Resources On-Demand

Overview  AI and automation are advancing faster than the laws intended to regulate them. This has left businesses, legal practitioners and policymakers operating within uncertain frameworks while already facing risks such as ownership disput es over AI-generated content and compliance challenges under privacy laws like POPIA.  This webinar explores the regulatory gap and shows how those using, advising on or overseeing AI can proactively anticipate risks by establishing governance structures for oversight, drafting contracts that allocate accountability and addressing ethical considerations before disputes or regulatory action arise.  Join Adv Dwight Snyman as he equips legal practitioners and professionals with a structured framework to understand, manage and mitigate the legal risks of AI and automation.  Learning objectives  Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  A grounded awareness of the current legal landscape; understanding both South African and international contexts to recognise where the rules are firm and where they are still developing.  The ability to identify key areas of legal exposure including, intellectual property, data protection, liability, contractual risk and employment issues.  Practical strategies for managing AI-related risks such as drafting stronger contractual clauses and establishing governance processes that ensure oversight and accountability.  Greater confidence in providing legal or strategic advice by using established legal principles and proactive policy-making to navigate areas where regulations remain uncertain.  Developing a proactive mindset toward shaping AI and automation practices by seeing yourself as an active participant in creating safe, ethical and legally sound systems rather than waiting for regulations to dictate action.  Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:  Introduction to AI and Automation in Legal Context  Definition and scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)  Automation technologies and autonomous systems  Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)  Distinction between narrow AI, general AI, and artificial superintelligence  Regulatory lag and emerging legal frameworks   Intellectual Property (IP) Regime Implications  Authorship and ownership of AI-generated works  Copyright subsistence and originality requirements  Determining the “author” in AI-assisted creation  Patent law and AI-generated inventions  Inventorship requirements under patent statutes  Patentability criteria and inventive step analysis  Trade secrets and confidential information  AI system training on proprietary datasets  Misappropriation risks in algorithmic outputs  Licensing and contractual IP provisions  Allocation of rights in AI service agreements  Moral rights and waiver clauses  Data Protection and Privacy Law  Regulatory compliance frameworks  Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)  General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comparative obligations  Automated decision-making provisions  Right to human intervention  Transparency, explainability, and algorithmic accountability  Lawful processing principles  Consent, legitimate interests, and minimality  Cross-border data transfer restrictions  Data anonymisation and pseudonymisation  Techniques and legal sufficiency tests   Liability Regimes  Delictual liability (tort law) in AI context  Negligence and foreseeability in autonomous decision-making  Duty of care in AI system deployment  Product liability and defective software  Applicability of strict liability principles  Distinction between hardware and software defects  Vicarious liability  Liability allocation between developers, deployers, and users  Contractual liability  Breach of AI performance warranties  Indemnity and limitation of liability clauses  Contractual Governance  AI-specific clauses  Model performance standards and service-level agreements (SLAs)  Data use restrictions and audit rights  Risk allocation provisions  Liability caps for algorithmic errors  IP indemnities and infringement warranties  Termination triggers  Regulatory non-compliance  Material change in AI system capabilities  Employment and Labour Law Implications  Automation-induced workforce reductions  Retrenchment procedures under labour statutes  Algorithmic management and surveillance  Monitoring compliance with workplace privacy rights  Discrimination risks in AI recruitment tools  Indirect bias and disparate impact analysis  Consumer Protection  Disclosure requirements  Duty to inform consumers of AI interaction  Misrepresentation and deceptive practices  AI-generated content in advertising and commerce  Consumer redress mechanisms  Complaint handling for automated decision-making  Regulatory and Policy Developments  International instruments  EU AI Act risk classification system  OECD and UNESCO AI ethics guidelines  South African policy proposals  SABS technical standards for AI systems  Potential AI-specific legislative reforms  Ethical and Governance Frameworks  Algorithmic accountability  Model documentation and audit trails  Bias and fairness assessments  Statistical parity and disparate treatment analysis  Human-in-the-loop oversight  Hybrid decision-making structures  Risk Management and Compliance Strategies  AI risk registers and governance committees  Periodic model validation and compliance audits  Incident reporting protocols for AI failures  Continuous legal horizon scanning for AI developments 

