IN THE NEWS
When you start borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. The warning signs your company is in financial distress
It rarely begins with a dramatic collapse. More often, financial distress creeps into a business quietly. A VAT payment is pushed to next month. PAYE is delayed because salaries have to be covered. The landlord can wait a week because a major debtor has promised payment. One supplier is paid while another is asked for ... 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
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
Choosing the right corporate fit for your new business
So, you've got a brilliant business idea that's ready to take the world by storm - the excitement is palpable, the possibilities endless and the ... Read more
Proactive strategies for businesses facing financial difficulties
In the midst of South Africa's current economic rollercoaster, businesses, both big and small, are facing their fair share of challenges. Think frequent power outages, ... Read more
The Art of Law
by PJ Veldhuizen Sun Tzu’s Art of War, estimated to have been written by the Chinese general between 475 and 221 BCE, is based on ... Read more
Beyond National Wills Week: What happens to your finances when you die?
National Wills Week (September 11 to September 15), reminds all South Africans of the importance of estate planning. While this annual event serves as a ... Read more
Tackling the tough times: practical, pro-active ways to navigate financial difficulties
For the past few years businesses and individuals in South Africa have experienced significant financial strain due to economic factors such as rising repo rates, ... 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
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 voting shares, you might lack some control, but you still have rights and while majority shareholders might call the shots ... 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 against potential losses and damages. However, PJ Veldhuizen, Managing Director at attorney firm Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc. warns of the ... 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 be admitted or revealed in court proceedings. However, recent insights from legal rulings raise questions about the true nature of ... 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 to achieve the best outcome for the client. In the pursuit of justice, the choice of legal representation can make ... Read more
Choosing the right corporate fit for your new business
So, you've got a brilliant business idea that's ready to take the world by storm - the excitement is palpable, the possibilities endless and the journey exhilarating - but before you dive headfirst into the entrepreneurial abyss, there's one crucial question you need to answer: ... Read more