Traditional knowledge - legislation in the new tradition

[Professor Owen Dean] "Ex Africa semper aliquid novi", which can be freely translated from Latin to mean "there is always something new coming out of Africa", said Pliny, the ancient Roman writer and scholar. Presumably then, as is the case now, the concept of "new" included an expression of sarcasm and deprecation as in "absurd, nonsensical and ridiculous". Well, Pliny has been proved right once again. Read more >>

450 SA ex-miners sue Anglo American

In a case focusing on the plight of many Africans who worked in South African mines in the past and are now facing acute lung diseases, former Anglo American employees are suing their past employer, claiming damages for lung diseases they alleged to have contracted while digging for gold. Read more >>

Madonsela - we must be beyond reproach

Speaking at the SA Revenue Service (SARS) National Legal Workshop in Durban, public protector Thuli Madonsela said that wrongdoers will use faults to try to elicit sympathy - "we must be beyond reproach", she said, thanking the organisers for the opportunity to listen to an overview of the Tax Administration Bill and discuss pertinent operational and strategic issues with a view to enhancing service delivery. Read more >>

Trashing your boss on Facebook not allowed

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration has upheld the dismissal of two senior employees who exchanged rude and snide remarks about their much younger boss and his family members who had been brought in to help manage the business. Read more >>

Fixed-term contract staff protected by LRA

[Paddy Hartdegen] South Africa's Labour Relations Act (LRA) does provide some protection to temporary workers and this has been borne out by a number of cases resolved by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration. Read more >>

UIF capturing incorrect information results in non-compliance

A recent study finds that minibus taxi, catering and domestic sectors employers were not contributing to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) because it was capturing incorrect information. In addition, many employers listed financial constraints and ignorance as reasons for not contributing to the UIF. Read more >>

SA celebrates World Maritime Day

PRETORIA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) recently joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Maritime Day. World Maritime Day is observed every year in September to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and clean seas. Read more >>

Mamelani Projects youth host art exhibition

Artwork created by Cape Town's youth was put up on exhibition earlier this month at The Grand in Granger Bay. The young men whose work was exhibited are all participants in Mamelani's Youth Development Programme, Project Lungisela, which aims to prepare young people for the transition out of state care, particularly children's homes. Read more >>

SA can expect more natural disasters

[Kemantha Govender] DURBAN: The latest scientific reports show that South Africa will become drier in the west and wetter in the east. This means the country will experience an increase in the frequency of severe weather events, such as drought, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters. Read more >>