The Labour Appeal Court has ruled that calling a manager a "white racist" does not automatically amount to racist conduct and that the context in which such words are used is critical when determining whether dismissal is fair. In The Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural and Allied Workers Union obo Vuyani Qomoyi v Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration and Others (Case No. CA 18/2024, delivered 8 April 2026), the Court overturned both a Labour Court judgment and a CCMA arbitration award, finding that the employee's dismissal was substantively unfair. The employee was employed by Namaqua Wines as a general worker and served as a shop steward for the Commercial Stevedoring Agricultural and Allied Workers Union (CSAAWU). In August 2021, the employee was unexpectedly summoned to the human resources office by his manager. Upon arriving, he witnessed another black employee being dismissed without having been involved in the process as the employee's shop steward. During a heated exchange, the employee repeatedly shouted that his manager was a "white racist" who was "firing black people". Namaqua charged the employee with several offences, including displaying racist behaviour. Although he received only a final written warning for insolence, he was dismissed solely for allegedly displaying racist behaviour. The CCMA found the dismissal to be fair, and the Labour Court dismissed his review application. The Labour Appeal Court reached a different conclusion. The LAC held that both the Commissioner and the Labour Court failed to apply the legal test established by the Labour Appeal Court and endorsed by the Constitutional Court in Rustenburg Platinum Mine v SAEWA obo Bester. That test requires decision-makers to consider whether a reasonable, objective and informed person, taking into account the full context, would regard the words as racist. The Court stressed that merely referring to someone as a "white racist" does not, without more, amount to racist conduct. The words must be assessed in their historical, social and workplace context. In this case, the employee’s remarks were made immediately after witnessing what he believed was the unfair dismissal of a black employee. The Court found that he was expressing his opinion about what he had observed rather than demonstrating racial prejudice or asserting racial superiority over his manager. The Court also criticised the employer for focusing on disciplining the employee instead of investigating the allegations of racism that prompted his comments. It noted that allegations of racism should be taken seriously and properly investigated rather than dismissed out of hand. Finding that the dismissal lacked a fair reason, the Labour Appeal Court ordered Namaqua Wines to retrospectively reinstate the employee. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance on protected disclosures, employment practices, or compliance obligations, consult a qualified labour law practitioner. © 2026 Global Business Solutions (GBS). All rights reserved. View our upcoming events: Upcoming Events and Qualifications, like EE Code of Good Practice Pop-up, CLAUDE for Employment Relations (Session Options: Aug., Sept. OR Oct.), B-BBEE Bootcamp, Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class, Occupational Skills Programme: Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner (SDF), and National Certificate in Labour Relations Practice (NQF 6). *All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. Stay ahead of South Africa’s changing labour law South Africa’s workplace laws are reaching The Tipping Point. Join us at #ALLU2026 – the Annual Labour Law Update for a practical update on the latest case law, legislative changes, Employment Equity developments, AI in the workplace and the issues employers need to prepare for now. Get the insight. Understand the impact. Make better workplace decisions. Register for #ALLU2026

Every August we reach for the same vocabulary. Women are strong. Women are resilient. Women endure. I used that language myself in this space last year, and I meant every word of it. A year on, I want to place something less comfortable beside it: resilience is what you draw on when nothing else is available to you. It is a survival response, not a career strategy and when we celebrate it too readily, we quietly excuse the conditions that made it necessary. I say this as someone who has needed it more than once. There were years of studying in the hours left over after everyone else’s needs had been met, a long stretch out of action after a serious injury, and a year in which I qualified and was retrenched within months of each other. I offer none of that as a credential. I mention it because it is ordinary most women reading this have their own version of it, and hardly any of us look back on those years as the ones in which we grew. We survived them. That is a different thing. If you asked me what carried me through, the honest answer is not grit. Grit was the fuel; it was never the vehicle. What I remember with any clarity is not the endurance at all. It