News & Views

News and relevant legal opinion pieces from MP|W and publishing partners

Latest Articles

Culture vs style: When workplace dress codes cross the line
16 January 2026

How far can employers go in regulating appearance? A recent court ruling highlights when dress codes clash with culture, religion... and constitutional rights.

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12
Article
Competition Commission guidelines on confidential information
16 January 2026

The Competition Commission’s new guidelines explain how businesses can have confidential information protected and how this is assessed.

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11
Article
Termination of joint ownership, rights in question: PIE Act explained
16 January 2026

Ending joint ownership must meet specific legal requirements and can carry significant practical consequences.

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13
Article
Trusts firmly in SARS’s crosshairs
16 January 2026

SARS is tightening its focus on trusts, with penalties for non-compliance set to take effect in 2026.

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28
Article
From pen to platform: can you sign digitally?
14 January 2026

Are digital signatures legally valid? Find out when electronic signing works, and when “pen to paper” is still required.

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41
Article
When “just a WhatsApp” becomes legal evidence
14 January 2026

WhatsApp messages can be used as decisive legal evidence. What seems like an informal chat may have serious consequences in... court.

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49
Article
Out with maternity leave, in with parental leave
03 December 2025

A landmark ruling has redefined parental leave in South Africa. Here’s what changed.

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143
Article
AI regulation on the horizon
03 December 2025

AI is here, and so is the need for regulation. Find out what South Africa is doing to govern its... rise.

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182
Article
The tax distinction between local and foreign dividends
03 December 2025

Not all dividends are taxed the same. Discover how South Africa treats local vs foreign dividends, and why it matters.

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400
Article
How 2025 redefined trust compliance in South Africa
03 December 2025

From stricter reporting to AI-driven enforcement, 2025 reshaped how trusts are managed. Here’s what you need to know.

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115
Article
The cost of a “Return to Office” order
01 December 2025

Before you call remote employees back to the office, understand the risks.

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130
Article
Can aggressive dogs be taken from Private Property?
01 December 2025

When property rights meet public safety, even your dog may need to be leashed… or impounded.

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91
Article

Culture vs style: When workplace dress codes cross the line

16 January 2026

How far can employers go in regulating appearance? A recent court ruling highlights when dress codes clash with culture, religion... and constitutional rights.

READ MORE
12
Article

Competition Commission guidelines on confidential information

16 January 2026

The Competition Commission’s new guidelines explain how businesses can have confidential information protected and how this is assessed.

READ MORE
11
Article

Termination of joint ownership, rights in question: PIE Act explained

16 January 2026

Ending joint ownership must meet specific legal requirements and can carry significant practical consequences.

READ MORE
13
Article

Trusts firmly in SARS’s crosshairs

16 January 2026

SARS is tightening its focus on trusts, with penalties for non-compliance set to take effect in 2026.

READ MORE
28
Article

From pen to platform: can you sign digitally?

14 January 2026

Are digital signatures legally valid? Find out when electronic signing works, and when “pen to paper” is still required.

READ MORE
41
Article

When “just a WhatsApp” becomes legal evidence

14 January 2026

WhatsApp messages can be used as decisive legal evidence. What seems like an informal chat may have serious consequences in... court.

READ MORE
49
Article

Out with maternity leave, in with parental leave

03 December 2025

A landmark ruling has redefined parental leave in South Africa. Here’s what changed.

READ MORE
143
Article

AI regulation on the horizon

03 December 2025

AI is here, and so is the need for regulation. Find out what South Africa is doing to govern its... rise.

READ MORE
182
Article

The tax distinction between local and foreign dividends

03 December 2025

Not all dividends are taxed the same. Discover how South Africa treats local vs foreign dividends, and why it matters.

READ MORE
400
Article

How 2025 redefined trust compliance in South Africa

03 December 2025

From stricter reporting to AI-driven enforcement, 2025 reshaped how trusts are managed. Here’s what you need to know.

READ MORE
115
Article

The cost of a “Return to Office” order

01 December 2025

Before you call remote employees back to the office, understand the risks.

