South Africa’s new COIDA Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Regulations place legal duties on employers to support injured workers through structured rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. Learn key compliance steps, employer obligations, and how the new framework prioritises human recovery.

After two years of NEDLAC negotiations, proposed amendments to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and National Minimum Wage Act have been gazetted for public comment. This article breaks down major employer-facing changes, including high-earner remedy limits, a simplified procedural fairness test, start-up exemptions, retrenchment reforms, Section 77 limits, and risks like higher severance pay and “on call” protections.

COSATU has announced protected protest action under Section 77 of the Labour Relations Act on 26 February 2026. Employers must understand employee protections, no work no pay rules, and operational risks. This guide explains legal obligations, payroll implications, and practical steps employers should take to manage protest-related disruption lawfully and effectively.

From increased Skills Development Levy refunds and YES programme reform to 10,000 new labour inspectors, SONA 2026 reshapes the employer landscape. Businesses investing in youth, skills, SME supply chains and ethical compliance can unlock co-funding and talent pipelines, while low-compliance models face heightened scrutiny and risk.

South Africa’s unemployment rises to 32.9% in Q1 2025, with youth joblessness at 62.4%—calling for urgent, united action.

President Ramaphosa signs the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill into law, urging employers to update policies on discrimination and harassmen

South Africa's National Minimum Wage increases by 8.5% from 1 March 2024, affecting over six million workers and setting new pay standards.