is a much smaller set of moments in which somebody else decided to act. What actually moved me A manager who handed me a file that was plainly above my grade, let me carry it, and then corrected me privately rather than in front of the room. A colleague who said my name in a meeting I was not in, and kept saying it. Someone who looked at a curriculum vitae with visible interruptions in it and read range where others read risk. A mentor who told me the truth about a piece of work when encouragement would have been kinder and considerably less useful. None of those people were running a development programme. What they had in common is that each of them absorbed a measure of personal risk on my behalf. That is the distinction that matters, and it is the one we most often blur. Mentorship offers advice; sponsorship spends capital. Advice is generous, and it is cheap. Putting your own credibility behind someone who has not yet proved themselves is neither. Most of the women I know have been mentored generously and sponsored rarely. Growth is uncomfortable, and it is seldom private The other thing I have learned about growth is that it almost never happened while I felt ready. It happened when I was given something I did not feel equipped for and had to become equal to it in full view of other people. Every meaningful step in my professional life has been preceded by the private conviction that I was about to be found out. Women are often told that the answer to this is confidence. I am not persuaded. Hesitation is frequently an accurate reading of the room rather than a personal failing: many of us have learned, correctly, that our mistakes are remembered longer and attributed differently. The remedy is not to instruct women to feel more assured. It is to build conditions in which a woman’s first attempt at something difficult is received the way a man’s first attempt is usually received — as a learning curve rather than a verdict. What I owe forward Much of my work centres on the machinery of transformation: strategic plans, changing legislation, policies, and the documents organisations use to show commitment. That work matters, and I would defend it. But no plan has ever promoted anyone. Decisions about who is developed, trusted, and advanced are made by people in ordinary conversations, most of which are never recorded. Policy creates the obligation; people determine the outcome. That makes the obligation personal and precise. Say a person’s name in the rooms they are not in. Entrust them with the difficult file, not only the safe one. Offer honest correction privately because you believe they can grow from it. Be deliberate about who you back, and notice whether they all resemble you. And be honest that women do not automatically become one another’s advocates: shared experience is not the same as solidarity, and solidarity does not arrive by itself. I have also learned to accept support without treating it as a debt or a verdict on my competence. That took longer than it should have. Many capable women decline help in order to prove they do not require it, and pay for that in years. The question worth asking this month By all means let us celebrate endurance in August. Behind most women’s achievements there is a quieter history of sacrifice and persistence that deserves to be seen. But endurance is not advancement, and admiration is not support. The more searching question is this: whose name did you say this year, at a point when saying it cost you something? Who did you hand the difficult work to? Who did you tell the truth to, because you thought they could take it? Resilience got me through. Other people got me here. The women coming behind us should need less of the first because they have more of the second — and that is largely within our gift. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance on protected disclosures, employment practices, or compliance obligations, consult a qualified labour law practitioner. © 2026 Global Business Solutions (GBS). All rights reserved. View our upcoming events: Upcoming Events and Qualifications, like EE Code of Good Practice Pop-up, CLAUDE for Employment Relations (Session Options: Aug., Sept. OR Oct.), B-BBEE Bootcamp, Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class, Occupational Skills Programme: Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner (SDF), and National Certificate in Labour Relations Practice (NQF 6). *All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. Stay ahead of South Africa’s changing labour law South Africa’s workplace laws are reaching The Tipping Point. Join us at #ALLU2026 – the Annual Labour Law Update for a practical update on the latest case law, legislative changes, Employment Equity developments, AI in the workplace and the issues employers need to prepare for now. Get the insight. Understand the impact. Make better workplace decisions. Register for #ALLU2026

