Regspraak: The trade and production of income requirements for the deductibility of interest

by | Apr 1, 2024 | TSAR, TSAR 2024 I2

Regspraak: The trade and production of income requirements for the deductibility of interest

Author: Thabo Legwaila

ISSN: 1996-2207
Affiliations: University of the Witwatersrand
Source: Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg, Issue 2, 2024, p. 374-386
https://doi.org/10.47348/TSAR/2024/i2a12

Abstract

Ten einde ’n rente uitgawe wat voortspruit uit ’n skuldinstrument te kan aftrek, moet ’n belastingbetaler aan beide die vereistes van “in beoefening van ’n bedryf” en “die voortbrenging van inkomste” voldoen. Die beoefening van ’n bedryf-vereiste behels dat die belastingbetaler moet aantoon dat hulle ’n positiewe stap geneem het, nie bloot ’n passiewe rol vertolk nie. Ten einde aan die voortbrenging van inkomste-vereiste te voldoen, moet die belastingbetaler aantoon dat die uitgawe nou verwant is aan die voortbrenging van inkomste soveel so dat dit as deel daarvan geag kan word. Alhoewel die algemene aftrekkingsformule vereis dat die belastingbetaler ’n bedryf moet uitoefen en die uitgawe vir doeleindes daarvan aangegaan moes wees, vereis die spesiale reëls betreffende die aangaan en toevalling van rente, sowel as die insluiting en aftrekbaarheid van rente, soos vervat in artikel 24J van die Inkomstebelastingwet 58 van 1962, nie so ’n skakel nie.
Die belastingbetaler in Unitrans Holdings Ltd v CSARS ((A3094/2022) 2024 ZAGPJHC 3 (9 Jan 2024)) het probeer om meer as wat nodig was aan te toon om ’n aftrekking te eis, naamlik dat dit ’n bedryf as ’n geldskieter beoefen het, terwyl dit voldoende sou wees om aan te dui dat dit ’n bedryf, enige bedryf, beoefen het. Hierdeur het die belastingbetaler ’n risiko geloop om die geskil op die vraag van die beoefening van ’n bedryf te verloor, maar het eintlik die saak verloor omdat daar nie bewys is dat die rente-uitgawes aangegaan was in die voortbrenging van inkomste nie. Alhoewel die bedoeling om ’n wins te maak nie ’n vereiste vir die beoefening van ’n bedryf is nie, ontken die gebrek daaraan die doel van die voortbrenging van inkomste. ’n Direkte skakel tussen die uitgawe en die voortbrenging van inkomste word steeds vereis. Indien daardie skakel nie bestaan nie, of gebreek is, is die uitgawe nie aftrekbaar nie. Dit is ook die geval waar die uitgawe, soos in casu, bedoel is om belastingvrye inkomste voort te bring.
Die Suid Afrikaanse Inkomste Diens se voorneme om die praktyk te staak om rente-aftrekkings toe te laat op geleende geld wat teen ’n hoër of laer rentekoers herleen word, beklemtoon die belang van artikel 24J van die wet en die nakoming van die reëls daarvan.

Regspraak: “A veritable cesspool of lawlessness”: upholding impartiality and decorum in South African judgments

by | Apr 1, 2024 | TSAR, TSAR 2024 I2

Regspraak: “A veritable cesspool of lawlessness”: upholding impartiality and decorum in South African judgments

Author: Marno Swart

ISSN: 1996-2207
Affiliations: University of Cambridge
Source: Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg, Issue 2, 2024, p. 386-396
https://doi.org/10.47348/TSAR/2024/i2a13

