News and Insights at Tabacks

On 22 August the Minister of Employment and Labour published the draft General Machinery Regulations, 2025 for public comment.

The Labour Court affirms the enforceability of a restraint of trade and confidentiality agreement, clarifying that it applies regardless of whether a former employee solicited customers or was approached by them.

On 1 August 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published two notices for public comment under the Climate Change Act 22 of 2024.

Effective 1 November 2025, SA mining employers will follow new guidance on NCD and mental health management.

Effective October 1, 2025, new guidelines under the MHSA mandate Codes of Practice for Change Management and Fire Prevention in mining.

South African law does not automatically recognise foreign judgments; instead, enforcement is generally governed by established common-law principles that impose specific legal requirements on the judgment creditor.

Call for comments: publication of the Draft Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill, 2025 for public comment.

On 16 May 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment published draft Dust Control Amendment Regulations under NEMAQA for public comment.

This update outlines the Minister’s proposed amendment and expansion of the Vaal Triangle Air-Shed Priority Area, published on 25 April 2025 under the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004.

Important recent SHE notices on waste management (NEMWA) from the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (April 22).

The SCA's "Deadly Air" judgment has refocused attention on government's legal responsibilities for air quality in priority areas.

The Minister has proposed amendments to the Waste Exclusion Regulations, 2018, under NEMWA, to refine the process for excluding certain waste streams. Key changes include mandatory public participation and a trial project registration process.

Emerging miners must tackle complex legal, financial and operational hurdles to move from exploration to production in SA’s evolving mining sector.

Mining companies must obtain necessary rights and licenses, conduct EIAs, manage waste, rehabilitate land and engage with communities to comply with regulations, or face penalties, licence suspension, reputational damage and legal action.