Authority by Representation – A New Form of Authority?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a1240

Keywords:

law of agency, ostensible authority, estoppel, stare decisis

Abstract

The majority decision in Makate v Vodacom (Pty) Ltd recognises a new form of actual authority – authority by representation. However the decision is based on a misinterpretation of English law and is inconsistent with an extensive body of South African case law and the view held by several South African text–book writers. It remains to be seen whether the decision will be regarded as binding authority. If the it is accepted as binding, the principle of agency by representation which it establishes will need to be clarified and developed in certain respects to ensure that it does not operate unfairly.

 

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Author Biography

  • Robert Douglas Sharrock, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    B Com, LLB (Natal). Professor at the UKZN School of Law, Pietermaritzburg Campus, South Africa. Email: sharrock@ukzn.ac.za.

References

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Published

17-05-2017

Issue

Section

Case Notes

How to Cite

Sharrock, R. D. (2017). Authority by Representation – A New Form of Authority?. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 19, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.17159/1727-3781/2016/v19i0a1240

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