Tag: Webber Wentzel

The Essential Services Committee (ESC) has published a notice in terms of section 71, read with section 70(B)(1)(d) of the Labour Relations Act No 66 of 1995 (LRA). The notice announces an investigation into whether certain aviation services should be designated as essential services. The ESC published the notice on 23 January 2026. It arrives at a volatile moment for South Africa's aviation industry.

On 22 December 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court delivered an important judgment in The National Ports Authority, a division of Transnet (SOC) Ltd vs The Owners and Underwriters of the MV Smart [Case No. A 11/2016]. The court directed that a substantial body of documents produced in confidential London arbitration proceedings be disclosed for related litigation in South Africa. This ruling confirms that the High Court compels disclosure even in cross-border arbitration contexts.

The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) underwent significant amendments affecting employers and employees. On 23 January 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa fixed commencement dates for most provisions. Selected sections were deferred to 1 February 2026 and 1 April 2026.

For enterprises in South Africa that operate within the dynamic food and beverage industry, understanding and effectively utilising indirect tax incentives is a powerful way to enhance profitability and gain a competitive edge. With the correct implementation of various provisions in the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991 (VAT Act), together with a good understanding of compliance and record-keeping, a VAT vendor can significantly reduce their overall tax burden.

With effect from 22 April 2025, the Gauteng Division of the High Court introduced mandatory mediation before civil trials. As a result, parties must first undergo mediation before applying for a trial date. In practical terms, mediation is not optional in civil litigation within this division.

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) reaffirmed the principles governing pleadings and settlement finality. The court focused on the withdrawal of admissions and compromise. In Road Accident Fund vs Sarah Wilson Lewis ([2025] ZASCA 174), the SCA confirmed the strict standards courts apply when parties seek to reopen settled issues. These standards protect the integrity of the litigation process.

Health data is one of the most valuable assets in modern healthcare. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) places strict requirements on its use. POPIA compliance for health data is therefore critical for all healthcare stakeholders.

December is here, and malls and shopping centres are already overflowing with festive shoppers. The atmosphere feels lively, but it also becomes crowded. As foot traffic increases and trading hours extend, the risk in slip-and-fall claims rises significantly. Summer rains create wet floors. Staff misplace merchandise. Shoppers move quickly and often without caution.

When the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) hears the Standard Bank vs SARB appeal in 2026, the court will decide whether the 1961 Exchange Control Regulations can stretch to cover Bitcoin. This moment will define whether a borderless digital asset fits inside legislation written before computers existed. The stakes sit high, especially as the crypto crackdown intensifies across South Africa.

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has published Conduct Standard 2 of 2025 (the 2025 Standard). It sets out reformed conditions for pension fund benefit administrators under section 13B(1) of the Pension Funds Act, 1956. The 2025 Standard aligns with the FSCA’s Statement of Need and Impact. In doing so, the FSCA ushers in a new era for pension fund regulation by formally replacing the outdated Board Notice 24 of 2002 (BN24 of 2002).