft and vandalism, and operational inefficiencies. These bottlenecks spill into ports, slowing trade. Additionally, shifting trade routes, geopolitical instability and environmental concerns add further complexity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly transforming legal workflows. They now accelerate research, streamline contract analysis and enhance eDiscovery. But while these tools offer impressive speed and pattern recognition, they still cannot replace the strategic judgement, foresight and nuance that define quality legal practice.

On January 24, 2025, the country experienced a wave of mixed emotions. This followed the President’s signing of the contentious Expropriation Bill of 2020 into law as the Expropriation Act 13 of 2024. The President has not yet announced the commencement date. Consequently, the Act is not yet in force, and there is no indication of when this announcement will be made.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrated on 28 April brings to attention the need for creating safe spaces in the workplace which include mental health and wellbeing. According to the South African Federation for Mental Health, about 13% of South African employees live with a diagnosed mental health condition. Interestingly, more than a third of working South Africans experience excessive daily stress. 

Recent progress at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has signalled renewed confidence in South Africa’s capital markets. We believe the JSE plays a critical role in growing the economy. While market conditions have presented challenges, we remain optimistic about the future. We have seen how the JSE has shown resilience through accessible listings.

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of law, the qualities of empathy and compassion often get overshadowed by career growth. Yet, these qualities are foundational to the true success of any lawyer. As a director of my own practice, I have witnessed the power of kindness.

On 21 June 2023, the Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa formally approved the submission of the Luxembourg Rail Protocol (LRP) to the Cape Town Convention to parliament for ratification. Formal ratification is expected later in the year.

Every South African is currently faced with the ongoing negative effects of rolling electricity blackouts, which Government euphemistically refers to as “load shedding”. It affects our businesses, our homes, our livelihoods, our safety and our faith in the future of our country.

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) officially declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act. This is a big step forward towards avoiding South Africa’s infamous decline into the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The National Council of Provinces passed the Employment Equity Amendment Bill (Bill) on Tuesday, 17 May 2022. The bill is in its final stage of promulgation as it has been sent to the President for signing. The Bill will amend the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (Act).