Whistleblower Overload - Part 2: Mitigation Through Clear Policies and Redirected Claims
Bowmans partners Luway Mongie and Graham Damant propose a two‑pronged approach to curb the surge of whistleblowing complaints in South African workplaces. First, they recommend drafting separate policies for protected disclosures, harassment, ordinary grievances, and ethics, rather than a single, overly broad policy that drags routine issues into the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA) process. Second, they suggest implementing a gatekeeper system that routes complaints to the appropriate channel based on a questionnaire, limiting anonymous reporting to genuine PDA cases and directing other matters to grievance or harassment procedures. The authors argue that clearer policy boundaries and automated triage will reduce costly, unfounded investigations and protect managers from unwarranted scrutiny.
LAC Overturns Interdict: CCMA to Decide Whether Section 188A(11) Jurisdictional Requirements Exist
The Labour Appeal Court (LAC) set aside an urgent interdict, ruling that the Labour Court overstepped by assessing jurisdiction for a section 188A(11) pre‑dismissal arbitration. The LAC clarified that only the CCMA can determine whether the four statutory elements—protected disclosure, good...
The Future-Ready CFO: Transforming Disruption Into Opportunity
The article outlines how the modern CFO is evolving from a traditional number‑keeper to a strategic, technology‑enabled leader who drives agility, sustainability, and value creation. It highlights real‑time treasury alerts, AI‑powered scenario planning, and sustainability‑linked financing as everyday tools for...
Why Top Executive Hires Fail and How to Fix It
Boards are increasingly aware that most failed executive hires stem from flawed board‑level decisions rather than the individual’s abilities. Common missteps include hiring based on résumé prestige, relying on familiar networks, underestimating cultural and stakeholder complexity, rushing the process, and...
Whistleblower Overload - Part 1: When Grievances Masquerade as Whistleblowing
South African employers are inundated with complaints filed under whistleblowing policies that are actually ordinary grievances or retaliatory claims. Because many of these reports are anonymous and fall outside the Protected Disclosure Act (PDA), investigations become costly and time‑consuming. The...
Conscious Unbossing and AI: Why Mid-Level Leadership Must Be Reimagined
South Africa’s middle‑management layer is now largely composed of Generation X, who face mounting pressure from a youth unemployment crisis and a wave of “conscious unbossing” among Gen Z. Generative AI is delivering sizable productivity gains but also magnifies skill gaps across...
How South African Seafarers Can Master Offshore Tax Challenges: Top Tips and Tricks
South African seafarers remain tax‑resident unless they meet strict residency tests, despite working under international crew visas. The tax code offers a full seafarer exemption for those who spend at least 183 full days abroad and perform “passage” duties, while...
From Learnership to Long-Term Employment: They Didn’t Just Get Trained – They Got a Future
Imagemakers in Cape Town launched the “Stitch by Stitch” learnership, embedding trainees directly into its garment production line. The programme moves learners from basic training through supervised production, specialization, and ultimately permanent employment, achieving retention rates as high as 95%....
Burnout Is a Workplace Culture Problem, Not a Personal Failing
Burnout is increasingly recognized as a systemic workplace culture problem rather than an individual weakness, with global surveys showing 43% of employees reporting burnout in 2025, up from 38% two years earlier. Perks such as wellness days or spa vouchers...