News

A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it?

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams in The Salmon of Doubt) Contracts often contain suspensive

A Thought for Mandela Month – How Does Ubuntu Impact Your Legal Rights?

“In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others.” (Nelson Mandela)

What’s the Normal Retirement Age? It’s Complicated, as The Plumber’s Tale Proves

“When cognitive capacities are the focus, the 70s are the new 50s.” (IMF) Fake news articles suggesting that South Africa was implementing a new standard

Private Prosecution: Neighbours at War

“I charge you by the law.” (William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice) Victims of crime are entitled to see the perpetrators brought to justice.

A R4.25m Warning to Choose Your Conveyancer With Care

“Trust me, I’m a lawyer.” (Popular T-shirt slogan) South African property buyers and sellers will have been cheered by news that we are now officially

Restraint of Trade: Fatal Vagueness Means no Father Christmas to the Rescue

“The legal principles, as I understand them, do not confer on me the powers of Father Christmas. I cannot rescue the un-rescuable.” (Quoted in the

Good News for Grandma: The Law Wants You to Have Access to Your Grandchildren

“Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child’s growth as vitamins.” (Quoted in the judgment below) One of the greatest tragedies of family fall-outs

How to Avoid Fighting Over the House – A Guide for Life Partners

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of bandages and adhesive tape.” (Groucho Marx) It’s a perennial topic of dispute in our courts. A

When Does a Property Defect Justify Cancellation? A Costly Case of Buyer’s Remorse

“Look before you leap.” (Wise old proverb) Imagine sealing the deal on your dream property, only to wake up at 3 a.m. beset by sudden

BFFs no More: The Verbal Agreement That Cost R1 Million

“My word is my bond.” (Once the motto of 16th-century merchants, adopted by ’90s hip-hop artists, and now tossed around by duelling politicians) Many people