A power of attorney (POA) is a practical legal tool that lets one person act for another in specific situations.  In South Africa, it is used daily in property transfers, banking, company filings, and other transactions where the principal cannot be physically present or simply prefers a trusted representative to sign or manage a process.  This guide explains what a power of attorney is, how it works, where it is used, the limits you must respect, and why the idea of an “enduring” or “durable” power of attorney is more complicated in our law than many people realise.

Mock trials are the bridge between lecture halls and real courtrooms.  For South African law students and junior practitioners, they provide a safe, structured space to practise advocacy, procedure, and courtroom etiquette on a live case file with real-time feedback.  This article explains what mock trials are, how they are conducted, the benefits for your legal career, and how you can participate through the Gawie le Roux Advanced trial Advocacy course and the GLR PVT School.  Bo

Moot court is one of the most practical ways for South African law students to turn classroom theory into courtroom-ready skills.  In a simulated hearing, students argue a hypothetical case before a bench, submit written heads, and field questions that probe their knowledge and judgment.  It is a safe space to practise research, writing, advocacy, and courtroom etiquette before stepping into an actual court.  South African universities and public interest centres run moot courts throughout the year, with several hig

Choosing the right legal training providers can make the difference between skills that work in South African practice and certificates that gather dust.  With so many short courses, webinars, and workshops on the market, it is essential to separate reputable, ethical providers from those that promise a lot but deliver little.  This guide explains what a legal training provider is, why legitimacy and ethics matter, how to vet a provider, and the benefits of investing your time and money in the right place.

The Golden Key Society is an international academic honour society that recognises top-performing students and connects them to leadership, service, and career opportunities.  If you have received an invitation from a South African university and you are wondering what it means, this guide explains the organisation’s purpose, history, activities, and the practical benefits of membership.

Every few months, a new online trend convinces ordinary people to hand over personal information without thinking twice.  Recently, many South Africans have been uploading photos to create AI caricatures and profile pictures, often using tools linked to ChatGPT or similar platforms.  At the same time, employees are pasting contracts, medical records, and voice notes into these systems because it feels easier than drafting from scratch.  However, most use

Space has fascinated mankind for millennia.  For generations, the stars were mystical objects that became the subject of mythology, legends, and religion, and played a central role in communities.  These impossibly far, twinkling lights that illuminated the cosmos seemed so far removed and out of reach that it seemed folly for man to even dream that they would someday become reachable.

Changing your surname is a personal step that can carry deep cultural, family, or professional meaning.  In South Africa, the process is well established, but it does involve paperwork, evidence, and time.

This guide explains what it means to change your surname, common reasons people do it, how the legal process works for adults and children, and the practical steps to update your life admin once approval is granted.