Abstract

Die onpartydige beslegting van geskille deur die regbank is ’n grondliggende kenmerk van ’n legitieme en beskaafde regsisteem. Hierdie beginsel is onheuglik tot die Suid-Afrikaanse reg en ontspruit uit die Romeins-Hollandse stelreël nemo iudex in sua causa potest (niemand is geskik om as ’n regter in hul eie saak op te tree nie). Sedert 1996 word regterlike onpartydigheid deur die grondwet onderskryf wat, tesame met die gemenereg en ’n ryk regspraak, regterlike onpartydigheid reël.
Dit is oor die algemeen onbetwis dat misdadigheid en korrupsie deesdae in Suid-Afrika gedy. Voorsittende beamptes word, uit hoofde van hul amp, waarskynlik nog meer blootgestel aan dié realiteit as die deursnee-Suid-Afrikaner. Hierdie blyk duidelik vanuit ’n onlangse uitspraak in die Gauteng afdeling van die hooggeregshof te Pretoria, waar hierdie ongelukkige toedrag van sake gekritiseer word in ’n meestal obiter dicta relaas, wat nouliks verband hou met die aangeleentheid onder besleg.
Dié aantekening neem die uitspraak in die Mogoai-saak krities in oënskou en voer aan dat die opperheerskappy van die reg as kernbeginsel – asook die onafhanklike funksionering van die Suid-Afrikaanse howe as deel van die trias politica – vereis dat hofuitsprake onpartydig, behoorlik deurdag en gepas moet wees tot die dekorum van (formele) regsverrigtinge. Ten eerste analiseer die aantekening die uitspraak van waarnemende regter Ngalwana om vas te stel wat die regsvraag is waaroor besleg moes word, asook om uit te lig waar die grense van ’n behoorlike, onpartydige uitspraak oortree word. Daarna kontekstualiseer die aantekening die normatiewe regsbeginsels binne die regsprofessie ten einde hofuitsprake te kategoriseer as ’n besondere genre van (formele) skryfwerk. Laastens, word die uitspraak in die Mogoai-saak gejukstaponeer teen die uitgelegde normatiewe bepalings en word aan die hand gedoen dat voorsittende beamptes selfbeheersing aan die dag moet lê en berekend moet wees by die skryf van hofuitsprake (en hofverrigtinge oor die algemeen). Dit verseker dat die integriteit en waardigheid van die regbank bewaar, en die opperheerskappy van die reg gehandhaaf word.
Hierdie aantekening bespreek uitsluitlik die wyse waarop die hof sy uitspraak uitdruk in die Mogoai-saak. Die meriete van die onderskeie partye se sake, en die beslissing aan die hand daarvan, word nie bespreek nie. Hierdie aantekening voer aan dat die waarnemende regter die grense van sy amp oortree en as’t ware ’n partydige toespraak (eerder as ’n uitspraak) gelewer het. Die gevolg van die irrelevant-polemiese uitspraak is ’n verwarrende en swak beredeneerde ratio wat nie in belang van geregtigheid is nie.

An examination of the barriers to gender-responsive public procurement in South Africa

by | Mar 31, 2024 | SLR, SLR V34 I3

An examination of the barriers to gender-responsive public procurement in South Africa

Author: S Williams

ISSN: 1996-2193
Affiliations:LLB (Lagos) LLM (L.S.E) PhD (Nottingham), Professor, Department of Public Law, University of Stellenbosch
Source: Stellenbosch Law Review, Volume 34 Issue 3, 2023, p. 361 – 386
https://doi.org/10.47348/SLR/2023/i3a1

Abstract

Women-owned businesses (“WOBs”) obtain less than 6% of public procurement contracts, despite accounting for close to 30% of registered businesses in South Africa. This contribution examines the reasons for the limited participation of WOBs in the public procurement system and finds that there are policy, legal, institutional and cultural barriers to the participation of WOBs in public procurement in South Africa. Policy barriers arise out of the misalignment between economic, gender and procurement policies and legal barriers arise from the previous limited and currently uncertain approach to preferential procurement legislation. However, the contribution finds that institutional, cultural and structural barriers pose even more of a risk to women’s participation in public procurement in South Africa. These institutional barriers include a reticence to prioritise WOBs by public agencies in the absence of an explicit mandate to do so, the reluctance to favour new market entrants to avoid contract failures and a culturally biased approach to WOBs by public agencies. Other barriers include the gendered impact of procurement corruption; the gendered impact of Covid-19, which terminated public contracts in sectors serviced by WOBs; and the complexity and opacity of the procurement process. The contribution finds that the historical lack of attention to women’s participation in procurement, and the lack of disaggregated data on preferential and gendered contracts, have made it difficult to understand the extent of women’s participation and the nature of required legal and policy interventions. This contribution assesses the barriers to the participation of WOBs in public procurement and makes recommendations aimed at addressing some of these barriers.

