IN THE NEWS
Executor: An honour, a burden, a responsibility
Death has no diary. It does not check whether the paperwork is in order, whether passwords have been shared, or whether the family is getting along. And yet, when someone passes, the person appointed as executor is expected to step into a role that is part administrator, part investigator, part diplomat - and occasionally, part ... Read more
Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc. recognised as PH Group Platinum Achiever for 2025
Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc. is proud to share that the firm has been awarded the ... Read more
Risk, Reward and Reinvention: Why 2026 belongs to the bold
In a market shaped by economic uncertainty, technology shifts and tightening margins, risk has become ... Read more
Modern trusts: smarter structures for complex families and business owners
We all know the importance of a will - it’s the cornerstone of responsible estate ... Read more
The hidden risks in farm inheritance: estate liquidity matters
For many South African farmers, a farm is more than an asset – it is a family legacy, a business and often the entirety of ... Read more
Crossing the line: Legal risks of using company funds for personal expenses
As the end of the financial year approaches for companies with a February 2025 year-end, business owners and directors are under considerable pressure to ensure ... Read more
Beneficial Ownership disclosure deadline looms for businesses
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has set new obligations for reporting beneficial ownership information, with the next deadlines linked to each company’s date ... Read more
My company has been liquidated – now what?
In an environment marked by economic strain and financial volatility, businesses face immense pressures that, in many cases, lead to insolvency. The high cost of ... Read more
I cannot find my spouse’s original will – what do I need to do to get a copy made valid?
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. On top of the emotional turmoil, discovering that you cannot locate the original will ... Read more
Forgot to update your will after your divorce? Your ex could still inherit.
Divorce, while undoubtedly difficult, is a common experience that many of us go through. Amid the emotional turmoil and the seemingly endless checklist of tasks, ... Read more
Corporate divorce: pre-nups for partnerships
In the same way that prenuptial agreements are considered crucial for many marriages, business partnerships require meticulous planning to safeguard against the consequences of potential ... Read more
Financial spring cleaning tips you can’t ignore
It’s that time of year again when you’re swapping out your winter wardrobes for summer, having a long-overdue de-clutter and booking annual check-ups for the ... Read more
I have been served with a summons, now what?
Life can be unpredictable and challenging, and there may come a time when you end up unable to repay money you owe someone. Ignoring the ... Read more
Faults, flaws and voetstoots – what you need to know when selling or buying a property
Many sellers (and buyers) find themselves in murky waters around understanding their rights and obligations in the property market. When it comes to selling your ... Read more
Sowing seeds for the future: unravelling estate planning challenges for farmers
While the reading of a will might make for great cinematic drama reminiscent of an episode of Yellowstone and the infamous Dutton’s, a will or ... Read more
The company that owes me money has been liquidated, now what?
Useful mechanisms for creditors dealing with insolvent companies Commissions of Enquiry as set out in Sections 415 and 417/418 of the Companies Act serve as ... Read more
The case for airtight contracts in property deals
How overlooked clauses can cost millions - or save them In the world of commercial property, a poorly drafted contract can turn a lucrative deal into a legal and financial headache. Consider the case of a shopping centre seller who, after a buyer defaulted mid-payment, ... Read more
The clause effect: What your agreement might be missing (and why it matters)
An often-overlooked clause is the Survival Clause, says PJ Veldhuizen, MD of specialist commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc.. This clause specifies which provisions of a contract remain enforceable even after termination - and can be the deciding factor between a drawn-out court battle ... Read more
From boardrooms to braais: Why M&A thinking belongs in your business toolkit
To most, the phrase ‘Mergers & Acquisitions’ conjures up high-stakes deals, sharp suits and the fast-talking charisma of Danny Crane from Boston Legal. But while Hollywood makes it seem like the realm of billion-dollar corporates and global conglomerates, M&As are quietly playing out every day - ... Read more
AI in business: A game-changer, but not a legal replacement
Businesses across South Africa are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations, boost efficiency and enhance decision-making. But while AI offers incredible tools, it comes with legal risks that can’t be ignored. Cape Town-based commercial law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc. is urging companies to ... Read more
The hidden risks in farm inheritance: estate liquidity matters
For many South African farmers, a farm is more than an asset – it is a family legacy, a business and often the entirety of their net worth. However, when it comes to estate planning, one critical factor is often overlooked: liquidity. Without adequate liquid ... Read more
Crossing the line: Legal risks of using company funds for personal expenses
As the end of the financial year approaches for companies with a February 2025 year-end, business owners and directors are under considerable pressure to ensure their financial records are accurate and compliant. A common pitfall for many business owners is running personal expenses through the ... Read more
Beneficial Ownership disclosure deadline looms for businesses
The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) has set new obligations for reporting beneficial ownership information, with the next deadlines linked to each company’s date of inception. This requirement means that businesses have only 30 days from this anniversary date to declare their beneficial owners, ... Read more
My company has been liquidated – now what?
In an environment marked by economic strain and financial volatility, businesses face immense pressures that, in many cases, lead to insolvency. The high cost of doing business, skyrocketing utility prices along with currency fluctuations have compounded the struggles for many companies, pushing liquidations to significant ... Read more
I cannot find my spouse’s original will – what do I need to do to get a copy made valid?
Losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. On top of the emotional turmoil, discovering that you cannot locate the original will can add an extra layer of stress and confusion. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your loved ... Read more
Forgot to update your will after your divorce? Your ex could still inherit.
Divorce, while undoubtedly difficult, is a common experience that many of us go through. Amid the emotional turmoil and the seemingly endless checklist of tasks, there is one crucial undertaking that often gets overlooked: and that is updating your will. This oversight can lead to ... Read more
Corporate divorce: pre-nups for partnerships
In the same way that prenuptial agreements are considered crucial for many marriages, business partnerships require meticulous planning to safeguard against the consequences of potential disputes and ensure a smooth separation if the need arises. By incorporating comprehensive shareholder agreements or Memorandums of Incorporation (MOIs), ... Read more
Financial spring cleaning tips you can’t ignore
It’s that time of year again when you’re swapping out your winter wardrobes for summer, having a long-overdue de-clutter and booking annual check-ups for the family. “While you’re at it,” suggests PJ Veldhuizen, managing director of specialist, commercial law firm, Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc., “take ... Read more