Tag: right to privacy

There is a complex relationship between privacy and freedom of expression. Both rights are enshrined in the South African Constitution and are essential to a democratic society. The right to privacy safeguards personal autonomy by protecting individuals from undue intrusions into their private lives. Freedom of expression, on the other hand, promotes open debate and the sharing of information, which are vital for democracy.

In a move that could serve as catalyst for the reshape of South Africa's cannabis landscape, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) recently passed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill [B 19B-2020] (the Bill).

In today's fast-paced work environment, employee productivity is a critical component of organisational success. To ensure optimal performance, employers often resort to various productivity tools, which range from time-tracking software to project management applications.

With so many people using different platforms to connect and exchange information, social media has become an indispensable component of our personal and professional lives. However, as we have observed more frequently over the past few years, employees must exercise caution in what they post on social media because it may reflect poorly on the business they work for (employers themselves may be held liable), violate social media policies at work, and result in dismissal.

Every employer has a right to privacy and as such employees should tread carefully when recording business-related activities, as they could find themselves in breach of confidentiality owed to their employer. While the law provides some leeway for employers to record the conversations and activities of employees, whilst they are engaged in business related activities, and use such recordings against them, as long as it is 'in the interests of justice to do so', employees have a lot less space to manoeuvre when recording the activities of their employers

With the right security measures in place, ensuring the safety of a company’s employees and equipment is much easier. Whether it is biometrics on all entrances and exits of an office park, fences to physically prevent intruders from gaining access, or CCTV cameras intended to catch criminals in the act, technology makes security simpler.

Government’s push to water down the constitutional protection for property rights in South Africa by amending the Constitution should shock everyone of whatever race or socio-economic background. Every South African who owns property will be in jeopardy if the vital check of compensation is repealed.