Webber Wentzel - Covid-19 RSS Feed

Webber Wentzel embraces Generative AI as part of its ongoing innovation journey

Webber Wentzel is taking the lead on responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment within the African legal landscape as part of its continued commitment to deliver an exceptional client experience and foster an open, creative, and entrepreneurial culture.

Webber Wentzel recognised as 2022 South Africa Law Firm of the Year by Top Ranked Legal

Webber Wentzel has been awarded the 2022 South Africa Law Firm of the Year in the EMEA Awards by Top Ranked Legal.

Webber Wentzel won the African Legal Awards for African Law Firm of the Year

Webber Wentzel has been named African Law Firm of the Year (Mid-Large Sized Practice) at the 2022 African Legal Awards.

22 Legal Developments for businesses to monitor in 2022

We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2022 and of 22 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. In 2022, various legal developments are expected to have an impact on businesses, particularly in the fields of liability, ESG, digital and economic transformation.

Managing Covid-19 after the National State of Disaster

A new Code of Practice has been issued to guide employers on measures that need to be taken in the workplace to contain Covid-19 infections, once the National State of Disaster ends.

You're not entering at own risk: Covid-19 admission policies – the Labour Court weighs in

A recent Labour Court judgment has upheld an employer’s right to require employees to have a Covid-19 vaccination or provide a weekly negative test if they decline to be vaccinated, but it leaves several important questions unanswered.

Access: Insights Series

To mark the culmination of the most recent topic of focus between Africa Legal and Webber Wentzel, we are proud to present a downloadable compilation of content focused on ‘access’ to new markets, sectors and technology.

Covid-19 infographic: The African picture – vaccine mandates

Two years on, we are all still managing the complexities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Navigating the requirements of entry for businesses operating across Africa is not an easy task and the landscape changes regularly.

Covid-19 organisations and their donors are in SARS' cross hairs

SARS appears to be reviewing the tax deductibility of donations made after 30 September 2021 to organisations set up to provide economic forms of disaster relief for Covid-19.

Webber Wentzel recognised in Chambers Global 2022

Earlier this year, Webber Wentzel was awarded South Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Africa Awards 2022. Yesterday, Chambers Global released its 2022 results, ranking law firm practices and lawyers according to their client service, commercial vision, business understanding, diligence and value for money.

South African Law: Year to Come 2022 and Year in Review 2021

Webber Wentzel has contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year to Come 2022 and Year in Review 2021. The series brings together analysis, thinking and highlights from lawyers around the world across multiple jurisdictions, in the form of topic-specific and jurisdictional guides.

Complex issues arise in limiting the rights of the non-vaccinated

The South African government may introduce “vaccine passports”, following moves by authorities in other jurisdictions, and the limitation of constitutional rights is arguably justifiable

A Journey of Growth and Success

Webber Wentzel Senior Partner Christo Els and Managing Partner, Sally Hutton, chat to Tom Pearson in a podcast focussing on the growth and success of one of Africa’s foremost law firms.

Revised Covid-19 Mandatory Code of Practice issued for mining industry

The DMRE has issued an updated Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice for mines, which mainly differs from the May 2020 Guideline in providing a full set of annexures and guideline documents

Dismissing employees for not observing workplace Covid-19 protocols

Two recent decisions from labour dispute resolution forums have dealt with discipline of employees for failing to observe Covid-19 protocols – one dismissal was found to be fair while the other unfair. Understanding the circumstances and differentiators of these two decisions is important for employers.

Revised Covid-19 Direction on Health & Safety in the Workplace published

A revised Covid-19 Direction on Health and Safety in the Workplace sets out the regulations on vaccines and guidelines for employers considering mandatory vaccinations of employees

Covid-19 and the Consumer Sector: One Year On

The economic consequences of Covid-19 are continuing to be felt in the form of changed shopping patterns and lifestyles, but also faster innovation and technology adoption

Australia's Fair Work Commission rules on dismissal of employee for refusing to take flu vaccine

A recent decision of Australia’s Fair Work Commission upheld an employer’s reasonable requirement for staff to be vaccinated against influenza, but we caution that this principle remains untested in the Covid-19 vaccination rollout in South Africa

Webber Wentzel team helps to drive SA’s Covid-19 vaccine roll-out forward

Building on the positive momentum Webber Wentzel achieved in advising the National Ventilator Project last year, the firm earlier this year moved onto assisting with the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines for South Africa.

