IN THE NEWS
Western Cape Society of Mediators launches to advance alternative dispute resolution in the province
The newly established Western Cape Society of Mediators (WCSM) has officially launched, bringing together accredited mediation professionals committed to promoting mediation as an effective, accessible and ethical method of dispute resolution across the Western Cape. Established in October 2025, the Society serves as a professional body representing mediators working in commercial, labour and community disputes. The launch ... Read more
When the game isn’t worth the candle
Smarter ways to resolve business disputes There is a moment in most disputes where emotion ... 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
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 ... 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
Assets that demand a closer look when structuring or reviewing your estate plan
When most people think about drafting a will, they picture the usual suspects: the house, the cars, maybe an investment portfolio. But for many people (and businesses), the real complexity - and the biggest risks - lie in the assets that don’t neatly fit into ... 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