Women’s Month invites organisations to reflect on equity, representation, and opportunity. These conversations are essential, but they often overlook a quieter form of work that shapes workplace culture every day: the work of connection. In many teams, connection is sustained through countless small acts such as noticing when someone is under pressure, creating a sense of belonging, softening tension in difficult conversations, and helping people feel seen. These behaviours are often described as natural or informal, yet they are central to trust, resilience, collaboration, and retention. The challenge is that this relational labour frequently falls to women without being named, measured, or shared. When organisations treat connection as invisible background work, they risk undervaluing one of the most important contributors to healthy team performance. Intentional practices such as circle time create space for connection to become a collective responsibility rather than an unspoken expectation placed on a few. They invite people to meet beyond roles and hierarchy, listen with greater presence, and recognise the human dynamics that influence how work gets done. Real inclusion is not achieved only through policy or representation. It is built in the everyday spaces where people are heard, acknowledged, and able to participate fully. If organisations want more inclusive and resilient cultures, they must start treating connection not as an optional soft skill, but as core leadership work. Circle & Square — humanising organisations since 2002. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance on protected disclosures, employment practices, or compliance obligations, consult a qualified labour law practitioner. © 2026 Global Business Solutions (GBS). All rights reserved. View our upcoming events: Upcoming Events and Qualifications, like EE Code of Good Practice Pop-up, CLAUDE for Employment Relations (Session Options: Aug., Sept. OR Oct.), B-BBEE Bootcamp, Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class, Occupational Skills Programme: Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner (SDF), and National Certificate in Labour Relations Practice (NQF 6). *All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. Stay ahead of South Africa’s changing labour law South Africa’s workplace laws are reaching The Tipping Point. Join us at #ALLU2026 – the Annual Labour Law Update for a practical update on the latest case law, legislative changes, Employment Equity developments, AI in the workplace and the issues employers need to prepare for now. Get the insight. Understand the impact. Make better workplace decisions. Register for #ALLU2026

Register for the 2026 Annual Labour Law Update in Joburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Gqeberha or live online (MS Teams & Zoom) from 22 October 2026 until 24 November 2026 . Latest case‑law insights & CPD‑ready guidance. Annual Labour Law Update #ALLU2026 Stay ahead of South Africa’s fast-changing labour law landscape at the Annual Labour Law Update (ALLU) 2026. Building on the success of ALLU 2025—attended by more than 750 delegates nationwide and rated 98.9% overall—this year’s conference unpacks the latest Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and Constitutional Court decisions, key statutory amendments, and emerging workplace trends. Join Jonathan Goldberg and the Global Business Solutions team for a practical, case-driven update that will keep your organisation compliant, proactive and prepared. 📍 Join us live in 5 cities + online 📘 200 updated case summaries ⚖️ Emerging themes in case law and statutory amendments – recent precedent‑setting judgments from the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court and Constitutional Court; AI in the workplace and digital transformation; NEDLAC‑proposed amendments to the LRA, BCEA, EE Act and NMW Act; risk management and compliance; innovation in labour relations practices; and foreign nationals and labour migration case law. 🧠 Expert insights, 6 CPD Points, and a take-home resource pack Sessions: East London 21 October 2026, Wednesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in East London, EC Register Now Johannesburg 10 November 2026, Tuesd, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in Johannesburg, GP Register Now Durban 11 November 2026, Wednesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in Durban, KZN Register Now Zoom 13 November 2026, Friday, 09:00 - 15:30 Online on Zoom Register Now Cape Town 18 November 2026, Wednesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in Cape Town, WC Register Now Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha 19 November 2026, Thursday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha, EC Register Now MS Teams 24 November 2026, Tuesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Online on MS Teams Register Now “This update was jam packed with insightful and valuable information and expert opinions and views on critical LL issues. Thank you!” Testimonials “Valuable case studies and practical applications of it. Loads of tips and advice.” “The facilitator was knowledgable, made the learning experience fun and interactive. Thank you.” More about #ALLU2026: South Africa’s Annual Labour Law Update 2026 South Africa’s