SABS issues new standard for hand sanitisers

The SABS has issued a new standard for hand sanitisers, which manufacturers of these products and employers distributing them in the workplace should comply with

Covid-19 TERS extension: key information for employers

A new directive sets out conditions for the extension of benefits under the Covid-19 TERS scheme, which applies only to four categories of employees.

Workplace Covid-19 vaccination policies: Key considerations for employers

With the imminent arrival of South Africa's first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, many employers are considering the workplace Covid-19 vaccination policies they need to put in place. We caution against employers implementing a mandatory policy requiring all employees to be vaccinated.

Covid-19 TERS scheme extended to 15 March 2021

The president has announced the TERS benefit will be extended to 15 March 2021 for certain sectors but there are unanswered questions over aspects of the extension.

Podcast: Covid-19 Vaccines - Employer Considerations

Over this 6-part series, We will be unpacking various issues from the possibility of mandatory vaccination policies for employees to personal information management of employee vaccination data.

Covid-19 TERS External Audit and Forensic Process underway

On 27 November 2020, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) announced that it will be implementing its C-19 External Audit and Forensic Process effective 1 December 2020.

Linklaters' Global Guide: Year in Review 2020 and Year to Come 2021

We have contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year in Review 2020 and Year to Come 2021.

Advertising Regulatory Board requires adverts and commercials to toe the line with Covid-19 regulations

In a recent decision by the Advertising Regulatory Board against FlySafair, the board found that compliance with Covid-19 regulations extends to "make-believe" marketing initiatives such as advertisements or commercials

The impact of Covid-19 on South Africa’s insurance sector

The Covid-19 global pandemic has caused disruptions to economies around the world and it is no surprise that the South African economy has not been spared.

India and SA request waiver of TRIPS Agreement for Covid-19 treatment

South Africa and India are seeking a waiver of the global agreement on IP rights to enable access to Covid-19 treatments, but more would need to be done in SA on a practical level to make this effective

Level 1 Lockdown regulations – key considerations for employers

Government has published new regulations on the alert level 1 lockdown which took effect at 00h01 on Monday, 21 September 2020.

Covid-19: Construction Sectoral Guidelines published

At various stages during the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, various studies were released on the negative impact that Covid-19 will have on the construction sector.

JSE guidance on effective communication with investors

The JSE has identified focus areas for listed companies to consider when raising capital to weather the Covid-19 crisis, including the amount of information they need to disclose

TERS extended until national state of disaster ends

The Minister of Employment & Labour has announced the extension of the Covid-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits until the end of the national state of disaster.

Key health and safety considerations for the re-opening of sports stadiums

The organisers of sporting events in stadiums, which were suspended in many countries because of Covid-19, will have to comply with existing health and safety legislation, municipal by-laws and Covid-19 protocols as events resume

Life in a remote world - tax enforcement in transfer pricing

The unusual business conditions of the Covid-19 outbreak will require a more flexible approach from tax authorities when analysing transfer pricing in the 2020 year of assessment

Lockdown level 2 regulations: explained

Since government announced a move to level 2 lockdown – employers will be grappling with a new norm. This infographic provides a useful overview of the key aspects of level 2.

TERS: New direction published

A new direction which regulates the extension of C-19 TERS benefits for the extended application period (1 July - 15 August 2020) was published on 13 August 2020.

Covid-19: New directions on isolation and quarantine periods

Recent amendments to Department of Health directions reduce the isolation period for Covid-19, provide new definitions and set out the criteria government will use to determine different alert levels

Domestics and gardeners - claiming TERS and other UIF benefits

Domestics and gardeners who could not work during lockdown – and received no or reduced income - may receive benefits under the Temporary Employer - Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

Digital transformation in the financial services sector

Data protection and cybercrime are becoming more pressing issues for financial services companies to address from a legal perspective, as Covid-19 accelerates digital transformation

Catching Covid-19 at work: new COIDA directive issued by Department of Employment and Labour

The Department of Employment and Labour has issued revised guidelines on how to submit claims to the Compensation Fund for Covid-19 contracted in the workplace.

