Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys

Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys We’re a dynamic premier labour, commercial and real estate law firm in South Africa.

Cavanagh & Richards Attorneys strive to be a prosperous and renowned law firm in Gauteng, South Africa. We are passionate about what we do and therefore provide our valued clients with high quality legal services. Our innovation and ambition are our drive to be the preferred professional legal service provider in Gauteng and other parts of South Africa. Meet our team of legal experts waiting to take care of all of your legal matters!

AI and POPIA: What businesses need to knowUsing AI at work can save time, but what happens to the personal information y...
03/09/2026

AI and POPIA: What businesses need to know

Using AI at work can save time, but what happens to the personal information you put into an AI tool?

POPIA doesn’t disappear just because AI is involved.

The Information Regulator has made it clear that AI development and use should comply with data-protection principles.

Three things businesses should think about:

🔹 Think before you upload. Don’t put personal or confidential information into an AI tool without considering whether you have a lawful basis for processing and whether the tool is appropriate for that information.

🔹 Know where the data goes. AI platforms may process information through systems or providers outside South Africa. Cross-border processing can raise additional POPIA considerations.

🔹 Keep humans in the loop. AI can assist with decisions, but organisations remain responsible for how personal information is processed and used.
AI can be a powerful business tool — but convenience doesn’t override privacy.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

Why doesn’t South Africa have juries?If you’ve watched a courtroom drama, you’re probably familiar with the jury: a grou...
02/09/2026

Why doesn’t South Africa have juries?

If you’ve watched a courtroom drama, you’re probably familiar with the jury: a group of ordinary people who listen to the evidence and decide whether an accused person is guilty.

But South Africa doesn’t have a jury system.

South Africa previously used juries, but the system was formally abolished in 1969.

Today, criminal cases are decided by a judicial officer, such as a magistrate or judge, with lay assessors sometimes assisting in certain Regional Court matters.

So, unlike what you see in American courtroom dramas, you won’t find a jury deciding the verdict in a South African criminal trial.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

What does the law say about rental deposits?Can your landlord simply keep your deposit when you move out?Generally, no.A...
01/09/2026

What does the law say about rental deposits?

Can your landlord simply keep your deposit when you move out?

Generally, no.

A rental deposit is not automatically forfeited when a lease ends. The landlord may make lawful deductions for things such as damage caused by the tenant or amounts that remain owing under the lease. The deposit and applicable interest should otherwise be returned to the tenant.

Tenants should also keep records of the property's condition and take part in the relevant inspections. These records can be important if there is a dispute about damage or deductions.

Know your rights. Know your lease.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

What does the law say about self defence?Can you legally use force to protect yourself if someone attacks you?Yes, but t...
26/08/2026

What does the law say about self defence?

Can you legally use force to protect yourself if someone attacks you?

Yes, but there are important limits.

South African law recognises private defence where a person is responding to an unlawful attack. However, the force used must be necessary and reasonable in the circumstances. The purpose of private defence is to protect a threatened legal interest, not to retaliate or punish the attacker.

This means that simply claiming self defence does not automatically make the use of force lawful. The circumstances of the incident and the nature of the response will be important.

If you have been involved in an incident where self defence may be relevant, obtaining legal advice as soon as possible can help you understand your rights and options.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

What does the law say about recording a conversation?Is it illegal to record someone without telling them?Not necessaril...
24/08/2026

What does the law say about recording a conversation?

Is it illegal to record someone without telling them?

Not necessarily.

Under South Africa’s Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication Related Information Act (RICA), a person who is a party to a communication may generally record that communication without obtaining the consent of the other participants, provided the recording is not made for the purpose of committing an offence.

However, this does not mean that every recording is automatically lawful. The circumstances surrounding the recording, how it was obtained and how it is used can all be relevant.

If you are considering making or using a recording in a legal dispute, it is important to understand how RICA and other applicable laws may affect your situation.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

Receiving notice of a rent increase can be stressful, but can a landlord increase your rent whenever they choose?Not alw...
21/08/2026

Receiving notice of a rent increase can be stressful, but can a landlord increase your rent whenever they choose?

Not always.

Whether a rent increase is permitted will depend on the terms of your lease agreement and the circumstances.

Examples:
- Your fixed-term lease is still in effect.
- Your lease is due for renewal.
- The increase is significantly higher than expected.
- No notice of the increase was given.

Legal insight: Lease agreements usually set out when and how rent may be increased. Both landlords and tenants should understand their contractual rights and obligations before making or challenging a rent adjustment.

Knowing your rights can help prevent unnecessary disputes.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

What should you do if you are asked to make a statement? Being asked to make a statement to the police can be intimidati...
19/08/2026

What should you do if you are asked to make a statement?

Being asked to make a statement to the police can be intimidating, especially if you are unsure of your legal rights.

Knowing how to respond can make a significant difference.

Examples:
• You are questioned at a police station.
• You are asked to provide a written statement.
• You are interviewed as a witness.
• You are questioned as a suspect.

Legal insight: The circumstances of every case are different. Before making a statement, it is important to understand your legal rights and, where appropriate, seek legal advice. Taking informed steps early can help protect your interests throughout the legal process.

If you are unsure how to proceed, speak to an attorney before making important decisions.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected]

What our clients are saying ⭐️
17/08/2026

What our clients are saying ⭐️

Many people believe that the police always need a warrant before entering or searching a home.In reality, there are circ...
11/08/2026

Many people believe that the police always need a warrant before entering or searching a home.

In reality, there are circumstances where the law may allow a search without one.

Examples:
- Police arrive at your home without prior notice.
- Officers say they have reason to believe a crime is being committed.
- Evidence may be destroyed if they delay.
- A warrant is not presented.

Legal insight: Whether a warrant is required depends on the facts of each case and the powers granted to law enforcement under South African law. If you believe your rights have been violated during a search, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Understanding your rights can help you respond calmly and appropriately if the situation arises.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us at [email protected].

Address

Lytteltown Office Park, Building H, Shelanti Avenue, Die Hoewes
Centurion
0157

Telephone

+27129401947

Website

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