Webber Wentzel

In a significant move aimed at bolstering local businesses and streamlining the customs process, Sars has increased customs duties on imports from popular online retailers such as Shein, Temu and other similar platforms.

This decision is expected to affect many South African consumers who frequently shop in these international online stores. Insights by Chetan Vanmali, Yael Shafrir, Emily Gammon, Raeesah Shaik, Sidrah Suliman, Lauren Jimmy and Danica Jonker.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3zuwvBd

All you need to know about Sars’ increase on customs duties for online clothing orders – The Mail & Guardian The adjustments will affect consumers and the South African fashion industry

With the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act expected to come into force in the near future, Lizle Louw and Kate Collier delve into the impact this may have on mine site health and safety and the implications for policies related to substance abuse.

Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wMUFH

Mines will need to revisit intoxication policies, do risk-based assessments for cannabis With the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act expected to come into force in the near future, law firm Webber Wentzel has delved into the impact this may have on mine site health and safety and the implications for policies related to substance abuse. The private use of cannabis by adults was decrimina...

We were honoured to host our annual Mining Sector Round-Up at our Johannesburg offices on 18 September 2024. Our speakers: Lizle Louw, Kate Collier, Bruce Dickinson, Nomsa Mbere, Emily Gammon, and Carryn Alexander provided invaluable perspectives on critical topics shaping the industry. Maloba Nalomba from May & Co. also shared key insights into the mining landscape in Zambia.

Attendees left the event with new perspectives, connections, and a renewed sense of excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead in the sector.

Ready to shape your future in law?

Webber Wentzel’s 2027 Candidate Attorney Programme is accepting applications!

View requirements and apply now: https://bit.ly/3rkQKZE

We join the nation in mourning the loss of former Minister, Pravin Gordhan.

His commitment to public service and his leadership have inspired many. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Rest in peace, Pravin.

By choosing to game, gamers are inevitably giving up some of their privacy rights and personal information to gaming companies. However, it is possible for gamers (or their parents) to control and limit how much they give up. The responsibility lies with you to ensure that you understand and know how your personal information (and/or that of your child) will be used. Insights by Karl Blom, Prineil Padayachy and Danielle van der Watt.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ddiqFY

Webber Wentzel was proud to participate in the 2024 HR Summit and LeaderEx at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Our employment team, including Brett Abraham, Mehnaaz Bux, and Nicci van Vuuren had an engaging time networking with HR professionals at our exhibition booth. A special highlight was Brett’s presentation on neurodiversity in the workplace.

LeaderEx is an event that brings together business executives, experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss various topics related to business, leadership and innovation.

The pet care industry in South Africa has seen a boom in online commercialisation. Consumers in this industry should be wary of deceptive tactics that may be employed by online pet service providers.

One such tactic is the use of designs that induce false beliefs. Providers may make outright false claims or employ designs which create a false impression, leading consumers to make a purchase they might have otherwise not made. Insights by Karl Blom, Prineil Padayachy, Lesedi Mathumetse and David Donkor.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4eobgQm

Learn how Webber Wentzel’s multi-disciplinary pet care business offering can support your pet care business: https://bit.ly/3Q05BGD

Given the increased regulatory scrutiny and consumer awareness, South African pet food producers, advertisers, and retailers must prioritise transparency and accuracy in their packaging and marketing methods.

The new Feeds and Pet Food Bill, which includes stiffer penalties for misrepresenting information, emphasises the significance of conforming to regulatory standards. Insights by Ashleigh Blair, Bernadette Lötter & Kenan Petersen.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZrXXtP

Learn how Webber Wentzel’s multi-disciplinary pet care business offering can support your pet care business: https://bit.ly/3Q05BGD

Sally Hutton, Christo Els and Safiyya Patel are currently attending the 2024 IBA Annual Conference in Mexico. This event is the leading conference for lawyers worldwide to meet, share knowledge, build contacts and develop business.

For more information: http://bit.ly/IBAMexico

On 12 September 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Spring Party for the Banking Sector. It was an evening filled with insightful conversations – strengthening existing relationships and forging new connections – and a shared vision for the future of the banking sector.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event. Your presence and participation made it truly memorable.

Here’s to our continued collaboration and growth!

On 12 September 2024, our Insurance team hosted the Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) and presented a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) session in the form of a "mock-trial" focusing on "Cyber and Impersonation Fraud". Webber Wentzel and Leppard & Associates sponsored the event.

Our insurance team members, GWII and Leppard donned their acting caps and provided an engaging, informative, well-received session.