labour law environment is reaching The Tipping Point. New court decisions are changing how existing legislation is interpreted. Major labour law amendments are moving through the regulatory process. Artificial intelligence and digital workplace conduct are creating new employment risks. Employment Equity requirements are entering their next phase. The decisions employers make now will shape how effectively they manage their people, compliance obligations and workplace risk in the years ahead. Under the theme “The Tipping Point – Eight laws. One AI revolution. The decisions employers make will define the next decade of work,” the Annual Labour Law Update 2026 (#ALLU2026) gives HR, ER, IR and legal professionals a structured, practical one-day update on the South African labour law developments that matter for 2026 and beyond. Building on the response to #ALLU2025 — with more than 750 delegates nationwide and average ratings of 99.08% for experience, 98.72% for presenters and 98.9% overall — #ALLU2026 once again focuses on practical application. You will work through important case law, proposed legislative amendments, regulatory developments and workplace issues with clear guidance on what each development means for your organisation. What will you learn at the Annual Labour Law Update 2026? At #ALLU2026, you will: Examine important recent decisions from the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, Constitutional Court and arbitration forums, with practical implications across recruitment, contracts, discipline, misconduct, incapacity, discrimination, harassment, dismissal, retrenchment, collective bargaining, strikes and other workplace matters. Understand proposed and current changes affecting the Labour Relations Act (LRA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), National Minimum Wage Act (NMWA), UIF legislation and other employment laws and regulations. Work through the implications of the Code of Good Practice on Dismissal, Employment Services Amendment Bill, Fair Pay Bill, COID developments, Protected Disclosures changes and Employment Equity requirements. Learn how recent labour law cases affect practical issues such as demotion, transfers, disciplinary hearings, dishonesty, consistency of sanctions, protected disclosures, confidentiality, fixed-term arrangements, shift changes, retrenchments and off-duty misconduct. Examine the growing impact of AI, digital workplace governance and digital misconduct on South African employment relationships and organisational policies. Identify areas where policies, employment contracts, disciplinary procedures and workplace practices may need to be reviewed before legal developments create unnecessary compliance or litigation risk. The 2026 programme includes a review of major proposed amendments emerging from NEDLAC negotiations as well as case law and regulatory developments expected to affect workplace policies, employment relations, compliance obligations, workforce strategy and costs. What makes #ALLU2026 different? #ALLU2026 is designed around a simple question: What does this mean for your workplace? Rather than working through legislation and judgments in isolation, the programme connects South African labour law, employment relations and business reality. Recent judgments are unpacked in the context of the decisions HR practitioners, managers, legal advisors and business leaders actually need to make. The programme covers developments across the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, employment contracts, remuneration, skills development, succession planning, misconduct, incapacity, operational-requirements dismissals, discrimination, harassment, strikes, lockouts and workplace rights. Throughout the day, Jonathan Goldberg, Chairman of Global Business Solutions, together with Thembi Chagonda, John Botha and the GBS team, will translate legal developments into clear workplace implications, practical examples and actions that can be applied after the seminar. You leave with the knowledge and resources to brief leadership, advise clients, review policies, manage employee relations matters and make better-informed workplace decisions. What value adds do #ALLU2026 delegates receive? Every registered #ALLU2026 delegate receives a package of additional labour law resources and tools valued at more than R30,000, designed to help you continue applying what you learn after the seminar. Your delegate value adds include: An electronic compilation of more than 200 South African labour law cases A professionally bound set of #ALLU2026 presentation slides Six months of free access to the GBS Update BotBuddy, an AI-powered labour law assistant Access to the GBS WhatsApp Community One month of free access to GBS CPD webinars Free access to the GBS Employment Equity Tool Practical policy templates 6 APSO / SABPP CPD points, subject to the applicable professional-body requirements The case resource alone extends well beyond the judgments discussed during the seminar. The programme includes a curated compilation of more than 200 labour law cases, with approximately 40 significant