The challenges and limitations of using a Power of Attorney when someone becomes incapacitated
We are often approached to prepare a power of attorney for someone whose family member faces illness, mental or physical incapacity, or an inability to manage their own affairs. A power of attorney is a legal document that enables an individual (the principal), with full contractual capacity, to appoint someone else (the agent) to act on their behalf. A power of attorney is a valuable tool in various situations. For example, an elderly parent who struggles to handle their affairs due to age may grant power of attorney to an adult child to assist them. However, it is important to note that a power of attorney is typically a temporary solution.
PAIA Manual – Do you have one, is it up to date and ready for inspection?
If you do have an existing PAIA Manual, ensure you merge the mandatory forms to your Manual. The forms can be downloaded on the Information Regulator’s website. Very important to remember - it is a criminal offence not to have a PAIA Manual if you are required to do so, and your entity may face fines for non-compliance. Should you not have a PAIA Manual, or if your PAIA Manual has not been updated in terms of the provisions of POPIA or with the mandatory PAIA forms, contact us to assist you.
Breaking down the new beneficial ownership reporting requirements for trusts
The Amendment Act has introduced new trustee obligations into the existing South African trust law. The changes pertain to the recording and reporting of beneficial ownership of trusts. The aim of this recording is to improve transparency regarding the ownership of trust assets to assist in the combatting of a money laundering and terrorist financing.
Acting without authority: What you need to know before acting as a trustee.
It is vital that a trustee is authorised by the Master before they exercise or undertake any trustee powers or duties. If this is not adhered to, these unauthorised acts are void and of no legal effect. This can place the trust, its beneficiaries and even the trustees themselves, depending on the circumstances, in a precarious position which could have financial or other adverse consequences.
Dismissals for Poor Work Performance – an Employer’s Guide.
Employers should ensure that probationary and non-probationary employees are, amongst other things, aware of the required performance standards applicable to their position, give employees necessary guidance, counselling, mentoring and training to ensure satisfactory service, and to allow reasonable time for employees to improve the standard of their work performance. It is imperative that employers ensure that any dismissals relating to poor work performance are fully compliant with the Act and the Code of Good Practice: Dismissal (and any other applicable labour legislation).
Kim Kardashian’s Krypto Trouble Should Be A Warning To You
Reality star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian recently found herself in legal trouble in the United States after endorsing the high-risk cryptocurrency EthereumMax (“Emax”) to her millions of followers on Instagram. Since her endorsement, EMAX’s value has plummeted which led to the US Securities and Exchanges Commission bringing charges against Kim. The problem lies in the more...
Attention Entrepreneur : Venture Capitalism
You’re a starry-eyed entrepreneur or business owner with big dreams, intriguing ideas and promising growth prospects. You’ve got the potential, but you need the funding. In that case, it’s time to hook a venture capitalist or two. Before you move into the market and start networking, you need to consider things carefully and ensure that more...
A boon for privacy and a blow for justice: What you need to know about the new Vodacom judgment
In April 2023, the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) handed down judgment in the case of Giftwrap Trading (Pty) Ltd v Vodacom (Pty) Ltd and Others[1] (“Vodacom”). The case set a consequential precedent for data privacy law but may also have the effect of stifling the ability of potential litigants to obtain information from internet more...
2023 Amendments to the CCMA rules
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (“CCMA”) is the first port of call for the majority of disputes concerning the employment relationship and serves not only as a forum aimed at facilitating amicable and expeditious resolutions to employment disputes but also as a court of first instance for adversarial proceedings arising between, amongst others, more...
Predatory lending and safeguards in the National Credit Act
Our director Matthew Thomson recently spoke with business and finance journalist Fiona Zerbst of JustMoney on the subject of predatory lending and the safeguards of the National Credit Act. JustMoney’s article is available at: https://www.justmoney.co.za/articles/how-to-identify-predatory-lenders/ and below: How to identify predatory lenders Disreputable, or predatory, lenders can trap you in an unsustainable debt cycle. We more...
Greylisting or Grey Hairs : new company disclosure requirements deadline 1 October 2023
Analysing the new disclosure requirements in the General Laws Amendment Act, 2022 In response to the greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force, the President has signed into law the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act to improve SA’s ability to combat money laundering and terrorist financing The Amendment Act has more...
The Ban of TikTok: The US is worried, should you be?
From 2020, TikTok has become a global social media sensation. TikTok is an app where users share short form videos of them dancing, singing, vlogging, and participating in challenges etc. However, recently, the United States, Europe, and Canada have named this app as a threat to their national security and are making efforts to ban more...