As often happens, the idea behind a law is good but sometimes the impact on you, me and business is greater than anticipated. The National Credit Act is perhaps one example... aimed at preventing the poor and those already in debt getting hopelessly into debt or further into it, the intentions behind it were very good. However, while it undoubtedly helped keep many vulnerable people out of debt, it also drove some of those who could not obtain credit and loans through mainstream organisations, to turn to other sources - such as moneylenders, for instance. A further example of a law with good intentions, but bigger-than-expected ramifications, may be RICA - the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act - and the latest amendments to it. Again, the law's intention is good, but The impact of the RICA amendments on us, personally, and on businesses, appears to remain a moot point. Tebogo Mthiyane at Werksmans Incorporating Jan S. de Villiers reckons that the provisions of the amendments will present not only an administrative minefield for employers, but will also require a significant amount of time and effort to obey their provisions properly.

Rod Baker, guest columnist retailnews@bizcommunity.com Responses to this column welcomed in our new online editor's column archive.