She also challenges the pressure to conform in traditionally male-dominated spaces.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen are often told to \u2018toughen up\u2019 or \u2018be more aggressive.\u2019 But I\u2019ve found strength in being myself. Excellence doesn\u2019t need a performance – it just needs to be undeniable.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Unathi, Women\u2019s Month is a time to reflect, honour and keep building. She sees herself as part of a lineage – one that includes generations of women who have fought for justice, equality and inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cGatekeeping isn\u2019t cute,\u201d she says with a smile. \u201cPlatform others. Uplift. The freedoms we have were hard-won. Let\u2019s take up space and make room too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her advice for young women in law is direct and heartfelt:<\/p>\n
\u201cBe intentional. Be consistent. Ask questions. Show up. The world doesn\u2019t just need more women in law – it needs more women of substance.\u201d<\/p>\n
And substance is exactly what Unathi brings, day after day, case after case, community by community.<\/p>\n
Details: You can get in touch with Unathi on e-mail: unathi.dlamini@wylie.co.za or follow her on LinkedIn: Unathi Dlamini<\/em><\/p>\n Understand your contract<\/strong> Both employers and employees should clearly understand the terms of employment before signing. If unclear, seek advice.<\/p>\n Know your rights and responsibilities<\/strong> South Africa\u2019s labour laws protect both parties. Make sure you understand how they apply to you.<\/p>\n Social media conduct counts<\/strong> What you post online – even outside of working hours – can impact your job. Be cautious and professional on all platforms.<\/p>\n Document everything<\/strong> Keep records of performance reviews, complaints, warnings and changes to your employment terms.<\/p>\n Probation periods matter<\/strong> If you\u2019re under probation, remember you\u2019re still entitled to fair labour practices. It\u2019s not a \u2018free-for-all\u2019 for employers.<\/p>\n Dismissals must be fair<\/strong> Both procedurally and substantively. If you\u2019re dismissed unfairly, you can approach the CCMA within 30 days.<\/p>\n You can access legal help<\/strong> Through SASLAW Pro Bono NPC at Labour Courts across South Africa, and ProBono.Org in major provinces – visit ProBono.org.za<\/em><\/p>\n Don\u2019t sign under pressure<\/strong> If you\u2019re given a contract or document to sign immediately, ask for time to review it properly.<\/p>\n Your health and safety is protected<\/strong> Employers must provide a safe working environment. Report violations to the Department of Labour.<\/p>\n Ask. Always<\/strong> Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions about your rights – knowledge is your first line of defence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At just 30, Unathi Dlamini is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a young woman in South African law. Elected as the new president of the KZN Chapter of the South African Society for Labour Law (SASLAW), Unathi is not only breaking ground in employment and social media law, but she\u2019s also […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":45135,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[11643,11642],"class_list":{"0":"post-45116","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personalities","8":"tag-south-african-law","9":"tag-unathi-dlamini"},"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/IMG_9140-400x267.jpg\")
Unathi\u2019s top tips in labour & employment law <\/strong><\/p>\n