cases examined in greater depth during the programme. Six months of BotBuddy included Registered delegates also receive six months of access to GBS Update BotBuddy, giving you a practical way to continue working with the labour law material after #ALLU2026. BotBuddy can help you: Search relevant labour law cases by topic Generate case summaries Draft practical checklists and policy clauses Save useful responses for future reference This means the value of #ALLU2026 continues after the seminar: you have the underlying case material, practical resources and an AI-powered tool to help you find and apply it when workplace issues arise. Who should attend #ALLU2026? The Annual Labour Law Update 2026 is relevant to anyone responsible for South African labour law compliance, employment relations or workplace people decisions, including: HR Executives and HR Managers, Employee Relations and Industrial Relations practitioners, Legal Advisors, Labour Law practitioners, Business Owners, Line Managers, Payroll and Compliance professionals, Union representatives and Shop Stewards. It is particularly relevant for professionals who need to interpret labour law developments and translate them into practical policies, advice and workplace decisions. Why should you attend the Annual Labour Law Update 2026? A single judgment, regulatory change or overlooked amendment can affect disciplinary procedures, employment contracts, workforce costs, Employment Equity obligations or the defensibility of an employment decision. #ALLU2026 helps you: Reduce labour law, litigation and compliance risk Identify changes that may require updates to workplace policies and procedures Prepare for forthcoming labour legislation and regulatory requirements Manage disciplinary, dismissal and employee relations matters more confidently Anticipate labour relations risks before they become disputes Give leadership and clients informed, current labour law guidance Understand how AI and digital workplace developments are changing employment risk Access practical resources that can be used throughout the year The Tipping Point is about making the right decisions before change becomes something your organisation has to react to. Join us at #ALLU2026 – the Annual Labour Law Update 2026 for a comprehensive update on South African labour law, case law, employment legislation and the workplace developments that will affect employers in 2026 and beyond. About Global Business Solutions Global Business Solutions is a: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned View Brochure Meet the Presenters: Jonathan, AKA Johnny Goldberg Chairman, Global Business Solutions, Chartered Director, and Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission Johnny is a renowned expert in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape with over 30 years of experience. A trusted advisor and thought leader, Johnny has led high-level negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. Holding an MBA (Cum Laude), LLB, and Chartered Director status, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant on employment equity, wage negotiations, and business strategy. As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in shaping national policy and transformation. Thembi Chagonda Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions, and Previous Employment Equity Commissioner Thembi, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, is one of South Africa’s leading HR consultants, with over 20 years of expertise in transformation, diversity, and skills development. A trusted advisor on BBBEE, Employment Equity, and HR compliance, Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and an Executive Certificate from Columbia Business School. As an Employment Equity Commissioner and industry leader, Thembi drives transformation initiatives, delivers impactful training, and shapes strategic HR solutions across sectors. Her leadership and contributions have positioned her as a key influencer in South Africa’s HR landscape. John Botha Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions, Employment Equity Commissioner, and CEO, Circle and Square John Botha is a highly regarded leader in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business transformation. As Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, he brings decades of experience and has shaped South Africa's labour and employment landscape through his roles on the Employment Equity Commission and Essential Services Commission. A former Group Executive Director of South Africa's largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31, John has represented South Africa at the International Labour Organisation and led key labour law negotiations at NEDLAC. His academic credentials include a BCom Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and executive training from Columbia Business School and MIT. Renowned for his innovative strategies and transformative insights, John is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, helping organisations drive growth while navigating complex regulatory environments.

