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Raising a teenager is a tough task, no doubt. Your child is at a crucial stage of development, changing physically and emotionally. They are starting to think more independently and becoming curious about more “adult” aspects of life. And while this transition is entirely natural and a part of life, the temptation to experiment with dangerous and addictive substances is also a reality. One of the biggest culprits is alcohol; in fact, alcohol abuse and underage drinking in South Africa are big problems.

“Mom…dad… I’m pregnant.” Suddenly, the room goes gravely quiet and a wave of emotions come crashing in. Of course, no parent is ready to hear these words from their teenage daughter. You might have heard about this happening “to other people”, but never in your wildest dreams thought an unplanned pregnancy would derail your hopes and dreams for your child and her future. But hold on a minute… it’s not entirely about you right now! The situation can be overwhelming and you might be left speechless, but now is

Writing exams for students is much like paying taxes for adults: it’s inevitable and trying! Yes, it’s that time of the year when your child seems to be a little more “on edge” than usual. And, it’s very likely because a bunch of important tests are fast approaching and exam stress is already starting to take its toll. Their workload is piling up. Teachers are constantly reminding pupils about exam preparations. You also might always be telling your child that they need to excel at school to have a bright future. These kinds of pressure are why learners consider taking shortcuts without

It’s 5 pm, and you are getting ready to say goodbye to the stressful workday, wind down and catch up on your favourite series. By some miracle, traffic is flowing freely, and you reach your apartment complex at a reasonable time. Then, something tells you to check your post box. And there, under the seemingly endless property brochures, is an ominous envelope. It tells you you’ve broken the rules of the complex, and you must pay up. You might be in disbelief, but receiving fines in a sectional title in South Africa is entirely legitimate. Still, certain processes must be followed

This is it, a moment you never thought you’d have to deal with in your life: you’re being arrested. You’re scared, emotional and unsure of what to do. Understandably, you’re not thinking straight, and images of being in a cold jail cell keep flashing in your mind making it almost impossible to think about your legal rights when getting arrested in South Africa. Unfortunately, few people even know what their rights are. Here’s the thing: you don’t have to face this

You’d be forgiven if a scene from Law & Order flashed through your mind if you are asked to take a lie detector test in the workplace. All of a sudden, you are picturing yourself in a depressing, tiny room, hooked up to a machine that’s being monitored by an austere man who keeps looking up from his spectacles, which are perched on the tip of his nose. You are being interrogated like someone suspected of committing a serious crime. Ok, well that’s a little dramatic, but an employer asking an employee to

When it comes to suspension from work, employees need to know their rights, so that they can determine whether or not a suspension is unjust, and thus constitute an unfair labour practice. Business owners are not only tasked with making their companies a success, but also managing employees and ensuring that everyone’s conduct is in line with the brand values and principles. And when it comes to “disciplining” employees, so to speak, certain procedures must be followed to ensure it’s fair and legal. At some

Being sued, facing legal action, standing up in court, fighting the unforgiving legal system, worrying about how to pay for legal assistance – these are the things that keep many South Africans up at night. Unfortunately, not many citizens know about legal cover, what it is, that they need it or how it can protect and benefit them. The law is expensive, and far too often people give up on finding the legal support, resulting in unwanted consequences, such as lost claims, broken agreements, and even jail time.

Social media is an inescapable part of our personal and professional lives, with many people using various platforms to communicate and share information. But, as we have seen more and more over the last few years, employees need to be careful about what they post on social media, as offensive, inflammatory or discriminatory comments could potentially reflect badly on the company they work for (employers themselves could be held liable), breach employment social media policies and, in turn, get them fired. Of course, in general, it’s always advisable to