The leading causes behind medico-legal claims and the use of mediation as a possible solution

by | Mar 31, 2024 | SLR, SLR V34 I3

The leading causes behind medico-legal claims and the use of mediation as a possible solution

Authors: Larisse Prinsen and Errol Cedric Muller

ISSN: 1996-2193
Affiliations: LLB LLM LLD, Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Law, University of the Free State; B Iuris LLB LLM PhD, Lecturer, Department of Public Law, University of the Free State
Source: Stellenbosch Law Review, Volume 34 Issue 3, 2023, p. 387 – 405
https://doi.org/10.47348/SLR/2023/i3a2

Abstract

Medico-legal claims in the South African health sector have noticeably increased since approximately 2007. This is significant as money spent from the public health budget on these claims is money which ought to have been spent on other healthcare priorities. As such, it becomes vital to understand why these claims have shown such drastic increases and what could be done to stem the rising tide.
This article addresses two main themes: first, it explains the various causes for increased claims related to the medical field and broader possible solutions to this problem; secondly, mediation is proffered as a viable means of negating the negative impact of these claims on the health sector and budget.
The conventional method of resolving medico-legal disputes is through adversarial court litigation. Litigation is expensive, time-consuming, complex and emotionally taxing, and the eventual outcome often fails to satisfy the needs of the litigants. Conventional civil dispute resolution exhibits little appreciation for, or consideration of, alternative and better-suited dispute resolution techniques and mechanisms. In this article we argue that mediation offers a viable alternative to resolve medico-legal issues. In essence, mediation is third-party (mediator) facilitated dispute resolution through negotiation. The process is less expensive, less time-consuming, uncomplicated, and party-oriented. In addition, it has the potential to enhance access to justice. However, to achieve this will require a change in legal culture.

Automatic review of magistrates’ courts judgments: A noble invention at the risk of impotence?

by | Mar 31, 2024 | SLR, SLR V34 I3

Automatic review of magistrates’ courts judgments: A noble invention at the risk of impotence?

Authors: Clement Marumoagae and Boyane Tshehla

ISSN: 1996-2193
Affiliations: LLB LLM PhD AIPSA Diploma in Insolvency Law, Professor, School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand; B Proc LLM, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, University of the Witwatersrand
Source: Stellenbosch Law Review, Volume 34 Issue 3, 2023, p. 406 – 428
https://doi.org/10.47348/SLR/2023/i3a3

Abstract

The Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 provides for the automatic review of certain cases decided in the magistrates’ courts. This is a mechanism aimed at ensuring that justice is properly administered by subjecting decisions of some magistrates, mainly determined on the basis of their experience and the length of the sentence imposed, to review by judges of the High Court. This system, however, has been systematically hamstrung, primarily due to the inordinate delays that take place between the imposition of the sentence and the delivery of the review judgment. In some cases, by the time the review judgment is delivered, the accused has already completed the sentence.
The discussion in this article focuses on the automatic review process. It starts by contextualising the automatic review system; then deals with its practical application through the lens of a few selected cases; and — in conclusion — makes some recommendations aimed at strengthening the system. The recommendations are interrelated. The main one is that the period of a week for the record to be submitted for review is unrealistic — as is evident from the cases discussed — and should therefore be increased. Conscious that this may delay the process to the disadvantage of the accused, it is also recommended that those accused whose cases are subjected to the automatic review process should be granted bail as a default position. The last recommendation may seem cosmetic, but it is important. Communication between the magistrates’ courts and the High Court seems to be at the centre of the problem and, for this reason, the use of technology is recommended.

