News & Articles
85 years of giving back
Over the years, VDT has shown its character by working to empower the lives of those less fortunate by getting involved in community events and putting our skills to use in more ways than just helping clients.
Regulating social media abuse in the workplace
“I have a growing concern not only about the time my employees are spending on social media sites but also about the risks for my business if an employee should not conduct themselves appropriately whilst online. How do I strike a fair balance as an employer between allowing social media use and protecting my business interests?”
New Preferential Procurement Regulations see the light
“My business is quite reliant on government tenders. I understand that new procurement regulations will soon be published which will impact on government tender processes. How concerned should I be?”
The new Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill to tackle cyber criminals
“I receive at least ten fake emails and sms’s per day telling me I’ve won, or entered some competition or can claim some reward. And it seems to just get worse. It feels like it’s just a matter of time before I get caught in some scam and then I won’t even know who to turn to for help. Surely, these criminals can’t just have free reign to do what they want?”
Is the interest-free loan to a trust dead?
“For estate planning purposes a few years ago I moved some of my assets into a family trust and financed the disposal to the trust with an interest free loan in my name. I understand that recent tax amendments will now impose unfavourable tax consequences on me in relation to this interest free loan. Is this true?”
What rights do performing animals have?
“With a circus in town again, I cannot but wonder whether there is any protection for the animals that have to perform in the circus. I’m not saying they are being mistreated, but surely their treatment cannot be left only to the discretion of the circus owners?”
Can my outdoor spa land me in hot water with the body corporate?
“My wife and I recently moved into a sectional title unit. We used to have an outdoor spa at our previous house and would like to put one in again, but we are not sure what the rules of sectional titles schemes are when it comes to installing spa baths? Do I need permission or can I just continue?”
How must you manage an addict in your employ?
“I recently confided to my line manager that I have an alcohol problem. Soon thereafter the company sent out an email informing us that anybody caught drinking or smelling of alcohol at work would be subject to disciplinary proceedings. I know I have a problem and need help, but I am worried that the employer is getting ready to dismiss me. Can they do this?”
Who can park where in a sectional title scheme?
“In the sectional title scheme where I live there is constant fighting and arguing about who may park where and who is responsible for the maintenance of these parking spaces. My question is: who decides which parts of the scheme will be allocated for parking bays, who may use them and who must maintain them?”
Why you need custom T&C’s for your online business
“I’ve recently decided to launch an online business and I am setting up my website. My website developer has strongly advised me to look at proper terms and conditions for my website. I’ve always thought these were relatively standard but now it sounds like it must be quite specific. Is this true, or can I just copy terms and conditions from other websites?”
Must I procure from my Supplier Development beneficiary?
“About four years ago my company entered into an enterprise development agreement with a new BEE company starting up in our sector as part of our commitment towards BEE and enterprise development. In terms of our agreement, we provide them with support and even financial assistance and have helped them find their feet in our industry. Although we work closely with them, we don’t procure anything from them. Will this initiative be recognised under the revised Enterprise and Supplier Development element of the Amended BEE Codes?”
What to do to privately prosecute?
“In 2016 my son was assaulted in ‘n bar, however the state decided not to prosecute the particular person. Lately I’ve heard a lot in the news about private prosecution. How does it work?”
What to expect from the amended Agri-BEE Sector Code
“My business supplies fresh produce to a large retail food chain, who expects us to remain BEE compliant at all times. What impact will the recently amended Agri-BEE Sector Code have on my business and my ability to remain BEE compliant?”
New Competition Amendment Bill aims to overcome previous structural challenges
“We’re a BEE consortium that has been exploring opportunities to venture into the telecommunications industry. What is immediately apparent is that this sector is dominated by a number of larger players, which makes entry quite difficult. To what extent will the proposed amendments to the Competition Act create more scope for newer players like us?”
What safety requirements must my swimming pool comply with?
“I’m contemplating building a small swimming pool in my yard. I’ve heard that you are supposed to have your swimming pool fenced off. Is that true?”
