Themis Law Chambers

Themis Law Chambers Themis Law Chambers is the office premises of Hayes Inc and Themis Commercial Legal Advisors (Pty) L Visit our website for more information.

Themis Law Chambers: the offices of Themis Commercial Legal Advisors (Pty) Ltd and Hayes Incorporated (litigation).

From Offer to Transfer: What really happens behind the scenes in a property transfer?A signed offer to purchase is just ...
02/06/2026

From Offer to Transfer: What really happens behind the scenes in a property transfer?

A signed offer to purchase is just the beginning. From that point, the transaction moves into a phase where several processes run in parallel before the change in ownership can be registered in the Deeds Office.

These typically include:
• Securing a rates clearance certificate from the municipality
• Arranging bond approval and registration, where applicable
• Obtaining the required compliance certificates (electrical, beetle, gas and electric fence)
• Preparing and lodging the transfer documents at the Deeds Office

For both buyers and sellers, having a clear understanding of this process upfront makes a practical difference. It allows for more informed decision-making, better coordination between key players, and a smoother path to registration with fewer surprises along the way.

We have a full service conveyancing team that can help you navigate this process. Contact us for assistance at 021 461 0123 or [email protected]

Companies Act UpdateOn 22 May 2026, the President proclaimed the commencement of key sections of the Companies Amendment...
28/05/2026

Companies Act Update

On 22 May 2026, the President proclaimed the commencement of key sections of the Companies Amendment Act, No. 16 of 2024, introducing material changes to corporate governance and dispute resolution under the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008.

What's new for public and state-owned companies

New sections 30A and 30B now require a prospective remuneration policy to be tabled for shareholder approval at each AGM (at least every three years, or upon any material amendment), alongside a mandatory annual remuneration report. That report must disclose individual director and prescribed officer remuneration, as well as workforce pay metrics — including highest, lowest, and median remuneration and internal pay disparities. "Total remuneration" is broadly defined to capture salary, benefits, employer contributions, and short- and long-term incentives.

The stakes just got higher for remuneration committees

Repeated shareholder rejection of the implementation report now carries real consequences. A first rejection requires non-executive remuneration committee members to stand for re-election. A second consecutive rejection results in deemed resignation from the board and a two-year prohibition from remuneration committee service. Shareholder votes at AGMs are no longer a formality.

Dispute resolution moves in-house at the Companies Tribunal

Amendments to section 166 remove external accredited mediators and conciliators, centralising all mediation and conciliation within the Companies Tribunal. Where those processes fail, a certificate of non-resolution opens the door to arbitration, with Tribunal awards being final and binding.

The bottom line: Companies face increased disclosure obligations, heightened AGM sensitivity, and direct accountability consequences for directors arising from shareholder voting outcomes. Now is the time to review your remuneration policies, AGM processes, and dispute resolution frameworks.

We're here to help you navigate these changes. Reach out to our team for guidance.

Read Proclamation Notice 313 of 2026 here:https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202605/54722pro313.pdf and the Companies Amendment Act, 2024 here:https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202407/50991-30-7-companiesamendmentact162024.pdf

Clear governance shapes how a company's decision stands when tested.Our company secretarial department deals with the co...
27/05/2026

Clear governance shapes how a company's decision stands when tested.

Our company secretarial department deals with the corporate practicalities behind the everday running of your business so you don't have to.

Whether its the maintenance of your company's statutory records or filings with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), we have you covered.

Need assistance? Contact us at [email protected] or 021 461 0123.

Cross-border transactions raise unique legal, commercial and regulatory challenges.We assist clients at every stage - fr...
25/05/2026

Cross-border transactions raise unique legal, commercial and regulatory challenges.

We assist clients at every stage - from structuring and due diligence to ex*****on and closing - helping deals move smoothly across jurisdictions.

Contact us for assistance at [email protected] or 021 461 0123.

Each week, our Candidate Attorneys take part in the firm's in-house commercial and litigation training programmes.At eac...
20/05/2026

Each week, our Candidate Attorneys take part in the firm's in-house commercial and litigation training programmes.

At each training session, a new topic is discussed and the Candidate Attorneys are given the opportunity to pose questions and learn from seniors at the firm.

The strength of an agreement is tested when something goes wrong.That is when wording, structure, and clarity move from ...
15/05/2026

The strength of an agreement is tested when something goes wrong.

That is when wording, structure, and clarity move from theory into consequence.

Our firm offers professional drafting services tailored to your specific needs whether you're concluding a commercial deal, structuring a partnership, or formalising key business relationships.

We focus on clarity, risk mitigation and enforceability, ensuring your agreements don't just look good on paper, but work when it matters most.

Need advice? Contact us at [email protected] or 021 461 0123.

Increased Merger Thresholds and Filing Fees: Fewer Notifiable Transactions, but Higher Costs for Those That Require App...
13/05/2026



Increased Merger Thresholds and Filing Fees: Fewer Notifiable Transactions, but Higher Costs for Those That Require Approval

With effect from 1 May 2026, South Africa’s merger notification thresholds and Competition Commission filing fees have increased.

The intermediate merger threshold has increased from a combined turnover/assets value of R600 million to R1 billion, with the target firm threshold increasing from R100 million to R200 million. The large merger threshold has increased from R6.6 billion to R9.5 billion, while the target firm threshold has increased from R190 million to R280 million.

Practically, this means that fewer transactions will now require mandatory merger notification. Transactions that previously qualified as intermediate mergers may now fall below the thresholds altogether, while some transactions previously categorised as large mergers may now only qualify as intermediate mergers. This should reduce regulatory hurdles, lower legal and administrative costs associated with merger approvals, and potentially expedite deal implementation.

However, where notification is still required, the filing fees have increased materially. Intermediate merger filing fees have increased from R165,000 to R220,000, and large merger filing fees have increased from R550,000 to R735,000. Accordingly, while fewer mergers may require notification, those that do will face significantly higher filing costs.

Read more here:https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202601/54020gon7029.pdf

In an environment of rising fuel costs and unstable supply chains, how a commercial transaction is structured matters mo...
11/05/2026

In an environment of rising fuel costs and unstable supply chains, how a commercial transaction is structured matters more than ever.

Legal advice at the outset can help allocate risks appropriately and build flexibility into the deal.

Contact us for assistance at [email protected] or 021 461 0123.

Mother’s Day is a moment to recognise the care, strength, and guidance that mothers and mother figures bring to family l...
10/05/2026

Mother’s Day is a moment to recognise the care, strength, and guidance that mothers and mother figures bring to family life.

Wishing all mothers and those who hold that role in the lives of others a special Mother’s Day.

It is often said that a contract does not prevent disputes - it only deals with them once a dispute arises. In practice,...
08/05/2026

It is often said that a contract does not prevent disputes - it only deals with them once a dispute arises.

In practice, a well-drafted contract should do much more: allocate risk clearly, reduce ambiguity and limit the scope for disagreement from the outset. Fewer grey areas usually mean fewer disputes.

Need assistance with a contract? Reach out to our team at [email protected] or 021 461 0123.

Address

Unit 1, Roeland Square, Corner Of Roeland Street And Drury Lane
Cape Town
8001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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