PUBLICATIONS

“Landlords grow rich in their sleep.” (John Stuart Mill, economist) If you are thinking of buying (or already own) a house or apartment in a residential complex with the idea of renting it out as an Airbnb (whether permanently or on an “I can make a fortune this Christmas” basis), tread carefully. A recent High Court decision has signalled confirmation that your body corporate or homeowners’ association (HOA) can, within limits, regulate your right to do so. Residents vs. Ren

“I have heard that in war, haste can be folly, but have never seen delay that was wise.” (Sun Tzu, The Art of War) Collecting debt from a recalcitrant debtor can feel very much like going to war, particularly if you have to slog through the trenches of a series of increasingly costly court battles. Which is where Sun Tzu’s warning against delay comes into play, because not starting collection in time could defeat your claim entirely. The reason of course is that debts – with

“The employer shall ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that all persons who may be directly affected by his activities are not thereby exposed to hazards to their health or safety.” (Occupational Health and Safety Act) The season of goodwill, holidays, celebrations, and year-end functions is upon us once again. And with it comes a timely reminder to employers that, while their “zero tolerance” alcohol-at-work policies may be key to maintaining health and safety in t

“South African drivers, beware! Scammers are issuing fake traffic fines to catch you off guard! Always use AARTO approved collecting agents for your payments.” (Road Traffic Infringement Agency) The national rollout of AARTO has again been postponed, this time to July 2026. Speculation is that we now won’t see the demerit system implemented before the middle of 2027, but both dates remain provisional until gazetted. None of this should stop us from sharing with our families,

“Raising kids is part joy and part guerilla warfare.” (Ed Asner, actor with a great sense of humour!) A game-changing judgment from our Constitutional Court sets out new rules for parental leave. The joy of becoming parents, and a father’s leave dilemma The birth of a couple’s first child presented them with both a bundle of joy and a practical dilemma. Dad wanted to be the baby’s primary caregiver while his wife carried on running her two businesses, so he asked his employer

“In the summertime, when the weather is high, you can stretch right up and touch the sky.” (Mungo Jerry) Summer’s here with its blue skies, happy holidaymakers from around the country and the world, and, as always, an upsurge in demand for houses. If you’re going to capitalise on this seasonal upswing, start planning your sales strategy now with our simple, practical Seller’s Checklist below. Follow these 10 steps for a successful sale: 1. Ask yourself “What’s my goal and how

“A family name holds the music of generations – it’s the first inheritance we receive.” (Attributed to Irish poet-philosopher John O’Donohue) The Constitutional Court has just confirmed (with some significant adjustments) last year’s High Court ruling that both partners in a marriage have equal rights to choose their surname. Previously, a woman – and only a woman – could choose when marrying to take her spouse’s surname, or to retain her own surname, or to assume a double-ba

“Forewarned is forearmed.” (Wise old proverb) Government keeps assuring us that the long-delayed AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system will finally begin its full national rollout on 1 December 2025. Is this another false start or the real thing this time? There have been so many false starts to AARTO over the last fifteen years that many of us will no doubt take the attitude “I’ll believe it when I see it” … Particularly with all the speculation

“Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.” (Will Rogers) Spring is in the air and, as the annual uptick in property sales...

"If you're flogging a dead horse, make sure you're not riding it." (Josh Stern) Creditors and company directors alike need to know how...

"This [the Stalingrad Strategy] is a strategy of wearing down the plaintiff by tenaciously fighting anything the plaintiff presents by...

“If you suspect deceit, hit delete!” (Online cybersecurity slogan) October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a good time to note that as...

“All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity.” (William Shakespeare, in Hamlet) Master’s Office records suggest that less...

“You aren’t buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle.” (Anon) As more and more residential properties are subdivided and developed, an...

"Dance like no one is watching, but text, post, and email like it will be read in court one day." (Anon) When can the target of rude...

“There's no trust, no faith, no honesty in men.” (William Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet) A recent Labour Court decision is a stark...

“Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides.” (William Shakespeare, in King Lear) A recent High Court judgment confirms, yet again,...

“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” (C.S. Lewis) Divorce is traumatic,...

“Diplomats operate through deadlock, which is the way by which two sides can test each other's determination.” (Henry Kissinger) Running...

“You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour.”...