No work-no pay – what does the law say?
Many employers were left in the dark after the President of the Republic of South Africa declared a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, and implemented a national lockdown thereafter, as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Employers who did not provide “essential services” were in an extraordinary position and due to the uncertain future, a lot of […]
The economic impact of the pandemic
A business interruption insurance policy typically caters for a decrease in turnover or profit (depending on the type of cover); an increase in operating expenses and a move to a temporary location (if necessary). The question arises whether or not COVID-19 qualifies as an insured event which could lead to a valid and enforceable insurance […]
Swimming upstream against consumer spending trends
On the 5th of March, South Africa confirmed its first coronavirus case and less than a month later, the country had already completed a full week under lockdown. In this month, consumer spending took a big knock as by the first few days of the lockdown, consumer spending fell to a low of 28% for […]
Does force majeure apply during COVID-19
Common Law position – in absence of a “force majeure” clause A force majeure is an act of God or man (such as a war, strike, riot, crime, plague, or an event described such as a hurricane, flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, etc.), that is unforeseeable, out of the reasonable control of the parties to a […]
The new age of property viewings has arrived
The real estate industry has always been known for utilising the latest technologies available to bring buyers and sellers together. From announcements at Town Hall gatherings to the printing presses, the introduction of radios and television sets in households, and finally the World Wide Web, property practitioners have always been on the lookout for the […]
What are your rights when it comes to forced COVID-19 testing?
As the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading across the globe, Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize has expressed his concern that there is not enough testing being done in South Africa. By the 14th of April, 83,663 tests had been conducted in South Africa according to www.worldometers.info. During the early stages of this pandemic, it was far clearer […]