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Case In Point | Land Expropriation on trial | Public arrests vs rights
AfriForum and the Institute of Race Relations have spent the week in court, arguing against particular parts of the Expropriation Act. The Democratic Alliance and Vaderland-stigting have brought a separate case opposing the law. It provides for land reform, opening the way for expropriation without compensation. The president, the Public Works Minister, the Parliamentary Speaker, the National Council of Provinces Chair, the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Land Reform Minist
Aug 7


WHETHER A TENANT MAY WITHHOLD RENTAL WHEN A LANDLORD FAILS TO MEET LEASE OBLIGATIONS
In South African law, it is commonly known that rental is payable in arrears unless a lease agreement stipulates otherwise. Most lease agreements specifically prohibit a lessee from withholding rental, which alters the legal principle of rental being withheld in circumstances of a failure to perform by the landlord. This article serves to set out when a tenant may refuse to pay or withhold rental and further what the landlord’s rights are. Who are the parties to a lease? Prio
Aug 3


MAINTENANCE CLAIMS IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPROACHING THE COURT
A common misconception parents have is that the maintenance process is overly difficult and intimidating. Many are overwhelmed and often remark, “I didn’t know where to start.” Maintenance is often misunderstood. Some believe it is a favour or optional contribution. Others think it is too complicated or emotionally draining to pursue. Many assume that because the Maintenance Court is designed to be accessible, the process is simple. The truth, however, lies somewhere in betwe
Jul 20


Attorney on Ramaphosa’s bid to halt impeachment process
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s application to halt Parliament’s impeachment process is before the Western Cape High Court and is expected to continue tomorrow. The case stems from the 2020 Phala Phala theft and follows an independent panel’s finding that the president may have violated the Constitution. The Presidency maintains Ramaphosa is exercising his constitutional right to challenge the process. Attorney Cameron Phillips, of Ulrich Roux and Associates, breaks down whether
Jul 15


Medicare24 Fraud | Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala withdraws from plea deal
Alleged crime kingpin, Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala's plea deal has collapsed. Matlala has rejected the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court's proposal of 12-years in imprisonment. He initially agreed to be jailed for 8 years after turning state witness, but the court found that to be too lenient. Matlala had pleaded guilty to charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering in the R228-million SAPS contract awarded to his company. Legal analyst Ulrich Roux weighs in.
Jul 13


Expert unpacks collapse of ‘Cat’ Matlala’s plea deal
The National Prosecuting Authority will now have to pursue its case without relying on alleged crime kingpin Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s admissions after he withdrew from his plea agreement. The decision paves the way for Matlala to stand trial in the R228-million SAPS tender case involving Medicare24. Criminal law expert Ulrich Roux explains what Matlala’s decision means for the state’s case and the upcoming trial.
Jul 13


Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala withdraws plea deal
Alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala has withdrawn from his plea agreement with the state in the R228-million SAPS tender corruption case linked to his company, Medicare24. Matlala made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday. The development comes after the court rejected the state’s proposed eight-year prison sentence, indicating that a 12-year term would be more appropriate. Matlala had previously pleaded guilty to seven
Jul 13


Medicare24 Tender | Matlala sentencing case postponed to 13 July: Ulrich Roux weighs in
Legal analyst Ulrich Roux joins SABC News via video link to weigh in on yesterday's proceedings in this case.
Jul 2


When is a sick note really valid?
Bongani Bingwa speaks to medical doctor Dr Brenda Kubheka and attorney Ulrich Roux about the growing debate surrounding the validity of medical certificates in South African workplaces.
Jul 2


VAT AMENDMENTS PROPOSED TO STRENGTHEN DOMESTIC REVERSE CHARGE RULES FOR VALUABLE METALS
The National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have published draft amendments to the Regulations on the Domestic Reverse Charge (DRC) relating to valuable metals under section 74(2) of the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991. The proposed amendments were released for public comment on 3 June 2026, with stakeholders invited to submit written comments by 30 June 2026. If approved, the amendments are expected to come into effect on 1 August 2026. The DRC mechan
Jun 30


