Sick Notes Are Becoming a Legal Minefield — Is Your Company Protected?
South Africa is watching the Madlanga Commission with raised eyebrows — not just because of the testimony, but because of the sick notes that keep derailing it.
From CEOs to senior officials, vague and questionable medical certificates have suddenly become national news. Justice Madlanga himself called one of them a “useless medical certificate” — and employers across the country felt that in their bones.
Because if a commission can be stalled by a bad sick note… Imagine what it can do to your business.
Why SA companies should be paying attention right now
Recent cases show a worrying trend:
- Sick notes with no clinical details, no examination confirmation, no HPCSA number.
- Employees submitting certificates that doctors later deny issuing.
- Medical notes used to avoid disciplinary hearings, investigations, and even court appearances.
- HR teams unsure what they can legally question — and what crosses the line.
And when employers get it wrong? CCMA awards, reinstatements, unfair dismissal findings, and massive reputational damage.
Join Labour Law Expert Angus Bailie for this Critical Employer Webinar where he will discuss your legal rights, your risks, and your next move.
What you’ll learn
- What a valid medical certificate must contain (HPCSA requirements).
- When you may legally reject a sick note.
- How to verify authenticity without breaching confidentiality.
- What to do when an employee uses a sick note to avoid a hearing.
- How to handle repeat vague certificates (“booked off”, “unfit”, no details).
- The difference between medical incapacity vs medical avoidance.
- Real SA case law — including the mining case where dismissal was upheld for a fraudulent note.
- How to protect your company from abuse without violating employee rights.
Who should attend
HR Managers • Business Owners • Operational Managers • ER Specialists • Anyone dealing with absenteeism or disciplinary processes.
Why this webinar is unmissable
Because right now, sick notes are not just an HR admin issue — they’re a legal risk, a productivity threat, and a loophole being exploited.
Meet Your Facilitator: Angus Bailie
Angus blends deep expertise with a famously dry sense of humour, making his webinars both highly informative and entertaining. With over 20 years of legal experience, including 13 running his own law firm and a stint as Acting Judge of the Labour Court, he’s the perfect guide for navigating South African labour law.
He’s also an experienced lecturer (Pearson Institute & University of the Free State) and a SETA-accredited facilitator and trainer.
Register
Date: Tuesday 18 August, 09h00–10h30
Delivered live via Zoom
Cost: R895 per attendee
PLEASE NOTE: We will be in touch with you to arrange payment and send you the relevant info for this webinar.