Annual Labour Law Update - EL #ALLU2026 Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | Live EL, EC R3 990.00 (excl. VAT) #ALLU2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Labour Law Changes in South Africa Navigate the most impactful labour law shifts of the year with #ALLU2026 —South Africa’s flagship legal update for HR, legal, and business professionals. From digital transformation and foreign national compliance to the latest NEDLAC amendments and landmark court rulings, this event delivers everything you need to stay compliant and strategic. Join Jonathan Goldberg and the GBS leadership team for expert insights, a breakdown of 40+ game-changing cases, and a deep dive into the Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, LRA, BCEA, EE, and NMW amendments. 📍 Live & Virtual Sessions | 🎓 6 CPD Points R3 990 Excl. VAT (Live) | R2 990 Excl. VAT (Virtual) | R55.00 Excl. VAT Optional SABP Attendance Certificate GBS had over 750 delegates in attanedance nation-wide in 2026. ⚠️ Seats are limited—secure your legal edge today! Great news, registrations are OPEN! Register Now Time & Location 21 October 2026, Wednesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in East London, EC About The Event South Africa’s labour law environment continues to shift rapidly as new cases are handed down, regulations are refined, and long-awaited amendments move closer to implementation. The Annual Labour Law Update (ALLU) 2026 is your structured, one-day immersion in everything that matters for HR, ER, IR and legal practitioners over the next 12–18 months. Building on the outstanding feedback from ALLU 2025 —with over 750 delegates nationwide and average ratings of 99.08% for experience , 98.72% for presenters , and 98.9% overall —ALLU 2026 once again brings you clear, practical insight rather than theory. Expect a day of expertly curated content that connects case law, statutory change and workplace realities in a way you can immediately apply. At ALLU 2026 you will: Walk through the most important decisions from the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, Constitutional Court and CCMA , covering recruitment, discipline, incapacity, discrimination, dismissal, collective bargaining and more. Understand how current and forthcoming amendments to the LRA, BCEA, Employment Equity Act and National Minimum Wage Act may affect your policies, contracts, costs and workforce strategies. Gain practical guidance on risk management, including restraint of trade, harassment, whistle-blowing, strikes and protest action, fixed-term arrangements, confidentiality and dismissal procedures. Explore how digital transformation, new ways of working and socio-economic pressures are reshaping labour relations, and what proactive organisations are doing to respond. Throughout the day, Jonathan Goldberg (Chairman of Global Business Solutions , long-standing labour law expert and former Labour Market Chamber Convenor at NEDLAC) and the GBS facilitation team unpack each development in plain language with clear “what this means for you” take-aways. You leave not only updated on the law, but equipped with practical guidance, examples and tools you can use to brief leadership, review policies and manage cases with confidence. Who should attend? HR Executives and Managers, ER and IR Practitioners, Legal Advisors, Business Owners, Line Managers, Union and Shop Steward structures, Payroll and Compliance Officers—anyone responsible for ensuring that people decisions are both commercially sound and legally robust. Why attend ALLU 2026? Because missing a key judgment or amendment can be costly. ALLU 2026 helps you: Reduce litigation and compliance risk Anticipate and manage labour relations flashpoints Update policies, procedures and contracts correctly Strengthen your advisory role to leadership and clients Join us for #ALLU2026 and make sure your organisation is not reacting to change months after the fact, but leading from the front in a changing labour law environment. Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. *All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers. GBS is: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned Download Brochure Manual Registration Form More about the presenters: Jonathan, AKA Johnny Goldberg Chairman, Global Business Solutions, Chartered Director, and Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission Johnny is a renowned expert in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape with over 30 years of experience. A trusted advisor and thought leader, Johnny has led high-level negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. Holding an MBA (Cum Laude), LLB, and Chartered Director status, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant on employment equity, wage negotiations, and business strategy. As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in shaping national policy and transformation. Thembi Chagonda Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions, and Employment Equity Commissioner Thembi, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, is one of South Africa’s leading HR consultants, with over 20 years of expertise in transformation, diversity, and skills development. A trusted advisor on BBBEE, Employment Equity, and HR compliance, Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and an Executive Certificate from Columbia Business School. As an Employment Equity Commissioner and industry leader, Thembi drives transformation initiatives, delivers impactful training, and shapes strategic HR solutions across sectors. Her leadership and contributions have