Working together to keep workplaces open and safe through Covid-19

To assist business, five reputable institutions have come together to identify key challenges and risk areas and providing legally compliant, practically implementable solutions based on best in class clinical and engineering input.

More essential services potentially on the cards

On 12 July 2020, the Essential Services Committee announced its plans to investigate whether certain services should be declared as essential.

Covid-19 database includes a greater focus on public's right to privacy

Although the law permits the National Department of Health (DOH) to develop and maintain a national database to assist in combatting the spread of Covid-19, which includes contact tracing and geospatial hotspot mapping, there have been some new amendments to the laws.

More (tax) reasons to #stayhome

As more and more South Africans adjust to the new normal of working from home, we examine below whether there are any tax deductions available from doing that.

Back to business for restaurants, cinemas, theatres, casinos and others

Following new amendments, employers who operate restaurants, cinemas, theatres, casinos, museums, galleries, libraries, archives and conference centres as well as personal care services (eg hairdressers and tattoo parlours) may open again. Certain sporting (contact and non-contact) activities are also permitted to resume.

New directions for personal care services and communications and digital technologies sector gazetted

The Minister of Small Business Development has gazetted a Covid-19 direction for personal care services. These protocols supplement the existing level 3 lockdown regulations and directions (particularly the directions issued by the Department of Employment & Labour and Department of Health).

June applications for C-19 TERS are now open

The UIF has opened June applications for TERS. Visit www.uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19 to apply.

Recent High Court decision wrong - no work no pay principle during lockdown upheld by Labour Court

In a recent judgment, the South Gauteng High Court placed two Johannesburg restaurants into business rescue after they failed to pay employee salaries during lockdown. The court did not accept the restaurants' defence that it could not pay salaries due to the impact of the nationwide lockdown. In summary, this High Court judgment is not correct, employers who applied the no work no pay principle during lockdown and who claimed TERS benefits for their employees should not be distressed about their course of action, which was correct.

Framing the dismissal dispute referral as an unfair dismissal dispute or automatically unfair dismissal dispute: does it eve

In a judgment handed down on 6 May 2020, the Constitutional Court (CC) confirmed that the Labour Court has jurisdiction to adjudicate an automatically unfair dismissal dispute where the underlying dispute referred to conciliation at the CCMA was classified and dealt with as an unfair dismissal dispute and not as an automatically.

Covid-19: Do's and Don’ts for Contact Tracing by Employers

Under alert level 3, most businesses that were prohibited from operating can reopen. In their return to work strategies, employers are required to comply with certain legal obligations, including undertaking contact tracing activities and to submit to government the data of: (1) employees who have tested positive for Covid-19; and (2) any other persons who may have been exposed to the virus through such infected employees. Sector specific health protocols also exist and must be complied with when applicable.

Revised Covid-19 Direction on Health & Safety in the Workplace

The Minister of Employment and Labour has issued a revised Covid-19 Direction on Health & Safety in the Workplace. The Direction applies to all workplaces except mines, ships, boats or cranes and any other workplace which is regulated by a different direction on health and safety. This infographic highlights the new provisions of this Direction.

Covid-19: An update on vulnerable employees and the workplace

The Minister of Employment and Labour has published a revised Covid-19 Direction on Health & Safety in the workplace dealing specifically with vulnerable employees. Employers and employees alike will need to be aware of the terms of this Directive.

Health & safety in the workplace: Employees' right to refuse to enter a dangerous workplace in light of the Covid-19 pandemi

The Minister of Employment and Labour issued a Directive on 4 June, under the Disaster Management Act (DMA), to provide clarity on an employee's right to refuse to work due to Covid-19. Employers and employees alike will need to be aware of the terms of this Directive

Covid-19 – Key insights for fund managers

Covid-19 has, and will continue to, impact the private equity industry. Webber Wentzel and BLC Robert and have joined forces to answer some key questions which, based on their combined experience, are of particular relevance to fund managers.