THE INEVITABLE INTERPLAY BETWEEN YOUR MARITAL REGIME UNDER SOUTH AFRICAN LAW, YOUR WILL, AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF YOUR DECEASED ESTATE
During the ordinary course of an average person’s life, various and isolated contracts and agreements are concluded which will eventually be read together. Your will, marital regime and other elements regarding estate planning is one example of this inevitable interplay between documents of great legal significance. An oversight or a failure to align these documents can result in unintended consequences, particularly for surviving spouses. 1. Your Marital Regime is the Sta
Jun 2


Ramaphosa wants report recommendations set aside - Ulrich Roux
Ramaphosa wants report recommendations set aside. URA's Ulrich Roux discusess this and more on ENCA.
May 26


Inside SA’s biggest legal battles this Week - Ulrich Roux discusses
It has been another dramatic week in South Africa’s courts, with several high-profile matters dominating headlines from the lower courts to the Constitutional Court. Newzroom Afrika’s Linda Mnisi and URA's Ulrich Roux unpacks the major cases and legal developments that captured national attention this week.
May 25


CHILD MODELS IN COMMERCIAL PRODUCTIONS: LEGAL COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW
This article provides a practical overview of the legal framework, compliance requirements, and best practices that production companies, agencies, and brands must follow when working with minors. Working with child models can bring authenticity, warmth, and relatability to a commercial production, but it also comes with significant legal responsibilities. Given the heightened level of legal protection afforded to children under South African law, the engagement of minors in
May 21


Meyiwa family demands justice
The family of the late Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa says they believe that the men currently on trial for his murder are not guilty and that the real killers are still on the loose. This was heard during a picket organised by Meyiwa's brother at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 May. They are demanding justice and for the trial to be sped up. Meyiwa was shot and killed 12 years ago in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. Meyiwa's younger brother, Sifiso, sa
May 20


BEHIND ON LEVIES? THE LEGAL REALITY EXPLAINED IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT HIGH COURT RULING
This article examines the mechanisms through which body corporates may recover outstanding levies, alongside the High Court’s caution against the incurrence of excessive legal costs in the recovery process, for which the defendant owner becomes unjustly liable. In the recent High Court ruling of Centenario Body Corporate v Thandeka Mlotya, the Judge refused to grant judgement in favour of the body corporate. Of particular importance, the Judge, disparaged the way in which bod
May 11


Roux: Phala Phala ruling could pave way for Ramaphosa's resignation
Ulrich Roux says President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to resign if the Constitutional Court decides to proceed with the Phala Phala investigation. Roux says such a decision could effectively render impeachment proceedings against the president null and void.
May 7


THE FINE PRINT IS IN YOUR FAVOUR: WHAT INSURERS CANNOT UNDO
Introduction Insurance policies are only as valuable as the wording of their contractual provisions. A recent judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal - AIG South Africa Ltd & Others v Azrapart (Pty) Ltd and Another (898/2024) [2025] ZASCA offers a crucial message for policyholders: insurers cannot rewrite their obligations simply because they later prove to be costly. At the centre of the dispute was the inclusion of business interruption cover in the insurance contract for F
Apr 30


Julius Malema Sentencing: The legal battle and political earthquake
Bongani Bingwa speaks with Ulrich Roux, Legal Expert and Founder of Ulrich Roux & Associates, about the possible legal avenues available to Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema as he awaits sentencing today. This follows his conviction on multiple counts under the Firearms Control Act, linked to the 2018 rally where he discharged a rifle in a packed stadium.
Apr 22


Malema an MP in good standing - analyst Ulrich Roux
Legal analyst Ulrich Roux says Julius Malema remains eligible to be a Member of Parliament until all his appeal processes are exhausted.
Apr 22
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