Blogs

When people hear “HR manager,” they often think of paperwork, policies, and payroll headaches. But in South Africa, an HR manager’s role is far bigger than admin — it’s about balancing people, compliance, and business growth, all while staying on the right side of the law. And let’s be honest: in today’s labour environment, that’s…

Your quick, clear guide to staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary CCMA headaches in 2026. South Africa has entered a new era when it comes to dismissing employees. As of 4 September 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour officially replaced the old Schedule 8 dismissal rules and the separate operational requirements code with one consolidated…

Updates employers on key changes to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) is essential for protecting workers who are injured or become ill because of their work. In early 2026, several major amendments to COIDA came into effect — and they have important…

If your organisation employs foreign nationals, you are likely familiar with the pressures created by visa expiry dates, renewal processes, and the ongoing administrative delays at the Department of Home Affairs. Fortunately, several important visa concessions have now been extended, providing employers and employees with additional certainty. However, these extensions do not remove your compliance…

South Africa’s Constitutional Court has rewritten the rules on parental leave — and employers must take note. In its landmark judgment in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour, the Court confirmed that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) and Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA) unfairly discriminated between mothers, fathers, adoptive and…

Late in August 2025, a Pretoria High Court ruling affirmed the implementation of sectoral numerical targets under South Africa’s revised Employment Equity Act (EEA). Business groups like Sakeliga had sought an urgent interdict to pause the regulation effective from 1 September, but their legal bid was dismissed.  Despite this, the legal battle isn’t over. The matter…

If you’re an employer in South Africa with more than 50 employees, the Employment Equity Act 2025 makes it clear—you are a designated employer and must prepare and submit an Employment Equity (EE) Plan. Beyond being a legal requirement, an EE Plan is vital for your B-BBEE scorecard and your ability to do business with…

In South Africa, overtime isn’t just extra hours—it’s a balance between fair employee compensation and responsible employer practice. With the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) setting clear boundaries, both sides need to understand their rights and obligations when work goes beyond the ordinary. Understanding When Overtime Applies Legally, standard working hours in South Africa…

Navigating a CCMA referral is rarely fun, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can handle it professionally and confidently. Here’s a warm, human guide to walk you through each step and what’s most important for you as an employer.  1. The Referral Arrives Your CCMA journey begins when the employee (or ex-employee) refers…

Over the past two articles, we’ve unpacked the 47 proposed amendments to South Africa’s Labour Relations Act, 13 changes to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, updates to the National Minimum Wage Act, and refinements to the Employment Equity Act. But what does it all really mean for you as an employer? In Part III,…