IN THE NEWS
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 a dirty word in boardrooms across South Africa. But in 2026, businesses that want to grow - and survive - can no longer afford to play it safe. The name of the game is strategic risk-taking. Whether through mergers, acquisitions ... Read more
Unpacking the legal standing of beneficiaries in trust and estate disputes
When a trust suffers a loss - through negligence, misconduct or mismanagement - can the ... Read more
Executors, Trustees and Business Continuity: Getting it right
Appointing an executor or trustee is one of the most critical estate planning decisions you’ll ... Read more
Estate planning: Blended families, business assets and the myth of fairness
Estate planning is rarely straightforward. Add in second marriages, stepchildren, business interests or complex property ... 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
Minority shareholders in a business do have rights under South African law
Being a minority shareholder in a business doesn't mean you have no say. In South Africa, if you hold 49% or less of a company's ... Read more
Indemnity Schemnity
Understanding the pitfalls of standard contractual indemnities In many a business agreement, indemnities are often viewed as a safety net, offering a semblance of security ... Read more
Are “Without Prejudice” offers truly without prejudice?
In the world of legal settlements and debt negotiations, the term "without prejudice" has often been used to signify an offer or agreement that cannot ... Read more
Horses for cases: Choosing the right legal professional: your key to success in matters of the court
The legal profession is a multifaceted domain, where no two cases are the same, and each situation demands a distinct level of expertise and experience ... 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
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 issue or failing to make arrangements can lead to legal action against you, which often involves receiving a summons. Being ... 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 property, there are certain disclosures you are obliged to make, even with voetstoots, failing which, you could be accused of ... 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 lack thereof can cause endless drama for the family and this is why estate planning stands as a genuine responsibility ... 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 a vital tool for unveiling and unravelling possible misconduct or mismanagement within a company, prior to liquidation. Through these enquiries, ... Read more