Who Is Liable When an AI-driven Vehicle Causes Harm?
As autonomous vehicles (AVs) evolve from concept to real-world use, South Africa faces pressing legal questions: if an AI-driven vehicle causes harm, who bears liability? Under current South African law, liability for road accidents is largely governed by the Road Accident Fund Act 56 of 1996 (the RAF Act). The RAF is a statutory insurance […]
Paws and Policies: Pet Ownership in Sectional Title Schemes
For the millions of South Africans who call a sectional title unit or gated community home, the question of whether you can keep a pet is far more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. As urban living becomes increasingly dense, the legal landscape governing pets in shared residential spaces continues to evolve, and both […]
Are Electronic Wills Valid?
We live in an age where agreements are concluded by email, documents are signed electronically, and important records are stored in the cloud. It is therefore not surprising that clients often ask: “Can I sign my will electronically?” or “Is the will saved on my laptop valid?” The short answer is that South African law […]
Trusts and Family Wealth
Passing wealth from one generation to the next is no longer a simple administrative exercise. Families today live longer, own more complex assets, and face evolving tax and legal environments. Against this backdrop, estate planning has shifted from short-term succession planning to long-term stewardship. One structure continues to feature prominently in this conversation: the living […]
How to Clear Your Name After a Default Judgment Against You: Rescission of Judgments
Most people only become aware that a default judgment has been granted against them when the sheriff arrives with a warrant of execution or when their credit applications are unexpectedly declined. A default judgment is usually issued when a defendant fails to enter an appearance to defend or does not attend trial, and in the […]
When Grief Meets Red Tape: Understanding Today’s Estate Challenges
Losing a loved one is already one of life’s most difficult experiences. Add to that the burden of South Africa’s complex estate administration process, and families often find themselves overwhelmed at the worst possible time. In 2026, the challenges facing estate administrators have reached unprecedented levels, but understanding these obstacles and seeking professional help can […]
Mediation Before Litigation: Balancing Efficiency and Constitutional Rights
South Africa’s civil justice system faces significant challenges, including escalating litigation costs, prolonged delays, and an overwhelming backlog of cases, with some civil trial dates not projected until 2031. Against this background, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has been developing a Draft Mediation Bill since 2019 to integrate alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly […]
South Africa’s Parental Leave Rules Have Been Updated
On 3 October 2025, the Constitutional Court delivered a landmark decision in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour & Others (CCT 308/23) [2025] ZACC 20, fundamentally reshaping the law on parental leave in South Africa. The Judgment The court declared that the existing provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act […]
Your Rights Under the Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) changed South African contract law by introducing statutory remedies that differ from the traditional common-law breaches, such as mora, positive malperformance, and repudiation. Instead of classifying remedies by the type of breach, the CPA focuses on the type of performance, distinguishing between services and goods. The CPA […]
Evictions in South Africa: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
Evicting a tenant or occupier in South Africa is a highly regulated process governed by the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act). Landlords cannot take the law into their own hands. Let’s unpack the legal steps for a lawful eviction, the rights of unlawful occupiers, and why legal […]