Terry Winstanley unpacks the legalities of water use in SA

The ripple effects of South Africa’s cannabis food ban: Implications for agriculture and beyond

On 28 May 2024, the President signed the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024 (Cannabis Act) into law. The Cannabis Act establishes a legal framework for the private use, possession and cultivation of cannabis in South Africa. However, the act still imposes significant restrictions on the legal cultivation and commercial trade of cannabis. Conversely, hemp, as defined below, has been extensively cultivated for commercial purposes in South Africa and other African countries for several years now. To read more about the Cannabis Act and the commercial cultivation of hemp in South Africa and other African countries, see our previous alert here . However, recent changes to South Africa’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework have caused much controversy in the agricultural sector.

Navigating occupational health and safety in the digital economy

The digitalisation of labour has become increasingly prevalent, necessitating a review of occupational health and safety (OHS) protocols and standards. Employers and employees face unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities in the digital workplace. On 25 March 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour released a guide titled “ What Every Employer and Employee Should Know for the Digital Economy ”, (Guide) which addresses the risks associated with digital labour, highlights key precautionary measures and emphasises the importance of risk management by outlining a step-by-step approach to identify and minimise workplace risks.

2025 Payslip Overhaul: Housing Levy and SHIF Become Allowable Deductions as NSSF Contributions Surge

This alert outlines significant changes to your 2025 payslips, focusing on the introduction of allowable deductions for the Affordable Housing Levy (AHL) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and third phase of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions.  

Health and Safety in the Workplace: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) - Pending Amendments

I have someone at home: Is your marriage de facto or de jure?

A story is told of a lawyer who asked a client if they were married to determine whether spousal consent was needed. The client’s response was, “ I have someone at home. ” This answer highlights a common uncertainty about whether simply cohabiting and sharing a life qualifies as a marriage under the law. It is a distinction that carries significant consequences, as it can mean the difference between legal recognition and a relationship left in legal limbo.

The African junior miner’s playlist: Streaming and royalties on repeat

Welcome to the second article in our series exploring innovative financing models for the African mining sector. In our previous piece, “ Financing mining projects: Thinking outside the box to unlock Africa’s mining potential , ” we examined how traditional financing models often fail to meet the unique needs of African mining projects. With the capital-intensive nature of mining and the challenges associated with securing funding, alternative financing structures are becoming essential for ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.