FREE | Read the November 2023 edition of Business Law & Tax
We consider, among others, the employers' approach to employee wellbeing, especially mental aspects; obligations to report ransomware attacks under the Popi Act; and SMEs suffering as banks become more cautious about business loans
Economists estimate that neglected mental health conditions cost the SA economy R161bn a year due to lost work days. The Occupational Health and Safety Act provisions includes the protection and promotion of employees’ physical and mental health.
Because it's an issue that can affect the bottom line employers have a vested interest in proactively managing mental wellbeing in the workplace — from a moral, legal and financial perspective.
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) Amendment Bill makes significant changes to how the RAF functions and compensates claimants, including placing a limitation on drivers’, passengers’ and pedestrians’ right to seek compensation for injuries sustained.
This bill forms part of a wider strategy aimed at limiting the RAF's liability and possible fraud being committed on a claimant’s proceeds, and creating more sustainable cash flow. However, these strategies, as well intentioned as they may be, have often proven not to be very well thought out. The incapacity of the government to properly administer the RAF means most South Africans may now be left vulnerable in the case of any injuries arising from accidents.
Columnist Patrick Bracher tackles the problem of frivolous cases going through all the levels of the courts, at great cost to all the litigants, only to be extinguished in the end. He makes the case for unmeritorious cases being nipped in the bud by a stricter approach to granting leave to appeal.
More on all these stories and others, available in this month's Business Law & Tax, the final edition for 2023.