Renewable Energy Performance Platform (REPP)

The ABCs of merger investigations in South Africa: When do the competition authorities need to know about your deal?

The Competition Act 89 of 1998 (Competition Act) requires certain deals to be approved by the competition authorities prior to implementation. This alert unpacks when you would need to notify the competition authorities about a deal and provides practical guidance on how to get your approval.   

Legal insights into concert party relationships in South Africa

In takeover law, the regulation of concert party relationships is crucial for maintaining fairness and protecting the interests of minority shareholders. When multiple parties co-operate for the purpose of pursuing a transaction to gain control of a regulated company, or its business, additional protections are imposed under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (Act) and the accompanying regulations (collectively, the Takeover Laws). The Takeover Regulation Panel (Panel) is responsible for enforcing these laws and ensuring fairness and transparency against the backdrop of an affected transaction.

Extension of temporary concession for foreign nationals due to processing delays of waiver and appeals applications

On 30 September 2025, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issued Immigration Directive No. 22 of 2025 (Directive) in terms of which certain protections were granted to foreign nationals with pending waiver and appeal applications. The Directive, which was effective 1 October 2025, states that while the DHA has eradicated the backlog in respect of its visa and permit applications, there remains a backlog in its waiver and appeal applications that would have not been finalised prior to the original deadline of the concession being 30 September 2025. As a result, a further temporary concession now applies.

Employment Equity Compliance from 1 September 2025

Court confirms right to revoke authority, even in long-term deals

On 2 May 2025, the High Court (Eastern Cape Division, Gqeberha) delivered judgment in two urgent, interrelated applications brought by applicant Stargrow Fruit Marketing (Pty) Ltd (SFM) against respondents Gamtoosvalley Farming (Pty) Ltd t/a Entabeni (Entabeni) and New Day Packaging (Pty) Ltd (New Day Packing). SFM sought orders for specific performance and enforcement of marketing agreements relating to the 2025 citrus harvest and beyond. The court dismissed both applications, finding that no enforceable new agreements had been concluded and that the respondents lawfully revoked SFM’s authority as marketingagent. 

The Competition Commission’s New Groove: A Business-Friendly Shift

Practice Head Chris Charter and Directors Albert Aukema and Reece May were recently featured in Ghost Mail, where they discussed: “The Competition Commission’s New Groove: A Business-Friendly Shift?”