A legal conspectus of selected challenges affecting financial inclusion for the poor and low-income earners in South Africa – Professorial inaugural lecture presented by Howard Chitimira, research professor at the North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, held on 21 October 2022

by | Oct 14, 2024 | JCCL, JCCL V9 I2

Oration Speech: A legal conspectus of selected challenges affecting financial inclusion for the poor and low-income earners in South Africa – Professorial inaugural lecture presented by Howard Chitimira, research professor at the North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, held on 21 October 2022

Author: Phemelo Magau

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: University of Pretoria
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 9 Issue 2, 2023, p. 75 – 77
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V9/i2a6

Abstract

None

Financial inclusion and digital transformation regulatory practices in selected SADC countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Howard Chitimira and Tapiwa Victor Warikandwa (Eds)

by | Oct 14, 2024 | JCCL, JCCL V9 I2

Book Review: Financial inclusion and digital transformation regulatory practices in selected SADC countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Howard Chitimira and Tapiwa Victor Warikandwa (Eds)

Author: Elfas Torerai

ISSN: 2521-2575
Affiliations: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, North West University
Source: Journal of Corporate and Commercial Law & Practice, Volume 9 Issue 2, 2023, p. 78 – 83
https://doi.org/10.47348/JCCL/V9/i2a7

Abstract

None

The balancing act continues: Recommendations for reform of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005

by | Oct 13, 2024 | SAMLJ, SAMLJ V35 I3

The balancing act continues: Recommendations for reform of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005

Author: Bronwyn Le-Ann Batchelor

ISSN: 1996-2185
Affiliations: Head of Faculty: Law at the Independent Institute of Education
Source: South African Mercantile Law Journal, Volume 35 Issue 3, 2023, p. 241 – 272
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAMLJ/v35/i3a1

Abstract

Through the enactment of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (‘NCA’), the government has focused on the protection of consumers with regard to credit agreements. Legislative protection is necessary due to the parties’ unequal bargaining power at the agreement’s conclusion. Despite these endeavours, there is still the common occurrence of a breach of the agreement by consumers and the ensuing recovery process by credit providers. The equitable balancing of the rights and responsibilities of the parties is essential to the well-being of the parties, the credit industry and the economy. The pre-enforcement procedure is at the centre of the tug of war between the parties. Section 129 of the NCA encapsulates the pre-enforcement procedure and thus determines the balancing of the parties’ rights and responsibilities through its interpretation and application. The section falls short in a number of areas and has resulted in disputes, interpretations and two subsequent amendment acts. This article critically analyses section 129 and determines if the rights of both parties have been equally protected, with reference to the burden of bringing the section 129 notice to the consumer’s attention, based on two schools of thought. The article then contributes to the balanced interpretation of the section by way of amendment recommendations.

The application of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act on impairment caused by sexual harassment

by | Oct 13, 2024 | SAMLJ, SAMLJ V35 I3

The application of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act on impairment caused by sexual harassment

Author: Kamalesh Newaj

ISSN: 1996-2185
Affiliations: Associate Professor: University of Pretoria
Source: South African Mercantile Law Journal, Volume 35 Issue 3, 2023, p. 273 – 297
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAMLJ/v35/i3a2

Abstract

This article addresses the question of whether a sexually harassed employee has recourse to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993. This is dependent on whether injuries or diseases sustained as a result of sexual harassment can be regarded as injuries or diseases that arise out of and in the course of employment. A very restrictive test has been developed to answer this question, which is whether the act giving rise to the injury or disease, in this context sexual harassment, can be regarded as a risk inherent to the work performed by the employee. The test focuses on the duties performed by the employee and the risks that are ordinarily inherent in the performance of those duties. Sexual harassment will generally not be regarded as a risk inherent to the performance of a job and is therefore discounted as an occupational injury or occupational disease. However, the courts’ approach is criticised for failing to interpret important social security legislation in line with international standards and in a purposive manner that gives effect to the constitutional right afforded to everyone to access social security.

Evaluating South Africa’s maternity protection legal regime applicable to non-standard female workers’ compliance with the Maternity Protection Convention 183 of 2000

by | Oct 13, 2024 | SAMLJ, SAMLJ V35 I3

Evaluating South Africa’s maternity protection legal regime applicable to non-standard female workers’ compliance with the Maternity Protection Convention 183 of 2000

Authors: Mpho Mhlongo & Clarence Itumeleng Tshoose

ISSN: 1996-2185
Affiliations: Lecturer, School of Law, University of Limpopo; Professor of Labour and Social Security Law, School of Law, University of Limpopo
Source: South African Mercantile Law Journal, Volume 35 Issue 3, 2023, p. 298 – 326
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAMLJ/v35/i3a3

Abstract

This article scrutinises maternity protection for women engaged in non-standard employment relationships in South Africa. It examines the current employment laws that provide maternity protection to females engaged in non-standard work. It is submitted that the insufficient protection afforded to these employees means that they do not enjoy the four-month maternity leave afforded to female employees in terms of section 25(1) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997. To alleviate this challenge facing female non-standard workers, the International Labour Organization introduced the Maternity Convention 183 of 2000 (‘the Convention’). This Convention accommodates and protects females engaged in non-standard work. However, the challenge lies in the failure to ratify the Convention, which has resulted in the provisions of the Convention not being operationalised in South Africa. It is submitted that its ratification could enhance the maternity protection of workers engaged non-standard work. For example, Article 4 of the Convention provides for inclusive access to maternity leave for all women, regardless of their employment contract. This provision calls for access to maternity leave of at least 14 weeks, and a compulsory leave period of six weeks after childbirth should be made accessible to the mother, in order to give her sufficient time to rest and recover before going back to work.