CDH once again features strongly in the Chambers Global rankings

2024 Budget summary: VAT

Competition and pricing algorithms: Can your machines violate competition law without you knowing?

In his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize for peace in 1921, Christian Lange said that “ technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master ”. More than a 100 years later this statement is more relevant than ever. In a world where more commercial decisions are left in the ‘hands’ of automated decision-makers, this raises the question of whether these decisions can result in their human masters unknowingly contravening competitionlaw. 

Procurement integrity and general procurement requirements

Public procurement is one of the government activities highly vulnerable to corruption. The financial interests at stake, the volume of transactions and the close interaction between public and private sectors in the awarding of public contracts all pose risks to the integrity of the procurement process. The findings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State all bear testimony to this fact.

Overview of the (r)evolution of legislation governing the use of cannabis: Where to from here?

Cannabis has been a hot topic in the media and bold statements have been made by the Government regarding the economic potential that the cannabis sector can unlock in the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa has referred to the potential revenue that could be created in the sector on two separate occasions during his annual State of the Nation Address. It has also been highlighted that industrial hemp and cannabis will create a pathway to industrialisation by having a ripple effect through to various other sectors such as foreign investment, agriculture, employment and construction. Although the Government’s stated intention to relax and review policies that hinder the growth of the industry is appreciated, South Africa is at a crossroads when it comes to competing with international cannabis industries developed within a regulatory framework.

Side-stepping subpoenas

A long-standing favourite of court-room dramas, the service and use of subpoenas plays a central role in the functioning of our legal system.

Dear friends with money: Are you a registered credit provider?

Have you ever lent money to a friend or family member who did not hold up their end of the deal to pay you back? Or perhaps you have sent them a letter of demand, and even threatened to sue your friend for the money they owe you? If you have concluded a contract, and provided that all elements of a valid contract are present, you would ordinarily be able to bring an action on breach of contract. However, the High Court, in the case of Blacher v Josephson (A15/22) ZAWCHC 27 (14 February 2023), has shed light on this grey area of law.