“Fit and proper” judges and free speech: A critical reflection

by | Mar 31, 2024 | SLR, SLR V34 I3

“Fit and proper” judges and free speech: A critical reflection

Author: Fareed Moosa

ISSN: 1996-2193
Affiliations: BProc (UWC) LLB (UWC) LLM (UCT) LLD (UWC), Associate Professor, Department of Mercantile and Labour Law, University of the Western Cape
Source: Stellenbosch Law Review, Volume 34 Issue 3, 2023, p. 429 – 450
https://doi.org/10.47348/SLR/2023/i3a4

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the silence by apartheid-era judges who refused to speak out against the inhumanity of apartheid, resulting in egregious human rights violations, this article explores what it means to be a “fit and proper” judge as envisaged by section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 read with the Judicial Service Commission Act 9 of 1994 and the Code of Judicial Conduct GN R 865 in GG 35802 of 18-10-2012 (“the Code”). The argument is that, in this context, the meaning of “fit and proper” has far greater depth and breadth than the same normative standard contemplated by the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014 for lawyers as officers of the court. A “fit and proper” judge is a person with more than just absolute integrity, impeccable honesty, a high degree of professionalism, and unflinching incorruptibility. A judge is also a person who, at all times, scrupulously obeys the Constitution and its dictates, strictly respects the law and abides by the rule of law, always advances human rights and constitutional values, and faithfully discharges all duties embraced by the oath of judicial office and does so with courage.
This article argues that South Africa can only take its rightful place in the family of nations if its judges, through their extra-judicial words and deeds, help shape South African society, and others where needed. The Constitution and the oath of judicial office oblige judges to, inter alia, denounce apartheid in any of its current-day incarnations, and advocate for legal orders moulded by democratic values, human rights, freedom, equality, rule of law, and justice for all. A culture of judicial silence in the face of injustice and human rights violations, whether perpetrated on foreign or domestic soil, is an abdication of judicial responsibility and antithetical to the ethos underpinning the transformative notion of a “fit and proper” judge under the Constitution. This article reminds judges that while duties arising from the Constitution and their oath of office rank supreme over any in the Code, they are to be delicately balanced. Extra-curial speech must respect the separation of powers and not undermine the judiciary’s standing, integrity and independence.

The role of the recognition of the Customary Marriages Amendment Act 1 of 2021 and wills in determining the proprietary consequences of polygynous customary marriages [Discussion of Mshengu v Estate Late Mshengu (9223/2016P) 2021 ZAKZPHC 49 (6 August 2021)]

by | Mar 31, 2024 | SLR, SLR V34 I3

The role of the recognition of the Customary Marriages Amendment Act 1 of 2021 and wills in determining the proprietary consequences of polygynous customary marriages [Discussion of Mshengu v Estate Late Mshengu (9223/2016P) 2021 ZAKZPHC 49 (6 August 2021)]

Author: Tshepo Aubrey Manthwa

ISSN: 1996-2193
Affiliations: LLB LLM LLD, Associate Professor, School of Law, University of South Africa
Source: Stellenbosch Law Review, Volume 34 Issue 3, 2023, p. 451 – 459
https://doi.org/10.47348/SLR/2023/i3a5

Abstract

The Recognition of Customary Marriages Amendment Act 1 of 2021 amends section 7(1) of the Recognition of Customary Marriages 120 of 1998 as a sequel to Gumede v President of the Republic of South Africa 2009 3 SA 152 (CC) and Ramuhovhi v President of the Republic of South Africa 2018 2 SA 1 (CC) in which this section was declared unconstitutional on the basis that it unfairly discriminated, on the basis of gender and race, against women married in terms of customary law before the commencement of the Act. According to the Constitutional Court, these women did not have the right to possess property in terms of customary law, which left them especially vulnerable in the absence of statutory protection if their marriages were dissolved for example.
The achievement of gender equality is an important transformative and social justice goal in South Africa. Over the years, the courts have reconstructed customary law to promote gender equality. Customary law traditionally did not discriminate against women and they were allowed to manage property. However, this changed after contact with colonialism where, through collaboration with African men, women were treated as minors. This was a distortion of the legal system. The problem is that all the focus, including that of the courts and the legislature, is on the distorted version of customary law, and the true version that did not discriminate against women is being ignored. Consequently, in reconstructing and creating gender equality, a new form of customary law is being created, namely constitutional customary law. The true form of customary law does not recognise private ownership of property, A person can only manage property, not own it, but through constitutional customary law, the court and legislature have imposed common law concepts such as joint and equal ownership of property. This has unfortunate consequences, such as the fact that a customary heir can alienate family property after divorce while disregarding any responsibility to the family.