Overview  The South African labour landscape is constantly evolving to address emerging workplace challenges, protect employee rights, and ensure compliance with international labour standards. Recent amendments to labour laws have introduced significant changes that impact both employers and employees. This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of these amendments, offering insights into their implications and practical applications in the workplace.  You are invited to join Adv. Christel van Wyk for an insightful session on the latest legislative changes, their impact on businesses, and key compliance strategies to navigate the evolving regulatory environment. Learning objectives  Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  Understanding the latest amendments to South African labour laws and their impact on workplace policies. Identifying key compliance requirements for employers and employees. Interpreting the legal framework governing employment contracts, dispute resolution, and workplace equity. Applying best practices to mitigate legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance. Navigating the procedural requirements for handling dismissals, grievances, and retrenchments. Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:   Key Legislative Amendments Recent changes to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) Updates to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and their implications Amendments to the Employment Equity Act (EEA) Changes in dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) Workplace Compliance and Obligations  Employer responsibilities in light of new regulations

Overview   Understanding and correctly applying disciplinary procedures is crucial to ensuring that dismissals are both legally sound and defensible.   This webinar is the second instalment of a two-part webinar series desig ned to guide HR professionals, managers, legal practitioners and employee representatives through the full disciplinary process from initiation to sanction.   Part  1 (click here) covers the foundational principles required prior to initiating disciplinary proceedings, gather evidence, draft notices, and make suspension decisions. Part 2 of the webinar series offer best practice and procedure for conducting disciplinary hearings from understanding the responsibilities of each party to applying mitigating and aggravating factors, drafting findings, and determining appropriate sanctions.  Join Attorney Chantelle for a walk through the legal and procedural steps necessary for conducting effective disciplinary hearings that can stand up to scrutiny.      Learning objectives   Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  Identify the key role players in a disciplinary hearing and understand their responsibilities.  Understand the expected conduct and duties of the chairperson during the hearing.  Gain practical guidance on the roles of the initiator and the employee throughout the hearing process.  Learn how to evaluate and apply aggravating and mitigating factors when assessing misconduct.  Develop the skills to write a clear finding and determine an appropriate sanction based on the evidence.  Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:   The Disciplinary Hearing – Who Are the Key Role Players?  The Chairperson – How to Behave.  The Initiator – What Do You Need to Do?  The Employee – What Do You Need to Do?  Aggravating and Mitigating Factors.  Writing a Finding – Guilty or Not Guilty.  Sanction – To Fire or Not to Fire. 

Overview  The Companies Second Amendment Act, 17 of 2024 and selected provisions of the Companies Amendment Act, 16 of 2024 came into effect on 27 December 2024. Key amendments include:    Memorandum of Incorporation ( MOI) changes.  Requirements for providing financial assistances to subsidiaries.  The appointment of Social and Ethics Committees.  Matters around auditor appointments.  The amendments have significant implications for businesses, stakeholders and professionals engaging with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).  We invite you to join Edith Wilkins for an in-depth discussion on these legislative changes, their practical impact and how to ensure compliance in an evolving corporate landscape.     Learning objectives  By attending this webinar you will gain the following competencies and knowledge:  Identify the key provisions amended in the Companies Amendment Act, 16 of 2024 and the Companies Second Amendment Act, 17 of 2024.   Review the specific provisions that came into force and their immediate implications for businesses.   Understand how these changes affect corporate governance, financial reporting and compliance requirements for companies and stakeholders.   Know the legislative intent behind the amendments, including enhancing transparency, improving corporate governance and reducing regulatory burdens.   Gain clarity on recent CIPC notices, directives and compliance requirements that influence company filings, annual returns and other regulatory interactions.   Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:  Objectives, purpose and function of the Act.  Objectives of the Act.  Purpose.  Core functions and applications of the Act.  Effective sections in the Companies Amendment Act.  Detailed review.   Implications of these changes.     The Companies Second Amendment Act of 2024.  Key updates introduced.  Relevance and impact of these updates.   Notices issued by the CIPC.   Overview of critical notices.  Impact of these notices.  

