News and Insights at Tabacks

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.

Amendments to the Mine Health and Safety Regulations were published on 28 March 2025, introducing key changes for safety, health, and emergency preparedness in mining.

New air quality regulations from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment set emission reduction targets and reporting duties for industries in Priority Areas, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

The SCA recently set aside an interdict preventing Kangra Coal from using water under its granted licence, ruling that the respondents lacked legal standing and failed to show harm.

Exciting news! We’re incredibly proud that five of our directors have been recognised in the Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2025 Guide!

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how legal practitioners approach research and apply legal principles in their clients' cases. Its quick learning, reasoning, and inference abilities have made AI an attractive tool for legal research. However, as illustrated in the recent case of Michelle Parker v Amanda Forsyth N.O. and others, careless application of AI in the legal profession may come at a cost.