Van Rensburg Inc

02/09/2026

Are your school’s fee collection procedures legally compliant?

Collecting unpaid school fees isn't as simple as handing a file over to debt collectors. Public and independent schools must strictly follow specific legal procedures before taking legal action against parents.

From handling exemption applications fairly to sending required statutory notices, skipping a step can prevent a school from ever recovering outstanding funds.

Ensure your school or governing body is operating within the law:

Under both SASA and common law, the obligation to pay school fees falls on biological parents, legal guardians, and those who have obtained custody of a

26/08/2026

Is that arbitration clause in your contract protecting you—or setting a trap?

Arbitration is supposed to offer a faster, private alternative to traditional court battles. But if the clause isn't drafted carefully, it can easily turn into an expensive, drawn-out nightmare.

From hidden costs to unexpected procedural rules, generic terms can do more harm than good when a business dispute arises.

Make sure your contracts actually safeguard your business when things go wrong:

When two businesses sign a contract, they rarely think about what happens if things go wrong. Buried in the boilerplate, an arbitration clause can quietly

19/08/2026

Can a WhatsApp voice note or an email legally count as your will?

South African law strictly requires a written, physically signed document. While courts can occasionally accept digital records if your intention is undeniable, doing so almost always triggers lengthy, expensive legal battles for your loved ones.

Don't leave your legacy to chance. Find out where the law draws the line:

South Africa's Wills Act 7 of 1953 remains unchanged in 2026. Voice recordings, emails, and unsigned drafts do not automatically qualify as valid wills, but

12/08/2026

Considering divorce? Don't wait until it's too late to get legal advice.

When a marriage ends, taking the first step toward legal counsel isn't about rushing into a fight—it’s about protecting your future.

Waiting too long can result in critical mistakes regarding asset division, maintenance, and parental rights. Early advice gives you the clarity needed to make calm, informed decisions and avoid costly legal battles down the road.

Find out why early preparation matters most:

Deciding to end a marriage is rarely a sudden choice. For most people, it is the result of months, sometimes years, of deliberation, emotional struggle, and

05/08/2026

Are you running your business under the wrong structure?

The business setup that worked when you started might be a major bottleneck today. Your choice of structure heavily impacts your personal liability, tax obligations, and ability to secure funding.

Ensure your company setup actually protects your assets and supports your growth.

Find out which structure fits your goals:

When you launch or restructure a business in South Africa, most SMEs and investors choose between three options: a private company (Pty Ltd), a trust, or a

29/07/2026

Buying a new property directly from a developer? Watch out for the tax trap.

Many buyers look for new developments because they want to skip the out-of-pocket expense of transfer duty. But remember: VAT and transfer duty are mutually exclusive—meaning if you buy from a registered developer, you’re paying 15% VAT instead.

While this means you can often roll the tax into your monthly bond repayments instead of paying it upfront, it can significantly change your long-term costs if you aren’t careful.

Don't let a "VAT exclusive" clause catch you off guard. Find out what you need to check in your contract before signing:

When you walk into a modern development, the smell of fresh paint and polished finishes welcomes you into a space that feels ready to be lived in. But before

15/07/2026

Resolving Civil Disputes: Small Claims vs. Magistrates’ Court

When legal disputes arise over financial claims, choosing the wrong forum can cost your business or client unnecessary time and capital. In South Africa, the path you take depends entirely on specific jurisdictional limits and the complexity of the matter.

While one court offers an informal, rapid solution for lower-value disputes, the other provides a formal, procedurally strict environment built for larger or more intricate claims. Knowing where to draw the line is the first step toward a successful outcome.

Learn more:

When a dispute turns serious enough to head to court, one of your first decisions can make all the difference: where to take your case. In South Africa, most

14/07/2026

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08/07/2026

Municipal approval feels like the green light. In property law, it's only half the picture.

A business gets zoning approval, signs a lease, fits out the space — then the neighbours go to court and the business is forced to close. It happens more often than people realise.

Municipal approval confirms compliance with public law. It says nothing about the private property rights embedded in the title deed. Those conditions bind every owner, tenant, and occupier — and South African courts have confirmed they take precedence.

Before you sign a lease or approve a tenant for commercial use, the title deed, sectional title rules, and HOA requirements all need to be checked.

Read more:

Getting permission from the municipality to run a coffee shop on a residential property might seem like the green light to go ahead. The plans are signed off,

24/06/2026

What happens when a company ignores a Tribunal name-change order?

CIPC can replace their registered name with their company number — effectively stripping the brand from the register.

It's a powerful enforcement mechanism, but one that business owners need to understand and use proactively. From lodging a Companies Tribunal application to navigating compliance timelines, the process has specific requirements that are best handled with legal guidance.

Read full article to understand how CIPC name disputes work — and how to protect the name you've built:

For most business owners, your company name is far more than a formality. It is how your market recognises you. It reflects your work, your relationships, and