Overview  Legal Practitioners offering estate planning advisory services are obligated to carefully evaluate the various factors impacting the harmonious and effective structuring of assets within an estate.  Join Jako Liebenbe rg as he shares his expertise and guides you through the essential considerations for effective estate planning.  Learning objectives  Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  Advise clients on the options to ensure business succession.   Advise clients on the most appropriate mechanisms to protect assets and minimise tax liabilities.   Identify appropriate circumstances to include a trust in the estate plan.   Evaluate the different legal frameworks governing estate planning.   Mitigate the most common challenges and risks impacting estate planning.      Perform estate planning to address the unique needs and goals of clients.    Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:  Definition of an estate.  What constitutes an estate?  Difference between probate and non-probate assets.  Estate planning.  Importance of estate planning.  Tools for estate planning.  Valuation of an estate.  How to appraise real estate, personal property, and investments.  Role of professional appraisers.  Estate taxes and strategies to minimise them.  Distribution of an estate.  Process of distributing assets.  Role of the court.  Challenges in estate administration.  Common disputes in estate administration.  Legal remedies for resolving disputes.  Types of beneficiaries.  Primary vs. contingent beneficiaries.  Per stirpes vs. per capita distribution.  Rights of beneficiaries.  Changing beneficiaries.  How to update beneficiaries in wills and trusts.  Legal implications of beneficiary changes.  Disinheriting a beneficiary.  Disputes involving beneficiaries.  Common causes of disputes.  Legal avenues for resolving disputes.  Role and responsibilities of an executor.  Duties in managing the estate.  Responsibilities towards beneficiaries.  Choosing an executor.  Qualities to look for.  Legal requirements..  Compensation for executors.  How executors are compensated.  Factors that influencing compensation.  Challenges faced by executors.  Common challenges and how to overcome them.  Legal liabilities of executors.  Removal or replacement of an executor.  Grounds for removing an executor.  Process for appointing a new executor. 

Overview  This webinar explores the vital importance of Beneficial Ownership compliance in helping companies fulfill their legal obligations under the Companies Act, FICA, and the Trust Property Control Act. It offers practical strategies to overcome challenges in identifying beneficial owners, maintaining compliance, and mitigating professional liability and reputational risks.  Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) for this insightful session, where she will break down key compliance requirements, share expert guidance and equip you with the tools to confidently navigate the complexities of Beneficial Ownership regulations.    Learning objectives  By attending this webinar you will gain the following competencies and knowledge:  Understand the legal framework governing Beneficial Ownership, including the Companies Act, Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), and Trust Property Control Act.  Identify and verify beneficial owners, including challenges with layered ownership structures, trusts, and nominee arrangements.  Recognise the importance of corporate governance in Beneficial Ownership compliance and its role in financial crime prevention.  Develop practical compliance strategies, including reporting to the CIPC, conducting due diligence, and maintaining accurate records.  Mitigate professional risk exposure by implementing best practices that protect accountants from liability and regulatory scrutiny.  Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:  Understanding Beneficial Ownership Compliance   Defining Beneficial Ownership, distinguishing between legal and beneficial owners, and understanding its role in AML and corporate governance.  Legal and Regulatory Framework    Compliance requirements under the Companies Act, FICA, and Trust Property Control Act, as well as South Africa’s obligations under FATF regulations.  Identifying and Verifying Beneficial Owners  Addressing challenges in tracing complex ownership structures, trusts, foreign entities, and nominee arrangements.  Practical Challenges Faced by Practitioners   Navigating client resistance, non-disclosure issues, and difficulties in obtaining accurate ownership records.  Professional Accountants’ Exposure to Risk   Understanding legal liability, reputational risks, and regulatory expectations for accountants in Beneficial Ownership compliance.  Corporate Governance and Compliance Strategies   Strengthening internal controls, director responsibilities, and financial transparency through Beneficial Ownership reporting.  Practical Tips for Compliance   Implementing effective due diligence, record-keeping, and accurate reporting to CIPC while avoiding common mistakes.  Consequences of Non-Compliance   Risks of deregistration, financial penalties, regulatory scrutiny, and professional disciplinary action for failing to comply with Beneficial Ownership regulations.  About the presenter 

