Our Accomplishments
LOCAL GOVERNMENT & MUNICIPAL LAW
Our expertise extends to municipal laws and legislations, encompassing the Municipal Finance Management Act, Systems Act, Structures Act and related legislation. General litigations (drafting legal opinions, drafting municipal by-laws, consulting with stakeholders, providing legal advice, vetting contracts, etc.) and labour litigation (advising clients on HR-related issues, drafting policies, employment contracts, preparing and attending the bargaining council, attending at Labour Court proceedings on behalf of the municipality, general advice on labour issues and related disputes).
CONVEYANCING & REGISTRATION OF LOW-COST HOUSING
We attend to drafting and dealing with a range of issues relating to the registration of low-cost houses, opening township registers, general conveyancing (registering bonds, servitudes, dealing with property acquisition and alienation, drafting deeds of sale). We also have affiliations as we serve on major banks, including Absa Bank and SA Homeloans, Nedbank and register Bonds and attend to bond cancellations.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
We assisted the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in formulating their project management plan for the creation of an industry-led fund (ILF). This fund is designed to support the offshore ship-to-ship bunkering sector and aims to minimise environmental impact, enhance long-term competitiveness and foster economic growth. We are engaged in a High Court case with the NMBM concerning wastewater treatment works.
CORPORATE CLIENTS
Our clientele encompasses government entities, including the Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs, for whom we manage eviction cases and advocate for occupiers facing eviction from farms under Esta. Additionally, we collaborate with Dana Spicer Axle SA, an international company with offices in South Africa situated in Kariega. This manufacturing firm specialises in motor parts production and employs over 400 individuals. Our support extends to their human resources department, involving tasks such as drafting employment contracts, establishing disciplinary codes and codes of conduct, and providing training for union members and shop stewards in negotiation skills, conflict resolution, collective bargaining strategies and leadership development. We further contribute to wage negotiations, implement alternative dispute resolution processes and conduct thorough evaluations of their commercial contracts and other legal matters.
FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
We have experience in conducting forensic investigations related to fraud, corruption, mismanagement and other irregularities as requested by our clients. This includes conducting preliminary investigations to assess the validity of allegations and gauge the likelihood of reaching conclusive findings. We specialise in drafting comprehensive investigation reports and finalising closure reports. Recently, we successfully concluded a forensic investigation into financial misconduct with the Amathole District Municipality. Additionally, we create modules and manuals focused on promoting good corporate governance and ethical business practices.
The practice has experienced organic growth since its establishment in 2004. Our reputable standing has enabled us to attract clientele from the public. Notably, we have served corporate clients including numerous municipalities (such as Ndlambe, Nelson Mandela Bay, Sundays River, Dr Beyers Naude, Koukamma, Dana Spicer Axle (SA), Coega Development Corporation and the South African Maritime Safety Authority).
