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
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
Corporate Legacy Planning: Safeguarding the future of your business
According to the Master of the High Court, more than 70% of South Africans die ... 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
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
Proactive strategies for businesses amidst financial challenges
In the face of South Africa's current, tough economic climate, businesses are confronted with a series of formidable challenges, including loadshedding, increasing repo rates, petrol ... Read more
Spring-cleaning your personal estate: beyond closets and cupboards
Spring is here and many of us will be reaching to the top of our cupboards, bringing down the summer gear, packing away the mandatory ... 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
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, rising interest rates, along with never-ending petrol price and interest rate hikes. These obstacles are enough to make anyone's head ... 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 the fundamental premise that war should be avoided with diplomacy. If war can't be avoided, it should be fought smartly, ... Read more