positioned her as a key influencer in South Africa’s HR landscape. John Botha Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions and CEO, Circle and Square John Botha is a highly regarded leader in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business transformation. As Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, he brings decades of experience and has shaped South Africa's labour and employment landscape through his roles on the Employment Equity Commission and Essential Services Commission. A former Group Executive Director of South Africa's largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31, John has represented South Africa at the International Labour Organisation and led key labour law negotiations at NEDLAC. His academic credentials include a BCom Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and executive training from Columbia Business School and MIT. Renowned for his innovative strategies and transformative insights, John is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, helping organisations drive growth while navigating complex regulatory environments. Register Now Be the first to know about upcoming events—keep in touch on our socials: Aug 19, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Occupational Skills Programme: Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner (SDF) / Virtual Event Register Now Aug 19, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Virtual Event Prepare skilled, confident Skills Development Facilitators with this 5-day Occupational Skills Programme (NQF 5, 40 Credits, QCTO Accredited). Delegates learn to plan, conduct, and administer skills development planning, complete needs analyses, and manage SDF processes required for Mandatory Gra... Share Aug 25, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class / Virtual Training Register Now Aug 25, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Virtual Training Master the full disciplinary process—from investigation to arbitration. This intensive 2-Day Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class equips HR, ER, IR practitioners, managers, chairpersons, and initiators with the practical skills to conduct fair disciplinary enquiries and successfully de... Share Aug 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM GMT+2 EE Code of Good Practice Pop-up / Virtual Training Register Now Aug 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM GMT+2 Virtual Training Your Employment Equity Plan Just Got More Complicated The Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation and Implementation of Employment Equity Plans introduces significant new requirements that will affect every designated employer. This focused webinar unpacks the proposed changes, incl Share Load More

Annual Labour Law Update - CT #ALLU2026 Wednesday, 18 November 2026 | Live R3 990.00 (excl. VAT) #ALLU2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Labour Law Changes in South Africa Navigate the most impactful labour law shifts of the year with #ALLU2026 —South Africa’s flagship legal update for HR, legal, and business professionals. From digital transformation and foreign national compliance to the latest NEDLAC amendments and landmark court rulings, this event delivers everything you need to stay compliant and strategic. Join Jonathan Goldberg and the GBS leadership team for expert insights, a breakdown of 40+ game-changing cases, and a deep dive into the Code of Good Practice on Dismissals, LRA, BCEA, EE, and NMW amendments. 📍 Live & Virtual Sessions | 🎓 6 CPD Points R3 990 Excl. VAT (Live) | R2 990 Excl. VAT (Virtual) | R55.00 Excl. VAT Optional SABP Attendance Certificate GBS had over 750 delegates in attanedance nation-wide in 2026. ⚠️ Seats are limited—secure your legal edge today! Great news, registrations are OPEN! Register Now Time & Location 18 November 2026, Wednesday, 09:00 - 15:30 Live in Cape Town, WC About The Event South Africa’s labour law environment continues to shift rapidly as new cases are handed down, regulations are refined, and long-awaited amendments move closer to implementation. The Annual Labour Law Update (ALLU) 2026 is your structured, one-day immersion in everything that matters for HR, ER, IR and legal practitioners over the next 12–18 months. Building on the outstanding feedback from ALLU 2025 —with over 750 delegates nationwide and average ratings of 99.08% for experience , 98.72% for presenters , and 98.9% overall —ALLU 2026 once again brings you clear, practical insight rather than theory. Expect a day of expertly curated content that connects case law, statutory change and workplace realities in a way you can immediately apply. At ALLU 2026 you will: Walk through the most important decisions from the Labour Court, Labour Appeal Court, Constitutional Court and CCMA , covering recruitment, discipline, incapacity, discrimination, dismissal, collective bargaining and more. Understand how current and forthcoming amendments to the LRA, BCEA, Employment Equity Act and National Minimum Wage Act may affect your policies, contracts, costs and workforce strategies. Gain practical guidance on risk management, including restraint of trade, harassment, whistle-blowing, strikes and protest action, fixed-term arrangements, confidentiality and dismissal procedures. Explore how digital transformation, new ways of working and socio-economic pressures are reshaping labour relations, and what proactive organisations are doing to respond. Throughout the day, Jonathan Goldberg (Chairman of Global Business Solutions , long-standing labour law expert and former Labour Market Chamber Convenor at