This practical course equips company directors, executives and prescribed officers with a clear understanding of their legal duties under the Companies Act of South Africa. Participants will gain insight into ethical leadership, corporate governance expectations, personal liability risks and compliance duties, using real-world examples from recent corporate failures and governance scandals.

This session provides an in-depth yet practical exploration of the duties, responsibilities and accountability of directors as set out in the Companies Act 71 of 2008, supported by King IV principles of good governance. Participants will learn how boards function, how personal liability can arise, and how to apply ethical and legal requirements in decision-making. The session also highlights practical governance risks and introduces relevant legislation, including labour, tax, consumer and information laws, that impact corporate oversight and accountability.

Key Topics Covered:

• Definition and appointment of directors
• Executive vs non-executive directors
• Prescribed officers and their responsibilities
• Board structure, committees & King IV
• Ethical leadership and governance values
• Directors’ rights, duties and fiduciary obligations
• Duty of care, skill and business judgment
• Liability, indemnification and insurance
• Relationship with shareholders and stakeholders
• Key legislation affecting directors (Labour, Tax, POPIA, FICA, CPA)
• Real-world governance failures and legal consequences