As 2026 begins, organisations and professionals face rapid change driven by AI, digital tools and evolving labour and compliance frameworks. This article explains why January is the strategic moment to invest in professional development, align new budgets and development plans, and build sustained capacity in ethical AI use, digital skills, POPIA, employment equity and workplace transformation.

Advance your HR career with the Advanced Occupational Certificate: HRM Officer (NQF 6). This qualification equips HR professionals to move from admin and transactional tasks into true strategic partnership. Blend knowledge, practical skills, and workplace application to manage talent, design organisations, support employment relations, and align people strategy with business goals in a fast-changing, digitally enabled workplace.

South Africa’s labour-relations landscape is becoming more complex, driven by expanding case law, rising compliance demands and digital transformation. An NQF 6 Labour Relations Practice qualification equips practitioners with advanced legal, strategic and workplace-ready skills. Organisations benefit through fewer disputes, stronger compliance and improved IR capability. As labour dynamics evolve, formalised training has become essential for HR, legal and IR professionals.

Protect your brand: SA employers need clear social media policies, training & compliance to manage risks in today’s digital workplace.

Human-in-the-Loop AI safeguards fairness in SA workplaces—ensuring ethical recruitment, EE compliance, and dignity in sensitive decisions.

Employment Equity in SA is no longer just compliance—it’s a competitive advantage driving transformation, growth, and inclusive workplaces.

Women SDFs are reshaping SA workplaces, driving skills, equity, and innovation to build inclusive, future-ready organisations.

SA's new laws target qualification fraud—employers must verify credentials or face legal and financial penalties. Are you prepared?

GBS partners with Grow ECD to uplift women-led centres and empower communities through early childhood education and training.

Transform mandatory skills development from compliance to strategic business growth in South Africa.