NEDLAC) and the GBS facilitation team unpack each development in plain language with clear “what this means for you” take-aways. You leave not only updated on the law, but equipped with practical guidance, examples and tools you can use to brief leadership, review policies and manage cases with confidence. Who should attend? HR Executives and Managers, ER and IR Practitioners, Legal Advisors, Business Owners, Line Managers, Union and Shop Steward structures, Payroll and Compliance Officers—anyone responsible for ensuring that people decisions are both commercially sound and legally robust. Why attend ALLU 2026? Because missing a key judgment or amendment can be costly. ALLU 2026 helps you: Reduce litigation and compliance risk Anticipate and manage labour relations flashpoints Update policies, procedures and contracts correctly Strengthen your advisory role to leadership and clients Join us for ALLU 2026 and make sure your organisation is not reacting to change months after the fact, but leading from the front in a changing labour law environment. Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site. *All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers. GBS is: Qualifying Small Enterprise Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor 53% Black Owned More than 51% Black Women Owned Download Brochure Manual Registration Form More about the presenters: Jonathan, AKA Johnny Goldberg Chairman, Global Business Solutions, Chartered Director, and Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission Johnny is a renowned expert in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape with over 30 years of experience. A trusted advisor and thought leader, Johnny has led high-level negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. Holding an MBA (Cum Laude), LLB, and Chartered Director status, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant on employment equity, wage negotiations, and business strategy. As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in shaping national policy and transformation. Thembi Chagonda Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions, and Employment Equity Commissioner Thembi, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, is one of South Africa’s leading HR consultants, with over 20 years of expertise in transformation, diversity, and skills development. A trusted advisor on BBBEE, Employment Equity, and HR compliance, Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and an Executive Certificate from Columbia Business School. As an Employment Equity Commissioner and industry leader, Thembi drives transformation initiatives, delivers impactful training, and shapes strategic HR solutions across sectors. Her leadership and contributions have positioned her as a key influencer in South Africa’s HR landscape. John Botha Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions and CEO, Circle and Square John Botha is a highly regarded leader in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business transformation. As Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, he brings decades of experience and has shaped South Africa's labour and employment landscape through his roles on the Employment Equity Commission and Essential Services Commission. A former Group Executive Director of South Africa's largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31, John has represented South Africa at the International Labour Organisation and led key labour law negotiations at NEDLAC. His academic credentials include a BCom Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and executive training from Columbia Business School and MIT. Renowned for his innovative strategies and transformative insights, John is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, helping organisations drive growth while navigating complex regulatory environments. Register Now Be the first to know about upcoming events—keep in touch on our socials: Aug 19, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Occupational Skills Programme: Skills Development Facilitation Practitioner (SDF) / Virtual Event Register Now Aug 19, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 27, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Virtual Event Prepare skilled, confident Skills Development Facilitators with this 5-day Occupational Skills Programme (NQF 5, 40 Credits, QCTO Accredited). Delegates learn to plan, conduct, and administer skills development planning, complete needs analyses, and manage SDF processes required for Mandatory Gra... Share Aug 25, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class / Virtual Training Register Now Aug 25, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+2 – Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM GMT+2 Virtual Training Master the full disciplinary process—from investigation to arbitration. This intensive 2-Day Disciplinary Enquiry & Arbitration Master Class equips HR, ER, IR practitioners, managers, chairpersons, and initiators with the practical skills to conduct fair disciplinary enquiries and successfully de... Share Aug 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM GMT+2 EE Code of Good Practice Pop-up / Virtual Training Register Now Aug 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM GMT+2 Virtual Training Your Employment Equity Plan Just Got More Complicated The Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation and Implementation of Employment Equity Plans introduces significant new requirements that will affect every designated employer. This focused webinar unpacks the proposed changes, incl Share Load More