Environmental considerations for surviving Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on businesses and economies across the globe.

Business rescue and liquidation have consequences for intellectual property

Intellectual property is often overlooked when a business is compelled to seek business rescue or liquidation but it may form a valuable asset, requiring decisions to be made on whether to sell it or maintain it.

Retrenchments - What do employers need to know?

Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the global economy as well as the South African economy.

Covid-19: Temporary exemption from holding physical general meetings to help companies raise capital

During the Covid-19 crisis, issuers are facing challenges in holding the general meetings which are required in a number of instances under the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited.

What post-COVID Restructuring & Insolvency means for environmental compliance

As the marketplace enters unchartered territory for corporate governance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in business restructurings and insolvency (R&I) proceedings is becoming commonplace for those companies struggling to recover from the pandemic's devastating effects.

Business rescue or liquidation - what is best?

As more financially-distressed businesses seek solutions after Covid-19, the pros and cons of business rescue must be weighed up against those of liquidation to protect the interests of all involved

Business rescue offers a framework, not a solution

South African businesses under pressure from the Covid-19 effects may be tempted to apply for business rescue, but the process has a better chance of success if the board takes early steps to find solutions

10 Key Considerations For Employers - Moving into Level 3 Lockdown on 1 June 2020

As South Africa faces lockdown level 3 lockdown, government has published amendments to the lockdown regulations. We set out in this infographic, 10 key considerations employers need to be aware of.

Covid-19: can employees withdraw from the workplace?

Employees returning to work from the Covid-19 lockdown will need to show reasonable justification if they halt work on the basis that they are exposed to the virus.

May applications for Covid-19 TERS are now open

The UIF has opened May applications for TERS. Employers who wish to submit May applications for TERS are encouraged to visit the TERS application website to apply.

Covid-19: Companies in financial distress - Practical M&A considerations in restructuring

The Covid-19 Lockdown has battered the already ailing South African economy. Despite the pending lift of the Lockdown, companies will likely battle to stay afloat as the full impact of the pandemic plays out.

Covid-19: Emergency measures & investor-state arbitration claims

The unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 pandemic has re-kindled debates around the appropriateness of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions in bi- and multi-lateral investment treaties. This article unpacks the key issues around the debate.

Covid-19 tax relief measures and time concessions

The following is a summary of the Revised Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Bill and Revised Draft Disaster Management Tax Relief Administration Bill, Draft Explanatory Memorandum, National Treasury Media Statement and Draft rule amendments of the Customs and Excise Act 1964.

Mine employers & Covid-19 - the Guidelines & Mandatory Code of Practice unpacked

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has issued Guidelines for a Mandatory Code of Practice on the Mitigation and Management of Covid-19.

E-commerce health & safety protocols unpacked

On 14 May, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition issued new directions on e-commerce sales during the level 4 lockdown, taking a positive step towards reopening the economy.

Covid-19: Vulnerable employees and the workplace

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), based on evidence currently available, there are two groups of people who are at higher risk of contracting severe Covid-19 disease

Covid-19: Level 4 lockdown - What employers need to know

Following the President's speech on 13 May 2020, South Africa will remain in Level 4 lockdown until the end of May – and in some high infection rate areas, Level 4 may still continue beyond then.

e-Commerce limits under level 4 makes no cents

As the dust settles on another day in what most of the world calls our 'new normal', I hop online for yet another virtual grocery shop, thanks to Covid-19.

Covid-19: CIPC recognises Business Rescue filings made during initial lockdown period

Under the Companies Act, 2008, a business rescue initiated by the board of a company only formally starts once the necessary resolution is filed with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.

Covid-19: Ensure opportunistic product offerings are legally compliant

Demand for new products to combat Covid-19 infections presents an opportunity for businesses under strain, but they should be aware of advertising, medical and intellectual property restrictions.

Covid-19: How to manage 'place of effective management' tax risk during lockdown

Covid-19 is only anticipated to peak in South Africa (SA) in September 2020, with international air travel only being permitted once the current lockdown restrictions are reduced to Level 1.