READ MORE
130
Article

Can aggressive dogs be taken from Private Property?

01 December 2025

When property rights meet public safety, even your dog may need to be leashed… or impounded.

READ MORE
91
Article

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Drawing a line on fines

01 December 2025

A fresh set of rules is changing the way sectional titles handle fines. Here’s what every resident and trustee needs... to know.

91
Article
Selling Your House This Summer? Get Your Ducks in a Row With This Checklist

24 November 2025

Summer has always been a prime time to buy and sell property in South Africa. Everyone’s spirits lift with the... blue-sky weather, the festive season beckons, and holiday travel booms. If you’re planning to take advantage of this seasonal upswing by selling now, get your ducks in a row with our Seller’s Checklist – a simple and practical guide with all the key ingredients for a perfect sales strategy. You’ll be well on your way to a successful sale and a quick and hassle-free transfer!

146
Article
Panhandle Access to Properties – The Mistakes to Avoid

12 November 2025

You find out after taking transfer of your new house that your property comes with a “right of way” servitude... in favour of your neighbours. That’s bad news not only for your enjoyment of your nice new property, but also for its value.   A recent High Court decision addressed just such a situation. A property buyer found himself saddled unexpectedly with a neighbour happily using the panhandle road across his land. We’ll share some ideas on how sellers, buyers and neighbours can all avoid the same mistakes as were made by the various role players in this case. “You aren’t buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle.” (Anon)

220
Article
How ADR Moves Disputes Toward Resolution

12 November 2025

Court cases are often lengthy, expensive, and emotionally draining. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)  offers a practical and effective path forward.... By focusing on collaboration instead of confrontation, ADR allows parties to resolve disputes quickly, privately, and with greater control over the outcome.ADR covers processes such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation, all of which are designed to reduce the burden of litigation while still delivering fair and enforceable results. Here are five ways ADR can help you move your dispute forward.

263
Article
Navigating Construction Contracts with Confidence

06 November 2025,  Antony Arvan

When the ancient mariners in their merchant ships crossed the unpredictable oceans, they needed meticulous planning and a deep understanding... on what lay ahead in those unchartered waters, to ensure they stayed on course to deliver its cargo on time and were able to navigate challenges and risks they would face on a daily basis, such as the ever-changing weather conditions, rogue waves, headwinds, rocks, fog, and extremely big icebergs.

379
Article
A landmark judgment for the resolution of disputes in community schemes

06 November 2025,  Antony Arvan

The Supreme Court of Appeal on 17 October 2025 delivered a judgment which has given much needed clarification on the... process to resolve disputes in community schemes, in the matter of Parch Properties 72 (Pty) Ltd v Summervale Lifestyle Estate Owner’s Association and Others (171/2024) [2025] ZASCA

1491
Article
Risk vs Reward: The use of AI in South Africa

29 October 2025

The rise of AI brings both opportunity and risk. See how it’s changing South African law.

263
Article
Estate planning must be a family affair!

27 October 2025

It’s not just paperwork; it is about family, communication, and leaving a legacy.

196
Article
Why security is key to successful corporate finance

27 October 2025

Discover how smart security strategies can protect investments and drive growth.

216
Article
Court gives claimants the green light in RAF battle

27 October 2025

The roadblocks are gone: Claimants can now enforce their RAF payouts.

229
Article
Power play: Who pays when sparks fly?

27 October 2025

How parastatals can be held liable for damage or injury from electricity generation or transmission.

199
Article
Squabbling with Neighbours? What You Need to Know (Before Things Get Awkward)

13 October 2025

We’ve all been there: the barking dog at midnight, the tree that drops half its leaves in your pool, or... the new wall that ended up a metre into your garden. Neighbour disputes aren’t just about petty squabbles; they can hit your pocket, your peace of mind, and even your property value.South African neighbour law provides a clear framework for resolving disputes between neighbours fairly.

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Article

The information in the news and views section relate to recent legal developments, is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. MP|W will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the content of this website.

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