News and Insights at Tabacks

The Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987 are on their way out. From September 2026, heat, cold, light, air, vibration and non-ionising radiation in your workplace will be governed by the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024, and the compliance model changes fundamentally.

The General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes amendments to the MPRDA aimed at combatting illegal mining, strengthening enforcement and significantly increasing penalties. Stakeholders have until 11 September 2026 to submit comments.

The Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill has been introduced in Parliament. The proposed amendments strengthen employer accountability, enhance enforcement and increase penalties, with public comments closing on 22 August 2026.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published proposed amendments to South Africa's waste management licensing framework. The changes could significantly affect recyclers, hazardous waste operators, landfill owners and other waste management businesses.

Constitutional Court clarifies the interpretation of section 189A(7)(b)(ii) of the LRA, confirming when employees may approach the Labour Court following a failed facilitation process in a mass retrenchment.

Salary transparency, equal pay and proposed changes to recruitment and remuneration practices under South Africa’s Employment Equity framework.

On 24 April 2026, the Minister of Water and Sanitation published a notice calling on unregistered water users to register their water use in terms of the NWA.

New NEMAQA dust regulations are in force, requiring certain businesses to update and submit dust management plans within 60 days or face penalties.

A 20 March 2026 OHSA notice grants an exemption relating to regulation 8(3) of the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024.

Tabacks is celebrating 25 years of legal excellence, shaped by resilience, reinvention and enduring client trust.

To mark the milestone, we share reflections from the partners who have helped shape the firm. this edition speak to Director of the Employment practice Doctor Cithi, who shares his experience as a leading practitioner.

Draft regulations under NEMWA aim to formalise the process for waste exemption applications and introduce new procedural requirements.

New regulations strengthen compliance and oversight within the Compensation Fund system.

On 16 February 2026, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) issued a notice informing industries and interested stakeholders of three newly listed Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) for elimination under the Stockholm Convention.

The Code outlines the ethical and professional standards for inspectors exercising enforcement powers under environmental legislation.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has published draft national norms and standards under NEMWA regulating the transportation, storage and treatment of health care risk waste for public comment.