Articles
Medical Malpractice Claim in South Africa: What to Do, What Not to Do, and How to Protect Yourself
Very few moments in medical practice feel as unsettling as receiving a patient complaint, legal letter, HPCSA notice or summons. Even experienced practitioners often describe the first reaction the same way: shock, panic, anger, self-doubt or fear. For many healthcare professionals, a medico-legal issue feels deeply personal because medicine is personal. Your work is tied…
Medical Malpractice Insurance in South Africa: The 2026 Guide
Medical practitioners carry a kind of professional pressure that is difficult to explain to anyone outside healthcare. Every consultation, diagnosis, prescription, procedure, referral and follow-up carries responsibility. Most days, that responsibility is handled quietly and professionally. But when something goes wrong — or when a patient believes something has gone wrong — the consequences can…
Road Accident Fund (RAF) Surety Bonds
At Shackleton Risk Management, we can assist you with surety bonds for RAF matters. Surety bonds for RAF matters are provided by Safire Insurance Company Limited (“the Insurer”) and can be lodged by us with the Master on your behalf if needed. Trustees appointed to manage a trust must furnish security to the Master’s satisfaction.…
Do Builders Need Professional Indemnity Insurance in South Africa?
Professional indemnity insurance (PII) serves as a protective measure against claims of professional negligence, errors, or omissions in services rendered. It provides financial coverage for legal costs and compensation payments arising from such claims, ensuring builders are safeguarded against potential liabilities. Cover is subject to insurer underwriting, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits, and PI…
Understanding the Distinction Between Public Liability vs Professional Indemnity Insurance in South Africa
What Is Public Liability Insurance: Public liability insurance safeguards businesses and professionals against claims for injury or property damage caused to third parties while on their premises or as a result of their operations. It covers legal costs and compensation payments if a third party sues for bodily injury or property damage incurred due to…
How to become a business rescue practitioner in South Africa
Embarking on the journey to become a Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) in South Africa is a pathway filled with challenges, but also immense opportunities to make a significant impact in the corporate landscape. As the country navigates through economic fluctuations and business uncertainties, the role of a BRP has become increasingly vital. This article serves…
Is Professional Indemnity Insurance Compulsory in South Africa?
Currently, South African law does not universally mandate professional indemnity insurance across all professions. However, certain regulatory bodies and industry associations may require it for specific professions. For instance, professionals like lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, and healthcare practitioners often face stringent regulatory requirements, which may include compulsory professional indemnity insurance. In the legal sector, for…
Can I Get Retroactive Coverage With Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Short Answer: Yes, you can get retroactive cover. It’s important to note that various insurers may have distinct criteria or prerequisites concerning retroactive cover and dates. You should canvass this with your broker prior to taking out a PI policy. Retroactive cover is an important aspect of Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. This type of cover…
Which Professions Require Professional Indemnity Insurance in South Africa?
While this list is not exhaustive, here are some professions in South Africa that commonly require PI insurance: It is important to note that the requirement for PI insurance may vary based on regulatory bodies, professional associations, contractual obligations, and client demands within each profession. Professionals in these fields should consult with their respective industry…
What is a Curator Bonis?
Curator bonis is a legal term used in South Africa to refer to a person appointed by the court to manage the financial and legal affairs of someone who is unable to do so themselves due to mental incapacity or other reasons. The curator bonis acts as a legal representative and fiduciary for the person…
Principal Debtor V Co-Debtor
A principal debtor is a person who is primarily responsible for the repayment of a debt. They are the main borrower or debtor in a financial transaction. This debtor is typically the individual or entity that initially incurs the debt and has the primary obligation to repay it. They are legally bound to fulfill the…
What Constitutes Medical Negligence?
The following typically constitute medical negligence in South Africa: To establish a claim of medical negligence in South Africa, it is generally necessary to provide expert medical opinion as evidence to demonstrate the breach of the duty of care. This expert opinion is typically provided by another qualified healthcare professional practising in the same field.…