Covid-19 and downgrades: Director's duties unpacked

During grappling with a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 South Africa's credit rating was also downgraded to below investment grade by Moody's Investors Service.

Covid-19 excessive pricing consent agreements provide important insights

The Competition Tribunal has now confirmed three consent agreements relating to Covid-19 excessive pricing complaints.

Covid-19: TERS - 5 important updates

Since the launch of TERS, there has been (almost) daily changes introduced by the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Planning for a safe return to work all risks considered

Government has announced the implementation of a risk-adjusted strategy in easing the nationwide lockdown. This strategy entails the use of a system of alert levels applicable nationally and provincially.

Covid-19: Arbitration may avert the massive court backlogs

South African courts already face massive issues related to backlogged matters. Court closures and hearing of limited matters to flatten the Covid-19 curve will raise further delays in resolving disputes.

Covid-19 and SA courts

On 23 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to enforce a nation-wide lockdown, commencing at midnight on Thursday 26 March and enduring for 21 days (until 16 April 2020) in an attempt to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa.

Covid-19: Providing essential financial services? – here's a summary of everything you need to know

The regulations published to give effect the national lockdown directed the Prudential Authority and Financial Sector Conduct Authority to issue directives and guidance to all financial institutions under its jurisdiction in respect of precautionary measures to be taken when performing essential financial services.

Covid-19: Directive to financial institutions on precautionary measures when performing essential financial services

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority and Prudential Authority issued a directive on 9 April 2020, under the Disaster Management Act, setting out appropriate precautionary measures that financial institutions performing essential financial services should follow during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Ready for "life after lockdown"? Legal considerations for mines in getting safely back to work

Employers will have to take various steps to comply with directives and protect their employees when normal operations are allowed to resume after the Covid-19 lockdown period. In this note, we highlight the important issues.

Covid-19: Employment relief and reputational risk for banks and insurers

During the period of national lockdown caused by the outbreak of Covid-19, companies will have to shut down and employees potentially laid off temporarily.

Covid-19: Is there a new normal for healthcare practitioners?

Doctors and other healthcare practitioners need to be aware of regulations that apply to them during the outbreak of Covid-19 and national lockdown - particularly the risk of being held criminally liable for assault, attempted murder or murder if they intentionally expose others to Covid-19.

Covid-19: Mine operations during extended lockdown

On 16 April 2020, the South African Government announced the following amendments to the Regulations promulgated under the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 to prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 dated 11 April 2020.

Covid-19: 16 April 2020 government updates in simple terms

On 16 April 2020, government ministers presented amendments to the current lockdown restrictions. We set out the 10 key takeaways.

Covid-19: relief for JSE-listed companies in relation to certain financial reporting obligations

The ability of listed companies to meet their financial reporting obligations has, in many instances, been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

Covid-19: Key considerations for call centres

On 9 April 2020, the Minister of Health and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition issued a directive under the Disaster Management Act Regulations to clarify the extent and conditions upon which call centres may operate during the lockdown.

COVID-19: extension of MPRDA timeframes

In response to the Covid-19 crisis and national lockdown, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has gazetted Directions under the Disaster Management Regulations to extend certain timeframes laid out in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and MPRDA Regulations relating to permissions, rights and permits.

Maintaining good corporate governance during extraordinary times

The Covid-19 pandemic and emergency measures taken by the South African Government have caused unprecedented business disruption.

Covid-19: Expansion of block exemption for the healthcare sector

On 8 April 2020, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published amendments to the Covid19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector 2020 Regulation issued on 19 March 2020.

Telemedicine: protecting patient information remains paramount

Global utilisation of telemedicine has grown rapidly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and particularly in South Africa.

COVID-19 infographic: Tracking Impact in Sub-Saharan Africa

The challenges of both fighting a pandemic and running a business at the same time are complex. This complexity is increased exponentially for businesses which operate in multiple jurisdictions.

Webber Wentzel uses technology to resolve disputes throughout Covid-19 lockdown

Webber Wentzel is encouraging its clients to use its technology tools and capability to progress and resolve disputes during the Covid-19 lockdown, rather than postpone matters indefinitely.

