The law is often expressed through principles, rights and obligations, but their real significance lies in how they are applied in practice. Across several contributions in this issue of De Rebus, authors examine the space between what the law requires
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A focus on prescription-related claims
It will be noted from the Legal Practitioners Indemnity Insurance Fund NPC’s (LPIIF) latest integrated report that between 1996 and 30 June 2025, the company paid a total of R 1.48 billion in respect of claims. The integrated report can
Justice at first instance: Why CCMA and bargaining council commissioners must be legally qualified
The office of commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and accredited bargaining councils should no longer be regarded as a role that can be adequately performed through short-term training, accreditation courses, and procedural exposure alone. In
The concept of urgent applications in South African Labour Courts
In South African labour law, urgent applications in the Labour Court (LC) serve as a vital mechanism for parties facing immediate and irreparable harm that cannot await the ordinary course of proceedings. However, such applications are subjected to strict judicial
Generative AI and legal professional privilege: A cautionary note for South African practitioners
Could ChatGPT cost you legal privilege?
South African legal practitioners are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini for legal research, drafting, summarising documents and testing legal arguments. Used appropriately, these technologies can improve
Factors courts consider when determining quantum in unlawful arrest and detention cases
The unlawful arrest and detention of a person constitute a serious infringement of fundamental constitutional rights in South Africa. Section 12 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom and security of the person, including the right not
German citizenship by descent: What South African legal practitioners need to know
By Helmer Tieben
South African attorneys are increasingly approached by clients who have discovered a German parent, grandparent or great-grandparent and want to know whether that ancestry has legal consequences. In some cases, the client may already be German by
Employment and immigration: The hidden legal risks facing South African employers
The recent rise in anti-illegal immigration operations in South Africa (SA) has put employers under close examination. In an IOL article it has been reported that there are joint enforcement actions by the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of
Enforcing arbitral awards in China: A practical note for South African lawyers
South African lawyers increasingly advise on transactions involving Chinese companies in mining, construction, logistics, energy and trade. When a dispute is sent to arbitration, the focus is often on the arbitral institution, the seat and the governing law. But another
Life partners after Bwanya: Proof and practice
Following Bwanya v the Master of the High Court and Others 2022 (3) SA 250 (CC), surviving life partners may claim under the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 and the Maintenance of Surviving Spouses Act 27 of 1990,