Blog

In the recent Labour Court judgment of Mbuyane v Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd, the court reaffirmed a critical principle in South African labour law: an employee cannot justify dishonest conduct on the basis of having followed a superior’s instruction. This case serves as a cautionary tale for HR …

A criminal record can significantly affect individuals seeking employment or those already employed. However, South African labour law balances employers’ legitimate interests with protections against unfair discrimination. A criminal record will not justify declining a job applicant or dismissing an employee unless it can be clearly shown that such criminal …

In a significant judgment delivered on 8 August 2025, the Labour Court in East Rand Plastics (Pty) Ltd v NUMSA obo Mabena (JR1400/22) reviewed and set aside an arbitration award that had found the dismissal of Ms Lettie Mabena substantively unfair. The case offers critical insights into the importance of …

The new AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) Act, whose national rollout in South Africa becomes effective on December 1, 2025, will significantly affect employers, particularly those with employees who drive as part of their duties. The primary purpose of AARTO is to reduce road accidents by enforcing stricter …

The South African Department of Home Affairs has officially extended the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) until 28 May 2027. This extension was announced on 7 October 2025 through Ministers Immigration Directives No. 20 and No. 21 of 2025, respectively, under the powers …