What Happens After a Company Is Liquidated?
The word ‘liquidation’ tends to trigger panic. Directors fear personal liability. Employees fear losing their jobs and their money. Creditors fear they will never see a cent. And yet, for most people involved in a liquidated company, the biggest source of anxiety is not knowing what the process actually involves. This article explains, in plain […]
Business Rescue vs Liquidation: Which Saves More Value?
Financial distress in business rarely happens overnight. It builds over time as cash flow tightens, creditors apply pressure, and operations become strained by inflation. By the time directors need to make a decision, their options are often limited. The Companies Act 71 of 2008 introduced business rescue as an alternative to liquidation, aimed at preserving […]
What Does Being a Trustee of a Body Corporate Entail (Part 3)
In this article, we look at who chairs a meeting of trustees and the method of voting on resolutions passed at such meetings. The rules state that if there are only two owners, such as a duet sectional title scheme, then they would have to decide on a method between the two owners to possibly […]
Your Company Structure Should Evolve as Your Business Grows
In the early days of a business, structure is often accidental. People wear multiple hats, reporting lines hang loose, and “being agile” usually means figuring things out as you go. This flexibility can be an advantage at the start. But as your business grows, what once felt dynamic can quietly become a risk. At its […]
Why South African Business Owners Must Plan Their Succession
With only 30% of family businesses surviving to the second generation, the time to act is well before you’re ready to step away. Every business owner reaches a point where the question shifts from “how do I grow this?” to “what happens when I’m gone?” For South African entrepreneurs approaching retirement or considering succession in […]
The R2.3 Million Threshold: A New Era for Small Business Growth
For the first time in 17 years, the goalposts for small businesses in South Africa have shifted. As of 1 April 2026, the compulsory VAT registration threshold has increased from R1 million to R2.3 million. This change finally acknowledges how much the cost of doing business has increased since 2009. While this may feel like […]
The Name You’ve Built, the Rules That Protect It: Navigating CIPC Name Disputes
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 the trust you have built with your clients. The question is: what happens when another business starts trading under a name that looks or sounds like yours? This […]
Knowledge Is Power – If You Can Find It
The real threat to your business is old habits. In July 2025, a mid-sized South African business lost one of its most experienced employees. The impact was catastrophic. This was not because of his seniority, but because he was the only one who knew how everything worked. Systems, processes, and compliance routines were all inside […]
Justice on the Run
On 28 March 2025, the Supreme Court of Appeal (the “SCA”) delivered a judgment involving an incident that took place during a 2014 woman’s running race in Mouille Point, Cape Town, which was not closed off to the public. The appellant, a seasoned road runner (who we will call the “athlete” for ease of reference), […]
How to Register Your Business in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Registering a business in South Africa is essential to ensure your company operates legally and complies with local regulations. The process can be straightforward if you follow the proper steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the registration process. Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure The first decision you’ll need to make is the […]