by Taryn Blignaut
This article sets out the importance of having a written agreement to regulate your transactions as a small business. We also cover some of the benefits of putting in place a customised legal template for your business.
Read moreResilience in the Legal Profession: A Professional Imperative
by Sonja Cilliers and Maryke Groenewald
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” — Charles Darwin
Resilience is a term that surfaces frequently in discussions about the legal profession, but its meaning is often misunderstood. Is resilience an inherent trait, or is it something legal professionals can develop over time? More importantly, how does the high-pressure, fast-paced environment of legal practice affect a legal professional’s ability to remain resilient?
Read moreSonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, co-founders focused on developing neuro-based resources specifically for legal practitioners
Sonja Cilliers & Maryke Groenewald, founders, The Professional Mind Resilience Institute (South Africa)
Startup Story
The Professional Mind Resilience Institute, empowers legal practitioners to attain unparalleled excellence, find balance in their personal lives, and transcend the boundaries of traditional legal practice in South Africa. The business, which launched in 2024, is on a mission is to enhance cognitive abilities, personal resilience, and professional expertise through comprehensive courses and workshops tailored specifically for legal professionals.
Read moreTaryn Blignaut, a seasoned entrepreneur building a legal consultancy to provide affordable legal solutions to SMMEs in South Africa
Taryn Blignaut (founder) & Senamiso Moyo, Legal Ninjas (South Africa)
Startup Story
Taryn Blignaut is the founder of start-up legal consultancy, Legal Ninjas. Taryn is a corporate attorney with over 15 years in experience as in-house legal counsel for large listed companies including Coronation Fund Managers and Ninety One. Taryn is a seasoned entrepreneur who, through her interactions with other founders, spotted the gap between smaller businesses and legal services. Taryn decided to leave corporate life behind and launch a legal consultancy to provide affordable, commercial legal solutions to SMME's by matching up the skills of former in-house lawyers with the needs of SMME's needing legal expertise with flexible pricing.
Read moreHoliday Rental Safety
by Jenny Reid
Holiday rental time is rife with scammers, fraudsters and the possibility of theft or damage. For holiday-makers, late bookings run the risk of their deposits being stolen, booking a rental that has already been booked or simply doesn’t exist. There may also be unforeseen fees that get included at the last minute.
Read moreUnderstanding Crowdfunding
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular method for individuals and businesses to raise funds for various causes, projects, or ventures. Each type of crowdfunding caters to different needs, offering unique opportunities and obligations for fundraisers and investors alike.
Read moreTips for South Africans Navigating Cross-Border Transactions
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Cross-border transactions play a crucial role in global commerce by allowing South African businesses to extend their reach and participate in international markets. However, these transactions present distinct legal challenges that need to be handled carefully to ensure compliance and reduce risks. South African businesses involved in cross-border transactions must navigate a complex regulatory environment.
Read moreUnderstanding Email Compromise and Scams: Prevention and Response
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Email compromise scams are a growing threat in the digital world. These scams can have devastating financial and reputational consequences for individuals and organisations.
Read moreAI – Enhancement or Unprecedented Legal Risk?
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various sectors globally, from enhancing business efficiencies to providing innovative solutions in healthcare, education, and beyond. AI is everywhere, even in applications you may not know about. Therefore, with its rise comes a set of legal implications that must be carefully navigated.
Read moreHow to Remain Compliant While Keeping Track of all the Compliance Requirements of the Companies Act
by Anastasia Machobane
There is a myriad of requirements that a registered company needs to comply with. I can write about many of these compliance requirements, however, at this point, I will be concentrating on the filing of Annual Returns. Later I will write about Annual Financial Statements as well as the new requirements for filing the Beneficial Ownership registers.
Read moreIntegrating Legal Strategy into Your Business: More Than Just Crisis Management
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Business crises often strike with the force of a bolt of lightning or the sudden flight of a startled horse. Clients then seek legal counsel, hoping to salvage the situation and mitigate the damage. As a lawyer, I have witnessed this scenario play out countless times, with clients urgently seeking assistance once the "pawpaw hits the fan."
Read morePrecious Gondwe, a 21st Century Legal Practitioner in Botswana
Precious Gondwe
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
Precious & Partners Legal Practice, an award-winning legal practice in Gaborone Botswana.
