IN-PERSON TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

Navigating the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissal

Fundamental updates for HR, legal, and operational leaders across every industry.

The landscape of workplace dismissals in South Africa is changing.

Recently released for public comment, the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissal introduces substantial changes that affect how terminations are managed in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, construction, professional services, and beyond.

From tighter procedural fairness rules to the inclusion of operational requirement dismissals, this is not a minor HR compliance tweak — it’s a fundamental shift that demands careful navigation, especially for sector-specific roles and risks.

Whether your members are responsible for unionised workforces, shift-based operations, or compliance across multiple branches, this session offers the clarity and context they need to remain compliant and confident.

Bring Industry-Specific Expertise to Your Organisation or Event

Workplace Strategies and Equity Works are offering associations the opportunity to host in-person training led by respected labour law specialists Paul Cooley and Marleen Potgieter, with a lens on the realities and risks across different sectors.

This session will:

  • Break down the Draft Code’s key changes with clear, practical relevance
  • Highlight how interpretations may vary across industries
  • Use sector-specific case examples (e.g. in retail, healthcare, or manufacturing) to make the updates actionable
  • Offer a live Q&A to address challenges unique to your members’ context

What This Talk Covers

  • Relief for Small Businesses: Easier compliance, but key concerns remain
  • Operational Requirement Dismissals: What’s new, and how sectors like construction and finance may be affected
  • Misconduct & Poor Performance: Stricter standards with major implications for shift-based and high-risk environments
  • Updated Procedural Fairness: Clearer obligations for all industries, especially those with complex workforce structures

Meet Your Expert Trainers

Paul Cooley

Founder of Workplace Strategies, Paul brings over 20 years of international experience in employment law, industrial relations, and HR advisory. Known for his practical, strategic guidance, he helps businesses manage employment relationships effectively and lawfully.

Marleen Potgieter

With over 25 years in labour law, Marleen is known for helping companies build strong compliance foundations while fostering functional, harmonious workplaces. Her strength lies in translating complex legal changes into implementable, people-focused practices.

If your association represents professionals in a high-risk, high-compliance, or fast-paced industry, this session is a must.

From real-world application to legal context, we help your members understand not just what’s changing, but how it applies to their day-to-day decisions.