Covid-19: Electronic communications service providers must disclose information to tracing database

The Minister of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs has published amendment regulations authorising the national Department of Health to develop and maintain a national database to enable people to be traced who are known or reasonably suspected to have come into contact with any person known or reasonably suspected to have contracted Covid-19.

Covid-19: Unpacking the new regulations for the ICT industry

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) released the ICT Covid-19 National Disaster Regulations on 6 April.

The JSE issues guidance on the impact of Covid-19

JSE-listed companies may have to fulfil various duties under the Listings Requirements in relation to disclosures of the impact of Covid-19 on their businesses, scheduled shareholders’ meetings and changes to dividend declarations.

Impact of B-BBEE Commission's closure on processes & submissions of documents

The B-BBEE Commission, like many other regulators, has had to close its offices from 27 March to 16 April 2020 as a result of the national lockdown declared on 23 March 2020.

Covid-19: Telemedicine offers healthcare solutions - SABC Channel Africa

SABC Channel Africa - Associate at Webber Wentzel, Erwyn Durman shares how Telemedicine offers healthcare solutions.

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Covid-19: Anticipated impact on M&A transactions in South Africa

Restrictions on travel, a fundamentally-changed business operating environment and the limited availability of regulatory services in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis will require buyers and sellers to review various aspects of M&A transactions.

Covid-19: A Profitable Opportunity for Cyber-Criminals

Covid-19 — the virus which is shaking the world — is rapidly increasing the number of employees who work remotely.

Covid-19: Lockdown laws – the unanswered questions

What happens if specific time limits are imposed for action to be taken in terms of acts, by-laws, regulations, policies and other instruments and adherence to these time limits is impacted by the lockdown?

Shipping, Ports and Travel - Update & guidelines on Covid-19 - SAMSA Notice

The South African Maritime Safety Authority, published Marine Notice 21, dated 31 March 2020, which contains Directions issued by the Minister of Transport in terms of Regulation 10(7) of the Lockdown

Covid-19: Pension boards may assist financially distressed employers & employees

To address the impact of Covid-19 and the nationwide lockdown on financially distressed employers and employees, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority issued Communication 11 of 2020, highlighting section 13A of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 which regulates the payment of contributions and certain benefits to pension funds.

Covid-19: What the lockdown means for environmental applications & administrative timeframes

On 31 March 2020, Minister Creecy published directions in terms of the recently promulgated Disaster Management Act Regulations, whose purpose, in curtailing the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, is to ensure fair processes governing licensing, public participation and appeals; reporting requirements; and the provision of waste management services during the lockdown period (Directions).

Covid-19: Impact on banks, non-insurance financial institutions & expectations on regulated entities

In response to the Covid-19 emergency, the South African Reserve Bank and the South African financial sector regulators, the Prudential Authority and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, have implemented several mitigation measures to support the economy and companies.

Webber Wentzel services its clients with different channels through lock-down

In support of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s efforts to “flatten the curve” of Covid-19 infections over the next few weeks, Webber Wentzel has closed its physical offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town for the 21-day national lockdown.

Covid-19 and Competition Law: clothes, coffee shops, care services and more

Businesses are facing uncertainty worldwide as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their rights and obligations have come into question, with competition authorities worldwide moving swiftly to provide clarity and guidance.

Covid-19: Frequently-asked questions on electronic signatures

Organisations have widely implemented remote working arrangements in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

.ZA sites must link to government's Covid-19 portal

In a further move to curb “fake news”, government is requiring all internet sites ending with “.za” will have to include a visible link on their landing page to the Covid-19 South African Online Portal at "www.sacoronavirus.co.za".

Covid-19: Telemedicine offers healthcare solutions

Following the President's address on 23 March 2020, South Africans may be wondering how to obtain access to health services from healthcare practitioners during lockdown.

Covid-19: Tax relief proposed by the President

The address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, 23 March 2020, set out certain fiscal relief measures to help small and medium enterprises and vulnerable firms mitigate cash flow constraints as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Covid-19: Electronic signatures in lockdown times

In business, handwritten signatures are required on nearly every document. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak it has become almost impossible to obtain multiple original handwritten signatures on the same document.

