ZA High Court: No 2-Year Gap for Second Maternity Leave

• The General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026 has been released for public comment.
• Illicit mining has been linked to numerous social and economic problems in South Africa, including kidnapping, human trafficking, child labour, and forced labour.
• The bill proposes to insert new offences and penalties into existing laws related to illicit mining.
• The Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to amend the Legal Practice Act of 2014 to develop and enhance the skills of legal practitioners.

South Africans are being given an opportunity to shape the country's laws on illicit mining, trust administration, and incitement to commit offences. The General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026, the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026, and the Regulation of Trusts Bill have been released for public comment, while the Conspiracy, Instigation and Incitement to Commit Offence Bill 2026 will proceed to Parliament for processing and adoption. This is a crucial moment for stakeholders to engage with the proposed legislation and provide input on its potential impact.

Illicit mining has been linked to numerous social and economic problems in South Africa, including kidnapping, human trafficking, child labour, and forced labour. The activities of illegal mining gangs have also led to violent crimes such as murder, intimidation, house breaking, theft, assault, and corruption in nearby communities. Furthermore, illicit mining poses a significant threat to the safety and security of affected communities, with sinkholes being a particular concern.

The General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to address the challenges posed by illicit mining by amending various pieces of legislation. The bill proposes to insert new offences and penalties into existing laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act, the Diamonds Act, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, and the Precious Metals Act. Specifically, clause 1 of the bill aims to amend Schedule 1 to the CPA to include offences related to illegal prospecting and mining activities.

Separately, the Legal Practice Amendment Bill 2026 seeks to amend the Legal Practice Act of 2014. The proposed amendments aim to develop and enhance the skills of legal practitioners, ensure access to the legal profession, and address practical challenges in the application of the Act. This is in response to calls from various practitioners in the sector for improvements to the Act.

Lawyers should monitor the public comment period for the General (Mining) Laws Amendment Bill 2026, as it may impact clients involved in artisanal mining or facing penalties for illicit activities.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica SA