Insights

The politically contentious Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Bill, 2019 (“Bill”) was published on 21 June 2019 and will be considered before the National Assembly by the end of July 2019. The Bill requires every person who is a public officer as defined under the Public Service Act, including former presidents and former vice-presidents, to declare their liabilities and assets in their widest sense.

It is trite law that an employer attracts vicarious liability for the delicts of an employee committed in the course and scope of the latter’s employment.

The coming into effect and promulgation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has ushered in a new and exciting era for the continent. AfCFTA aims to enhance intra-African trade by providing a complete and mutually beneficial trade agreement among Member States. It covers goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy. On December 5, 2020, the African Union Assembly approved the start of trading under AfCFTA as of January 1, 2021.

Many African countries are still grappling with the impact of the lockdown initiatives caused by COVID-19.1 Adapting to the health and safety protocols across Africa has meant a significant increase in the sheer volume of data being processed, particularly in the health and education sectors.

Whether drafting legal documents, litigating, or managing a law firm, legal professionals are expected to predict, with a relatively high degree of certainty, the possible consequences of every step they take and every word they communicate. Then, having considered all the possible consequences, they must decide on the best course of action. Any such decision typically involves having several alternatives, comparing them and evaluating their outcomes.

The rise of technological developments has brought with it increased, and new forms of, risk. In today’s digital world, we are creating more data year on year. Data storage, ease of communications (including the use of email and chat), along with the ubiquity of photo and video sharing means that data volumes are increasing exponentially. New technologies pose new challenges and require new regulatory solutions. This backdrop makes it harder for businesses to monitor existing risks.

Jamie Macdonald moderates a panel discussion on ESG and Mining Sustainability in 2021 and Beyond.