Demystifying the value-added tax effects of foreign branches in South Africa: The Wenco case

by | Mar 10, 2024 | SAMLJ, SAMLJ V35 I2

Demystifying the value-added tax effects of foreign branches in South Africa: The Wenco case

Author: Faeeza Soni

ISSN: 1996-2185
Affiliations: CA (SA), Senior Lecturer, School of Accountancy, University of the Witwatersrand
Source: South African Mercantile Law Journal, Volume 35 Issue 2, 2023, p. 123 – 137
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAMLJ/v35/i2a1

Abstract

The application of South African value-added tax (VAT) principles to transactions involving foreign branches is challenging. A recent judgment made in Wenco International Mining Systems Ltd & another v CSARS (59922/2019) [2021] ZAGPPHC 70 brought the uncertain applications of the VAT Act to the forefront. An awareness of the uncertainties could guide policymakers to improve the legislation and assist tax professionals who advise their clients. This research adopts a qualitative approach and traditional legal doctrinal methodology. It proposes amendments to the legislation. I question the application of s 8(9) of the VAT Act because proviso (ii) of the definition of ‘enterprise’ separates the activities of foreign branch or foreign main business from those of the vendor. It is unclear if a foreign branch or foreign main business is treated as a separate ‘person’ in the VAT Act, with all the accompanying powers of another ‘person’. The proviso is also unclear about whether it applies only if the foreign branch or foreign main business makes supplies ‘for consideration’. It is unclear whether s 11(1)(i) and 11(2)(o) should apply, as opposed to s 11(1)(a) and 11(2)(l).

A comparative assessment of the treatment of unincorporated business entities in financial distress in South Africa

by | Mar 10, 2024 | SAMLJ, SAMLJ V35 I2

A comparative assessment of the treatment of unincorporated business entities in financial distress in South Africa

Authors: Kudzai Mpofu & Hermanus Johannes Moolman

ISSN: 1996-2185
Affiliations: Senior Lecturer, School of Law, Walter Sisulu University; Senior Lecturer, Department of Mercantile Law, University of the Free State
Source: South African Mercantile Law Journal, Volume 35 Issue 2, 2023, p. 138 – 161
https://doi.org/10.47348/SAMLJ/v35/i2a2

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to examine how business rescue schemes in South Africa facilitate the rescue of sole proprietorships and partnerships (unincorporated business entities) in financial distress. It is premised on the view that when a business is in financial distress, the lawmaker should provide some form of business rescue scheme accessible to all debtors regardless of their legal status, size, or commercial activities. The business rescue process has arguably received the most scholarly attention in recent times, yet, little or no attention is paid to the fate of financially distressed unincorporated entities in South Africa. The article sheds light on the role and significance of small and medium enterprises in promoting economic growth and the need to promulgate a debtor-friendly rescue regime. Through a comparative assessment, different business rescue schemes available to unincorporated business entities in South Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom are explored. It is observed that sole proprietorships and partnerships, which account for most unincorporated business entities in South Africa, are not eligible for business rescue or debt relief under the existing legislation. The rationale behind excluding unincorporated business entities from business rescue legislation seems to be that they lack legal personality. However, in other jurisdictions, the legislature has promulgated special business rescue procedures customised to match the unique personality of unincorporated business entities. Therefore, the South African legislature should consider promulgating a business rescue model for unincorporated business entities separate from the current Chapter 6 business rescue. Chapter 13 of the USA Bankruptcy Code provides an ideal rescue scheme for sole proprietors, while the UK insolvent partnership administration provides lessons on how to modify a business rescue scheme applicable to companies to accommodate partnerships in financial distress. The article contributes to the development of business rescue legislation that is targeted at relieving small businesses in financial distress.