Precious Gondwe, founder of Precious & Partners Legal Practice, is a visionary executive with a progressive legal background. She has a record of accomplishment as evidenced by the multi-awards, accolades, and nominations conferred on her by reputable awards bodies over the past five years. She brings a strong focus on servitude leadership and growth coupled with confidence in decision-making and experience in leading organizations through periods of change and development. Precious is very articulate and driven, with top strengths in relationship-building, planning, strategic management experience, and operations. She is a Corporate Lawyer with nine years post qualification experience and previous litigation experience. These skills and experiences, expertly provide world-class legal services on a variety of Commercial and Corporate Law matters at a Global level. With the Leadership skills she possesses, Precious ensures that the team remains results-oriented, and the results of a proven track record of exceptional outcomes for clients and impeccable growth in revenue for the organizations she has worked with, speak for themselves. The business was launched in 2018 and has created jobs for 15 people.
Read moreAnastasia Machobane, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses ensure they comply with the laws of the country
Anastasia Machobane, founder and ceo, Mashobane Advisory Services (South Africa)
Startup Story
Anastasia Machobane is the founder and ceo of Mashobane Advisory Services in South Africa, a business focusing on providing specialist legal and business administration services to the mostly under-serviced SMME market. She works independently or within team environments, and has a diplomatic/assertive approach in dealing with EXCO and Board members of any organisation. She is passionate about skills development and does this through her mentorship program. The business has created jobs for 5 people.
Read moreAre you a Beneficial Owner or a Person who holds Beneficial Interest? Is your Company or CC Compliant?
by Nicola Mullineux
In response to South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) for non-compliance with the international standards aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, the legislature elected to amend Companies Act, 71 of 2008 (“Act”). The purpose of these amendments is to rectify the deficiencies identified by the FATF, with the ultimate aim of eradicating the greylisting imposed.
Read moreLegally Navigating the Creator Economy with Confidence
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
The rapidly growing creator economy is providing South African entrepreneurs with exceptional chances to collaborate and expand their businesses. As companies from various industries are increasingly acknowledging the impact of influencer marketing, it has become crucial to comprehend the legal complexities of such partnerships to protect their interests and promote sustainable brand relationships.
Read moreThe Age of Technology and the Rise of Workplace Misconduct – How Should You Protect Your Business?
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Unfortunately, some employees may engage in acts of misconduct from time to time in the workplace. The figures related to the number of disputes referred to by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration ("CCMA") and bargaining councils confirm the truth of this statement. Misconduct can take many forms, including theft, unauthorised possession, dishonesty, negligence, and absenteeism.
Read moreArm's Length under the National Credit Act
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw | SchoemanLaw Inc | Specialist Technology, Commercial and Contract Law Attorney
Whether a loan agreement or acknowledgement of debt ("AOD") falls under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 ("NCA") and specifically meets the criteria of being at arm's length could be the line between enforcement of an agreement and it all falling apart.
Read moreUnderstanding the Alter Ego of a Trust
by by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw | SchoemanLaw Inc | Specialist Technology, Commercial and Contract Law Attorney
A trust is a widely used legal entity for various purposes, including estate planning, asset protection, and the management of assets for the benefit of specific individuals or entities. Within the context of trusts, there exists a legal concept known as the "alter ego" of a Trust, which is an essential consideration for trustees, beneficiaries, and anyone involved in trust-related matters.
Read moreNavigating Legal Compliance: The Power of a Project Plan
by by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw | SchoemanLaw Inc | Specialist Technology, Commercial and Contract Law Attorney
In today's intricate and multifaceted business environment, adhering to legal compliance is far more than a mere option—it's a fundamental prerequisite for any organization. Complying with the labyrinth of laws and regulations is not solely about averting legal entanglements. However, it is a pivotal component for fostering trust with stakeholders and ensuring the enduring viability of your enterprise. To proficiently manage legal compliance within your business, a meticulously crafted project plan serves as an invaluable roadmap.
Read moreAI – a Lawyer’s Friend or Foe?
by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
For many law firms, the thought of AI has not been all moonlight and roses. In many instances, there is a fear that it signals the end of our profession, whilst in other cases, a deep sense of distrust. The term AI is also a collective for Artificial Intelligence which refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. There are many times including Generative AI or Natural Language Processing such as Chat GPT. Other types include reactive machines and limited memory bases.
Read more