STATE OF THE NATION 2026
Herewith an independent report on SONA This was President Ramaphosa’s second-last SONA, as the ANC will elect new leadership at the end of next year. He appeared confident and at ease as he delivered his largely upbeat address, which lasted one hour and 43 minutes. Key takeaways include:
Read MoreIMPORTANT NEW LAWS FOR ANYONE EMPLOYING A DOMESTIC WORKER IN SOUTH AFRICA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commenced new amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), impacting employers in South Africa, including households that employ domestic workers. The COIDA Amendment Act was first signed into law in April 2023, but certain sections were not implemented. On Friday, 23 January 2026, Ramaphosa gazetted the commencement of…
Read MoreWorker fired for taking home one toilet roll wins R120 000 back pay, reinstatement
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Read MoreEmployers now subject to dual enforcement for non-payment of benefit fund contributions
The Minister of Employment and Labour (the Minister) has withdrawn a long-standing exemption that previously shielded employers from labour law enforcement regarding deadlines for payment of benefit fund contributions. This change strengthens the enforcement framework and creates additional compliance obligations for employers. On 13 January 2026, the Minister withdrew the 2003 determination that exempted employers…
Read MoreDismissal for violation of picketing rules
In Shave and Gibson Packaging (Pty) Ltd v African Meat Industry and Allied Trade Union [2025] 8 BLLR 819 (LAC), 126 protected strikers were dismissed for insubordination after picketing outside the demarcated area during a violent strike. The employer had obtained an order interdicting the strikers from harassing and intimidating non-striking workers and from obstructing…
Read MoreEmployers must update leave policies after landmark ConCourt ruling
The Constitutional Court has confirmed that sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund Act are unconstitutional because, when it comes to “maternity leave”, they unfairly discriminate against mothers and fathers, surrogate parents, and those who adopt children. The declarations of constitutional invalidity were suspended for 36 months to…
Read MoreZEP holders get reprieve until 2027
In a move bringing relief to thousands of Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber has extended the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) until May 28, 2027. The announcement was formalized through the Minister’s Immigration Directive No. 21 of 2025, seen by IOL, and affects approximately 180,000 ZEP holders living in…
Read MoreLabour Appeal Court Upholds Dismissal of Correctional Officer for Insubordination
In the matter of Department of Correctional Services v Kutu and Others (JA27/2024) [2025] ZALAC 17 (14 March 2025), the Labour Appeal Court (LAC) heard an appeal of a Labour Court ruling. The employee was employed as a Correctional Officer at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre. On 19 July 2018, he was instructed by his unit…
Read MoreOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING REFERRAL LETTER
To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Ubuntu Resource Management, a consultancy specializing in Health and Safety services. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ubuntu Resource Management and have been consistently impressed by their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence in all aspects of…
Read MoreREFERRAL LETTER
To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to provide this reference on behalf of Ubuntu, with whom we have had a highly valued relationship for the past 2 years. Throughout this time, we have found their expertise, professionalism and commitment to health and safety to be of the highest standard. The services provided by…
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