Sectional title levy increases you can expect
“My body corporate has warned that due to recent changes in the sectional title legislation we should be expecting higher than normal levy increases. I live on a tight budget and this news has me very worried. Is it true that my levies will increase or is the body corporate just making this up?”
Pension interest and divorce
“I’ve been married for 20 years, but my marriage is in trouble and I’m facing the very real possibility that I may get divorced soon. My husband has a good pension that we’ve planned to use for our retirement, and I am worried that I will not be entitled to any share of that should we get divorced because we are married out of community of property with the accrual? Will this be the case?”
Could a sale of shares be subject to the National Credit Act?
“My company holds shares in a larger construction company worth about R5 million. I’m looking at selling my shares to an interested party that the construction company is also happy with. However, the party can only pay a deposit of R1,5 million and thereafter the remainder in monthly installments over a period of 18 months with an interest of prime plus 1%. My bookkeeper says I must be wary of falling under the National Credit Act. Could this be a possibility?”
The ‘when’, ‘who’ and ‘how’ of taking valid company resolutions
“I’ve purchased a shareholding stake in my dad’s family business. I’ve been part of the family business for some time but now I’m a shareholder and clueless as to the basics of how the company’s shareholders are supposed to take decisions. What should I know about company resolutions?”
Reaping the benefits of empowering your employees
“I am the owner of a construction business. In our industry skills development is very important and I invest where possible in training my staff. I understand that if I allow my staff to take up learnerships through my company there are certain tax benefits that I can use to help cover the costs of the learnerships. Is this correct?”
Application of the National Credit Act to property instalment sale agreements
“A buyer is interested in buying my flat. Her bank is not prepared to give her a loan because she is paying off a few personal loans, but she is prepared to enter into an instalment sale agreement to pay the purchase price in instalments over a period of time, much like a rental. I like the idea of at least getting a monthly income, but I am worried whether I can do this and charge interest on the instalments, particularly as it will take a few years for her to pay the price in full?”
How to quieten that barking dog?
“My neighbour’s two dogs have been barking incessantly the last few days at all hours of the day and night. My wife, our toddler and I have not been able to sleep and its taking its toll on us personally and at work. Is there anything that we can do legally?”
When will my petty theft record disappear?
“I have recently completed my tertiary education and I am now looking for work, but I can’t get any because I have a criminal record. The record was for petty theft that I commited more than ten years ago and for which I received a R500 fine. Can my criminal record be removed?”
Take note of the New Construction BEE Codes
“I own a construction company which is heavily reliant on state tenders. I understand that new construction BEE codes are coming soon. I am worried about these new codes as the old construction codes had many provisions that my company found difficult to comply with. Will this be the case again? What should I be on the look-out for?”
Is it really farewell to that pesky salary attachment order?
“I have read a recent article that says that due to a recent court judgement, salary attachment orders are no longer allowed. Is this correct and does that mean that the order against my salary is no longer valid?”
Don’t forget about the gas certificate when selling your house
“I am in the process of selling my house. I have a permanent gas oven in the house and the transferring attorney is saying I need to get a gas compliance certificate for the gas appliance. Is this necessary, and should the buyer not be responsible for this?”
Is the ‘indemnity’ still alive and well?
“Over the last few years I have read a number of articles that talk about the new Consumer Protection Act and how it provides protection for me, the consumer. Yet, whenever I visit a shopping centre or sign an in-store agreement, I always wonder whether these disclaimers and indemnities are really enforceable, and if so, how has my position as a consumer, been improved by such legislation.”
What must my attorney keep confidential?
“I have an appointment with an attorney to obtain legal advice on my business and its structuring. I will have to share certain confidential information with regards to my business with him. Does this fall under the protection of attorney-client privilege?”
New procurement regulations will change the tender environment
“My business is heavily dependent on government tenders. I have heard talk of new tender regulations that are coming that will have a dramatic impact on the tender requirements. Is this true?”
Is sequestration the end of the road, or is there relief?
“I recently read about a well known sportsman being sequestrated. Does it necessarily mean it’s the end for him, or will his debt simply be written off so he can start over?”