IN THE NEWS
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 planning. But for families with complex assets, business interests or blended family dynamics, a will on its own may not be enough. That’s where trusts come in providing the structure, flexibility and protection that a will cannot always achieve on ... 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, ... Read more
The case for airtight contracts in property deals
How overlooked clauses can cost millions - or save them In the world of commercial ... 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 ... 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
The importance of crafting a legally sound will
While nobody particularly likes to think about death, it is an unfortunately reality for all of us and preparing for this eventuality is not just ... Read more
Phantom Shares: Redefining employee incentives
Companies across South Africa are exploring methods to incentivise and retain their workforces, with the adoption of Phantom Shares emerging as a promising solution. This ... Read more
The Texas Auction clause provides an effective tool for resolving shareholder disputes in 50:50 enterprises
Investors in joint ventures, start-ups and other new business enterprises are increasingly turning to expert, legal counsel to ensure their interests are protected. Professionally drafted ... Read more
Warning to South African businesses: AI Policies essential for navigating legal, ethical, and security risks
Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc., a Cape-based legal firm specialising in dispute resolution, has issued a timely warning to businesses in South Africa about the necessity ... Read more
The importance of plain language in property agreements
Have you ever started to read through a document, contract or terms and conditions, only to find yourself halfway in, thinking, "Ah, I'm sure it's ... 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
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 notable reminder, a holistic approach is required to consider the scenarios of the very serious financial and administrative matters that ... 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, yo-yoing petrol prices, load shedding and interest rates hikes. In the light of these challenges many people are facing difficulties ... 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 hikes and soaring interest rates. These difficult circumstances demand strategic foresight and proactive measures from business leaders to mitigate potential ... 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 puffer jacket and dusting off our flip-flops. Something we do with gusto on an annual basis. “While you’re at it,” ... Read more
The importance of crafting a legally sound will
While nobody particularly likes to think about death, it is an unfortunately reality for all of us and preparing for this eventuality is not just a practical step but also a responsible one. Having a valid will in place is not just a formality; it's ... Read more