Covid-19: Takeaways for the private equity industry

South Africa started 2020 on the ropes with economists generally expecting the annual GDP growth to be below 1%.

Covid-19: Closed Trade Marks, Designs, Patents & Copyright Offices raise further risk for the economy

One only has to look back in history to appreciate the extent to which necessity is indeed the mother of invention.

Covid-19: Assessing risk - patent infringements in public healthcare emergencies

Patented technology holds the key to many solutions that assist medical professionals daily in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Covid-19: Competition exemptions for banking & retail property sectors

On the back of the declaration of COVID-19 as a national disaster and the subsequent publication of the COVID-19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector under the Competition Act, 1998, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (the Minister) on 23 and 24 March 2020 published the Block Exemptions for the Banking Sector and Retail Property Sector, respectively.

Covid-19: CIPC's limited services during national lockdown

The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission announced on 24 March 2020, that it will be closing down all services relating to companies, close corporations and co-operatives as of 16:00 on 24 March 2020 until 1 April 2020.

Covid-19: You cannot refuse medical treatment or testing

The regulations related to COVID-19 published on 18 of March 2020 make testing and treatment for COVID-19 mandatory in certain circumstances.

Don't be a Covid-19 criminal

Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech on Sunday evening, the state published new regulations related to Covid-19, in terms of the Disaster Management Act on 18 March 2020.

Fake news about Covid-19 now a criminal offence

As COVID-19 infections spread rapidly around the globe and governments everywhere scramble to limit infections, fake news about the disease on social networks has become a major problem.

Employment and health & safety implications of the Covid-19 disaster management regulations

New regulations to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Africa were released on 18 March 2020. Many of these regulations will impact employers to varying degrees.

Covid-19 will impact employers: how bad can things get?

The Minister of Health recently announced that approximately 60-70% of South Africans will become infected with COVID-19, with 20% of those infected being serious cases.

Shipping, Ports and Travel - Update & guidelines on Covid-19

Following President Ramaphosa's address to the nation on 15 March 2020, declaring the Covid-19 outbreak a national state of disaster, new regulations have been published in terms of the National Ports Act (effective 18 March 2020) which have a significant effect on shipping, ports, international trade and travel related matters.

Covid-19: Competition & consumer law developments affect consumer & healthcare sectors

On 19 March 2020, the Minister of Trade and Industry published the COVID-19 Block Exemption for the Healthcare Sector and the Consumer and Customer Protection and National Disaster Management Regulations and Directions under the Competition Act, 1998, the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 and the regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 1957 on 15 March 2020 in terms of which COVID-19 was declared a national disaster.

Covid-19 spurs technology deployment

Technology will undoubtedly be one of the beneficiaries of the latest control measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Environmental emergencies as a consequence of Covid-19

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 defines an "emergency situation" as one that has arisen suddenly that poses an imminent and serious threat to the environment, human life or property.

Covid-19: a new environment for insurers and claimants

After the likely spike in insurance claims arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, insurers are likely to introduce new or changes to existing exclusionary clauses which were not previously considered to be necessary.

Covid-19 and Business Interruption – are you covered?

The out-break of Covid-19, which originated in China and has since spread to most of the world, is one of the most serious threats to public health in recent times.

Workplace preparedness guideline on Covid-19 released by Department of Employment & Labour

The Department of Employment & Labour has released a new guideline for employers on workplace preparedness within the context of Covid-19.

Covid-19: flagging significant commercial & legal issues

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has caused disruption across the world and very recently South Africa.

Covid-19 & performance on contracts - unpacking key issues

With Covid-19 declared a global pandemic, the potential impact on a party's ability to perform in terms of a contract is far-reaching.

Covid-19 - What we at Webber Wentzel are doing

At Webber Wentzel, we remain committed to taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, our clients and our service providers. Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and doing everything we can to get this under control is our priority.

The coronavirus: implications for employers in South Africa

The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) in South Africa. There is a strong likelihood that there will be other cases of Covid-19 across the country.