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
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
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
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
Severe consequences for impeachable transactions in liquidation
Commercial law attorney PJ Veldhuizen from Cape Town-based law firm Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc. has warned that the recent case of a liquidation involving a ... Read more
The robot made me do it; exploring the risks of AI in legal contract drafting
In a recent interview, PJ Veldhuizen, a commercial attorney, litigator, and mediator at Gillan & Veldhuizen Inc., delved into the potential pitfalls of utilizing AI ... Read more
The Texas Auction clause provides an effective tool for resolving shareholder disputes in 50:50 joint ventures
Investors in joint ventures, start-ups and other new business enterprises are increasingly turning to professional, legal counsel to ensure their interests are protected. A professionally ... Read more
How to brief your attorney and manage the relationship beneficially
An attorney and a client's relationship should be one of mutual respect and trust; one that requires transparency, honesty, integrity, availability, respect for the financial ... Read more
Drafting a will in a blended family – ‘it’s complicated’
“Succession planning can be a complicated matter even in a simple family structure and not having a concrete plan can lead you to debilitating legal ... 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
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 alternative strikes a balance between traditional equity-based compensation and non-equity returns, presenting compelling options for both employers and employees. The ... 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 MoI and shareholder agreements is a key component of this strategy providing investors with comprehensive protection when dealing with internal ... 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 of including AI policies in their company policy documents. In a recent interview, Managing Director, PJ Veldhuizen warned of the ... 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 all fine," and then scrolling down, signing and accepting without a second thought? But what happens when a query arises ... Read more
Severe consequences for impeachable transactions in liquidation
Commercial law attorney PJ Veldhuizen from Cape Town-based law firm Gillan and Veldhuizen Inc. has warned that the recent case of a liquidation involving a Close Corporation and a creditor is a clear example of collusive conduct and the consequences of impeachable transactions. In the ... Read more