Maria Philippides, Lisa Swaine, Caroline Theodosiou, Erwyn Durman, Jodi Anne Hardy, S'bonelo Phungula, Batandwa Mtebele, Megan Brink and Sherri-Anne Steyn

Level up your CV writing and personal branding strategies at our interactive workshop. Kekeletso Sebakeng will be the keynote speaker at the BLASC-UNISA Tshwane workshop on 13 September 2024.

Kekeletso will share his expertise on crafting impactful CVs, excelling in interviews, and navigating the corporate landscape to build a successful legal career.

Join us to gain valuable insights and set yourself apart in the competitive legal field.

As South Africa faces an intensifying water crisis, the government is placing the spotlight on the water and sanitation sector by shifting from the "business as usual" approach to unlock innovative funding for increased water infrastructure development.

The new water resources infrastructure agency bill creates an opportunity for national government to address issues relating to water security outside of South Africa's constrained fiscal environment. Insights by Calvin Nchabeleng and Makgati Makgatho.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4cYKYTI

COMMENT | New bill unlocks innovative funding to boost water security The new water resources infrastructure agency bill creates an opportunity for national government to address issues relating to water security outside of South Africa's constrained fiscal environment.

According to a recent report by Ground Up, South Africa has nearly 4,000 registered veterinarians, with approximately 230 of them being specialists. This equates to just over 60 veterinarians for every million people.

This shortage has been exacerbated by the removal of veterinarians from the Critical Skills List in 2022, leading to a potential crisis in the agricultural sector. Insights by Nivaani Moodley, Jamie Jacobs & Bianca Rutherfoord-Jones.

Read more: https://bit.ly/47lIbTm

Learn how Webber Wentzel’s multi-disciplinary pet care business offering can support your pet care business: https://bit.ly/3zetZiw

🏆 Innovation Award 🏆

This award underscores our dedication to harnessing the transformative power of AI to enhance our legal services. Through our New Law and Legal Technology division, Webber Wentzel Fusion, we are excited to be at the forefront of legal technology innovation.

This commitment is further demonstrated in our support for clients navigating the complex legal landscape, offering AI and legal technology consulting services to help in-house legal teams modernise their operations.

We are honoured to receive the Tax Team of the Year award at the 2024 African Legal Awards. Our expertise in mergers and acquisitions, international tax, and project management as instrumental in a recent transaction involving Vantage's investment in Aquasantec International.

Our ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions and provide tailored solutions for clients contributed to the success of this deal.

We are thrilled that our Intellectual Property team has been awarded IP Team of the Year, at the 2024 African Legal Awards.

Our team's landmark victory in securing South Africa's first Constitutionally-based compulsory licence application for Vertex's TRIKAFTA cystic fibrosis medication is a testament to our expertise in intellectual property law, as well as its dedication to advocating for public health, access to essential medicines and human rights.

We are proud to receive the Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year award at the 2024 African Legal Awards.

Our team's expertise in African and ability to navigate complex cross-border transactions played a crucial role in the successful merger of Sanlam and Allianz.

Lionel van Tonder will be speaking on "ESG Fraud – Do We Understand the Complexities and Implications?" at the 17th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition on Monday, 9 September 2024.

Access the full agenda for the conference: https://bit.ly/3XAOy0P

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is turning its attention toward traders in South Africa—who are now receiving notices that their tax affairs are under review.

According to our Tax experts, the taxman is increasing its scrutiny of these traders by impressing on them and clarifying exchange control regulations.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3XtmeOW

SARS is coming after these taxpayers hard, legal experts warn The South African Revenue Service is leaving no stones unturned in its quest to collect what is owed – and it is keeping tabs on all asset classes, even the new ones.

Lionel van Tonder, Kim Rew, Inge Swanepoel, Danniel Kruger and Aaqilah Nagdee will attend the 17th Annual ACFE Africa Conference and Exhibition from 9 -11 September 2024.

This event is Africa's largest anti-fraud networking event, offering insightful discussions, networking opportunities and cutting-edge solutions to combat fraud.

For more information: https://bit.ly/4edu8BG

Mentor Aneshree Naidoo, CFO and interim co‑chief operating officer at Webber Wentzel, and mentee Nadia Loots share their transformative mentorship experience, revealing the key lessons and successes that have shaped Aneshree’s leadership style and career trajectory.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4dJrYtu

Empowering growth: A mentorship story of leadership and success · CFO South Africa Aneshree and Nadia share their mentorship journey, highlighting valuable lessons and successes in leadership development and career growth. Empowering growth: A mentorship story of leadership and success CFO South Africa