It is a common occurrence that employers send employees home when tools of trade are no longer available. It is often seen across all industries within the labour sector, but more specifically in workplaces which require employee to operate machinery or motor vehicles when exercising their duties Employers sometimes unknowingly or mistakenly fail to follow [...]
The recent judgment in the matter of Mediclinic Nelspruit (Pty) Ltd v Shiba and Others (JR1899/21) [2025] ZALCJHB 218 (9 June 2025) serves as a stark reminder of how problematic workplace relationships can become for employers. In this matter, the first Respondent, Charles Thamsanqa Shiba (‘Shiba’), was employed as an HR Business Partner (‘HRBP’) for [...]
With spring in the air and the birds beginning to chirp once more, it comes as a stark reminder that the end of the year is drawing close and will be upon us before we know it. While this time of year is a prime opportunity for employers to take stock of the performance of [...]
In South African labour law, few phrases are thrown around with as much misplaced confidence as: “He never signed a contract, so he’s just a casual.” It’s a common misconception and one that continues to trip up employers long after an employee has been appointed, trained, and trusted with company property, all without ever putting [...]
The world didn’t just change in 2020. It accelerated. When COVID-19 forced offices to shut their doors, we entered what felt like a massive global experiment: Could work still work… without the workplace? For many, the answer was yes. Deadlines were still met. Teams adapted. Zoom meetings became the norm. Laptops replaced desks. And suddenly, [...]
Effective management of underperforming employees is crucial for maintaining organisational productivity, morale, and a positive work environment. Employee performance issues can stem from various factors, including lack of skills, unclear expectations, personal challenges, or disengagement. Employee Relations (ER) Specialists play a vital role in implementing structured and fair performance improvement measures to enable employees to [...]
In South Africa’s labour dispute resolution framework, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the various accredited Bargaining Councils function as quasi-judicial forums mandated to resolve workplace disputes. In both settings, Commissioners are legally required to act impartially and without favour or prejudice to either party. However, one may encounter a blurring of [...]
The South African government has implemented one of its most significant changes in its labour and migration policy framework in recent years. The persistently alarming unemployment levels and growing public concerns over the use of skilled and unskilled foreign labour contributed to the government responding with a robust legislative and policy overhaul. On the 28th [...]
As every employer would be aware, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) prescribes a minimum number of leave days that an employee is entitled to in a 12-month or yearly cycle. When writing about leave and leave entitlement, the focus tends to rest on the legalities of leave, such as when it can be [...]
Some lessons don’t come from books or boardrooms. They come from early mornings. Quiet miles. Sore legs. And the stubborn decision to show up anyway. We live in a world obsessed with shortcuts – productivity hacks, overnight success, life “hacks” that promise to fast-track the process. But here’s the truth: there is no substitute for [...]