Overview     Effective 17 April 2025, key amendments to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) introduced stricter rules around data subject rights, direct marketing consent and complaint handling. This webinar will unpack these regulatory changes and also highlight the 30 June 2025 deadline for PAIA Annual Report submissions and the CIPC’s role in flagging non-compliant companies.   Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) as she discusses the critical regulatory changes, unpacks the key risks for companies and shares actionable strategies for compliance aligned with the latest requirements from the Information Regulator and CIPC.   Learning objectives    Attending this webinar will equip you with the following competencies:   Understand the key amendments to POPIA and PAIA effective in 2025 and their practical implications for businesses.  Identify the CIPC’s latest enforcement actions, including beneficial ownership filings, and the risk of deregistration for non-compliance.  Gain clarity on the role and responsibilities of the Information Officer under POPIA, including reporting and record-keeping duties.  Learn how to compile and submit the PAIA Annual Report and update the PAIA Manual in line with the Information Regulator's requirements.  Develop a practical compliance checklist and action plan for clients or employers to avoid administrative penalties and reputational harm.  Content    The webinar will cover the following topics:   Legislative Framework    Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013    Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), Act No. 2 of 2000    Companies Act, 2008 – CIPC powers and enforcement mechanisms   POPIA: 2025 Amendments and Implementation    Roles and obligations of the Information Officer    Processing and storage of personal information    Record of processing activities    Data breach notifications and reporting timelines    Personal liability for directors and officers   PAIA: New Requirements and Reporting Duties   Compilation and maintenance of the PAIA Manual   Submission of Annual PAIA Reports   Information Regulator’s enforcement powers   Application to private bodies, including SMEs and sole proprietors   CIPC Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement   Beneficial Ownership Register: CIPC and Companies Amendment Regulations   CIPC Notices of Non-Compliance: Triggers, timing, and filing deadlines   Impact of being listed on CIPC’s public non-compliance lists   Deregistration risk and inability to transact   Updating director contact details as a compliance requirement   Practical Tools and Compliance Strategies   PAIA and POPIA compliance templates   Risk identification and internal compliance checklists   Documentation best practices for assurance providers and advisors   Governance implications for boards and audit committees  

Overview  Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economic transformation agenda.  Businesses are not only expected to comply with its principles but also to integrate them meani ngfully into their operations.   To effectively guide clients on their compliance journey and harness transformation as a competitive advantage, professionals need a solid grasp of the legislative framework and the workings of the B-BBEE Scorecard.  Join Tuane Ive for a practical overview of B-BBEE legislation. Tuane will also highlight the intent and economic significance of the scorecard as well as provide actionable strategies to optimise points through intentional and strategic expenditure.  Learning objectives  Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  Understand the key principles and requirements of B-BBEE compliance.  Learn the intent behind the B-BBEE Scorecard and its contribution to South Africa’s economic transformation.  Gain insight into the various elements that make up the B-BBEE Scorecard.  Acquire strategies to optimise B-BBEE scorecard points while managing expenditure effectively.  Understand the concept of intentional spend and how it can be used to drive meaningful change.  Content  The webinar will cover the following topics:  An Overview of B-BBEE Legislation  Why comply with B-BBEE Legislation as a business  Scorecard Overview  The Generic Scorecard Elements  Intentional Spend and how to make a difference  How does the BEE Strategy compliment a good Company’s culture