Tatham Wilkes Inc.

28/05/2026

The cost of a “Return to Office” order

Remote working has become a common phenomenon in the workplace. But as we all know, the one constant is change, and an employer may change its views on remote working and require an employee to return to the office. But is it as easy as telling the employee to be at the office from the next week onwards? In this article, we highlight a few key aspects that an employer should keep in mind before instructing a remote worker to return to the office.

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Before you call remote employees back to the office, understand the risks.

26/05/2026

Can aggressive dogs be taken from Private Property?

When a dog on private property behaves aggressively toward people lawfully on the premises, questions arise about whether the dog can be leashed or even impounded to protect public safety, even within the bounds of private property.

Read more : https://www.tathamwilkes.co.za/Our-Insights/ArticleDetail?Title=Can-aggressive-dogs-be-taken-from-Private-Property?

When property rights meet public safety, even your dog may need to be leashed… or impounded.

21/05/2026

Drawing a line on fines

If you own property in a sectional title, there is an important new rulebook that affects how your community must operate, particularly with issuing fines. The Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS) has issued its Consolidated Practice Directive 1 of 2025 (Directive), and it will change the way residents experience communal living.

Read more : https://www.tathamwilkes.co.za/Our-Insights/ArticleDetail/Title/Drawing-a-line-on-fines

19/05/2026

Risk vs Reward: The use of AI in South Africa

A topical discussion in society is the growing use of AI, with some celebrating its advent and others fearing its power. Irrespective of your views, there are challenges to AI, leading to a growing call also in the legal profession for greater regulation of AI use. In this article we look at the impact of AI to date on the legal profession and some of the consequences that have flowed from its (mis)use.

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14/05/2026

Estate planning must be a family affair!

Estate planning is often viewed through a purely legal or financial lens. However, at its core, it is a profoundly human process, one that intimately involves family relationships, dynamics, and communication. In South Africa, where cultural diversity and complex family structures are common, involving the family meaningfully in both estate planning and administration is not just advisable; it is essential.

Read more : https://www.tathamwilkes.co.za/Our-Insights/ArticleDetail?Title=-Estate-planning-must-be-a-family-affair!

It’s not just paperwork; it is about family, communication, and leaving a legacy.

12/05/2026

Why security is key to successful corporate finance

In today’s competitive business environment, access to finance is frequently the key factor between growth and stagnation. Whether in mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, venture capital investments, or start-up funding, security plays a critical role in shaping deal structures, mitigating risks, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Understanding the various forms of security and how to use them strategically is essential for businesses seeking capital, investors managing risk, and dealmakers brokering complex transactions.

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Discover how smart security strategies can protect investments and drive growth.

07/05/2026

Court gives claimants the green light in RAF battle

Following the decision of the court in the case of Road Accident Fund v Legal Practice Council and Others (134420/2023) [2025] ZAGPPHC 189 (21 February 2025), the Pretoria High Court struck the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) subsequent urgent application from the roll, with punitive costs. The order has sent a clear message that our Courts will not tolerate continuing attempts to delay justice under the guise of urgency.

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The roadblocks are gone: Claimants can now enforce their RAF payouts.

05/05/2026

Power play: Who pays when sparks fly?

Parastatals (state-owned entities) that have a license to generate and/or transmit electricity (licensee) can face civil claims relating to damage and/or injury caused by veldfires, induction, electrolysis or other means where electricity is generated, transmitted or distributed by such a licensee. Section 25 of the Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006 (“Act”) becomes the triggering provision relating to the liability of the licensee for such damage or injury. In this article, we look at the provisions of this Section 25.

Read more : https://www.tathamwilkes.co.za/Our-Insights/ArticleDetail?Title=Power-play-Who-pays-when-sparks-fly?

How parastatals can be held liable for damage or injury from electricity generation or transmission.

30/04/2026

The final tax return: understanding taxes at life’s end

The often-quoted phrase “nothing is certain except death and taxes” is crucial for estate planning. South African residents with local and offshore assets need to understand the tax obligations that will arise at their death. Unfortunately, many testators are unaware that taxes like income tax, estate duty, capital gains tax, and potential foreign taxes can significantly reduce their estate’s value and complicate the administration process. Understanding these tax obligations is a must for protecting your financial legacy and minimising unexpected costs and delays in the transfer of wealth to your beneficiaries.

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Don’t let taxes surprise your beneficiaries; learn what to expect.

28/04/2026

When AI gets it wrong

Quite recently, another set of legal representatives were caught out when an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool fabricated case law, which was then included in heads of argument. The Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC also recently published guidelines on the use of AI in arbitrations and adjudications. In this article, we look at what these guidelines aim to address.

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Guidelines show how to use AI in arbitrations safely, keeping mistakes, fabrications, and “hallucinations” out of the courtroom.