“In defence of Madiba’s legacy, we will continue to wage a relentless war on corruption…” (President Cyril Ramaphosa) You may have seen mention of the new amendment to the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities (POCCA) Act that imposes severe...
“It takes leadership to improve safety.” (Jackie Stewart, Formula 1 legend) One of your key duties as an employer is to create a working environment in which your employees are protected from harassment and abuse. As a recent High Court judgment graphically...
“From small mistakes come great catastrophes.” (Justin Cronin) We’ve all seen how even the smallest mistake can have huge consequences down the line. A recent High Court spat between siblings over a poorly-drafted will confirms once again that when it comes to...
“Big Brother is watching you.” (George Orwell) Your smartphone lets you record just about anything, anywhere, and at any time. Your laptop and other devices can automatically record online meetings. Technology enabling voice and/or video recording is all-pervasive,...
“This sale agreement is no more! It has ceased to be! This is an EX-sale!” (With apologies to Monty Python) A “bond clause” – standard in most property sale agreements – typically provides that the whole sale depends on the buyer obtaining a mortgage bond by a...
“Divorce is the one human tragedy that reduces everything to cash.” (Rita Mae Brown) How will the new “Three-Pot Retirement System” (often referred to as a “Two-Pot System”) affect financial arrangements on divorce? Retirement savings can amount to a significant...
“Good fences make good neighbours.” (Robert Frost) When you buy into a community scheme (such as a security estate, complex or apartment block) you automatically become a member of its management body: either a Homeowners Association (“HOA”) if your property is...
“Many people including workers in South Africa do not have the wherewithal to determine between a qualified doctor, an unqualified doctor and one who is operating illegally. That is why there are regulatory and law enforcement bodies to whom suspicious practices by...
“Love is grand. Divorce is a hundred grand.” (Anon) In the boiler room that is the divorce court, it’s common to hear accusations and counter-accusations of one spouse disposing of or concealing marital assets to hide them from the other spouse. The good news is that...
“I am disgraced, impeached, and baffled here, Pierced to the soul with slander’s venomed spear.” (William Shakespeare) Here’s another warning from our courts to think twice before publishing anything defamatory, even if you genuinely believe it to be true. To escape...
