Labour Relations Archives

Navigating South African Work Rights: ZEP, LEP, and Employer Compliance Rules

The recent extension of both the Zimbabwe Extension Permit (ZEP) as well as the Lesotho Extension Permit (LEP) has spiked interest around foreign workers who are allowed to work in South Africa without the needed documentation. Who can lawfully work without navigating traditional mainstream work visa processes: 1. Recognised Refugees (Section 24 Status): …

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A close-up shot of a hand holding a cigarette with smoke trails in a dim setting.

Testing positive for intoxicating substances at work- Rules, Risks and Case Laws

Human Resources, Labour Relations

Testing Positive for an Intoxicating Substance at Work – Rules, Risks and Case Law in South Africa. Substance and alcohol testing in the workplace remains one of the most complex and sensitive areas of labour relations in South Africa. Employers are required to balance: workplace safety, employee rights, and fair disciplinary procedures. In high-risk environments …

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Procedural Fairness Matters in Retrenchment

Human Resources, Labour Relations

When businesses face financial pressure, restructuring, or operational changes, retrenchment may become unavoidable. However, even where a valid operational reason exists, employers must follow a fair procedure. Procedural fairness ensures that employees are treated with dignity, transparency, and respect throughout the retrenchment process. A failure to follow a proper process can render a dismissal …

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National Minimum Wage Update – Effective 1 March 2026

Human Resources, In The News, Labour Relations

South Africa’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) has been adjusted with effect from 1 March 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fair pay across sectors. The national minimum wage is now set at R30,23 per ordinary hour worked, applying equally to farm workers and domestic workers. However, certain categories remain treated differently under the Act: workers …

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The December Audit Conundrum

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Ruben Opperman “CEO of the Couch”: Why Do Leaders Struggle to Unwind? We spend 11 months of the year driving organisational health, managing performance, and solving complex IR/HR issues. Then December hits. The office closes. We finally sit down to relax. But for many of us in leadership, the brain doesn’t switch …

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Poor Work Performance vs Biblical Handling and Interpretation

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Ruben Opperman The emphasis of poor work performance is not only on the Employer to manage, but it calls on the Employee to a higher standard to live in Christ to the full. This is done in line with how the early Christians acted, were called and performed their work diligently. …

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The Proverbial Chicken Comes Back To Roost

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Ruben Opperman INTRODUCTION South Africa is sitting in a very dynamic and interesting period in its history even more so than the end of apartheid. We have seen the country change from apartheid to a democratic dispensation to a mixed communist dispensation until we have a government of National unity which temporary …

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Understanding Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Stephany Terblanche Sexual harassment in the workplace is a contentious issue that continues to affect employees in the workplace, across various industries and levels of seniority. In the context of labour law, it’s more than just an ethical concern—it is a legal one, with clear obligations placed on employers to protect employees …

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The validity of an employer fairly dismissing an employee based on the employee’s criminal record.

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Karla Roux The discretion of hiring employees for a specific position in a company is up to the hiring committee / the employer responsible for the success of that position. In order to do so, all the relevant qualifications and requirements must be met for the specific position when the employee is …

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Consumption of goods in retail outlets without payment.

Labour Relations

Opinion Piece by: Sean Smart I write this article today as a fundamental question has been raised, as to whether or not the consumption of products and goods in a store is okay before payment for such has been made. In reading this I am sure you are aware and have been to a retail …

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