YOUR LEGAL PARTNER IN SOUTH AFRICA.
INTRO
At Terblanche Inc, we understand that legal disputes demand more than knowledge of the law — they require strategy, clarity, and unwavering commitment.
We are a boutique litigation and business law firm based in Cape Town, South Africa, offering hands-on, high-quality legal services to clients across a range of industries. Whether in the boardroom or the courtroom, we act decisively to protect your commercial interests and resolve disputes effectively.
OUR APPROACH
We pursue resolution before confrontation.
Before initiating litigation, we work with clients to explore commercially sensible outcomes through alternative dispute resolution processes such as negotiation and mediation. Our team has successfully brokered numerous multi-million rand settlements, preserving business relationships and avoiding the time and cost of drawn-out court proceedings. While we are formidable litigators when needed, we view court action as a strategic last resort — not a default approach.
When we litigate, we act with vigour and purpose.
Some disputes cannot be resolved through dialogue alone and require decisive legal action. In such cases, we represent our clients with conviction, skill, and strategic clarity — whether in court or arbitration. Our track record includes numerous successful outcomes in high-stakes proceedings, always pursued with professionalism and a focus on results.
We pursue results with focus and resolve.
At Terblanche Inc, we approach every matter with a clear objective: to secure the strongest possible outcome for our client. We combine sharp legal insight, disciplined preparation, and strategic execution to move matters forward — decisively and effectively. Your goals shape our strategy, and we pursue them with unwavering commitment.
PRACTICE AREAS
Closed Accordion
Administrative Law
We act decisively when public power is exercised unlawfully or unfairly. Our team has experience in reviewing administrative decisions, challenging regulatory overreach, and ensuring that organs of state comply with their constitutional and statutory obligations. Whether acting against municipalities, government departments, or regulatory bodies, we stand firmly for transparency, procedural fairness, and the rule of law.
Arbitrations
Arbitration offers a private, efficient, and enforceable alternative to court litigation — particularly in high-value commercial disputes. At Terblanche Inc, we act for clients in both South African and cross-border arbitrations, across a range of industries and institutional rules, including ICC, UNCITRAL, and AFSA.
Our experience spans shareholder disputes, construction claims, insurance coverage matters, and international trade conflicts. We approach each arbitration with the same rigour and strategic focus as High Court litigation — delivering clear advice, strong advocacy, and cost-conscious case management from start to finish.
Business Rescue & Restructuring
We advise on every stage of the business rescue process — from initiation to implementation. Business rescue is a powerful tool for financially distressed companies seeking to restructure and regain viability. At Terblanche Inc, we guide directors, creditors, and business rescue practitioners through the full lifecycle of the process — including assessments of financial distress, preparation of resolutions and court applications, creditor negotiations, business rescue plan development, and implementation oversight. Our goal is to protect value, preserve businesses where possible, and enforce rights where necessary.
Commercial Mediations
We actively promote mediation as a strategic and cost-effective way to resolve disputes. As strong proponents of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), we assist clients in resolving conflicts through structured mediation processes. Mediation offers a confidential, collaborative environment where parties can find practical solutions without the delays and costs of litigation. We help our clients prepare strategically, negotiate effectively, and reach outcomes that align with their commercial and personal interests — all while preserving relationships where possible.
Community Schemes Disputes
We advise homeowners’ associations, body corporates, and property owners in disputes before the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS).
Community living often gives rise to complex legal and governance issues. At Terblanche Inc, we help resolve disputes relating to levies, rules, meetings, maintenance obligations, and governance within community schemes. We represent clients in preparing applications to CSOS, responding to complaints, and managing hearings — with a clear focus on practical resolution, compliance, and protecting long-term property value.
Company Law Disputes
We provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of company law.
Our expertise spans the full spectrum of company law — from formation and governance to shareholder relations and statutory compliance. We assist clients with interpreting and applying the Companies Act, Companies Regulations, and relevant common law principles. Whether advising on director duties, shareholder agreements, company restructures, or regulatory filings, we offer clear, commercially grounded guidance tailored to your business needs.
Construction & Engineering Disputes
We assist with construction and engineering disputes under all major standard-form contracts.
At Terblanche Inc, we assist employers, contractors, subcontractors, and consultants in resolving disputes arising under JBCC, FIDIC, NEC3, GCC, and other standard-form building contracts. Our work covers a wide range of issues, including payment claims, project delays, scope variations, defective works, termination, and enforcement of guarantees.
We understand the commercial and technical pressures that drive construction disputes and offer strategic guidance tailored to the realities of the industry. Whether through adjudication, arbitration, or litigation, we help clients navigate complex processes with clarity and purpose.
Consumer Protection Act
We represent both suppliers and consumers in disputes under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
Our team advises on a wide range of consumer-related issues, including defective goods, unfair contract terms, product liability, and marketing practices. We assist clients in navigating their rights and obligations under the CPA, whether acting for businesses facing compliance challenges or consumers seeking redress. Where necessary, we represent clients in formal complaints, negotiations, and litigation arising from CPA disputes.
Delictual Claims
We advise and represent clients in claims involving delictual liability.
Our team handles a broad spectrum of delict-based matters, including professional negligence, reputational harm, personal injury, pure economic loss, and property damage. We provide strategic guidance on complex issues of fault, causation, and quantum, and act for both claimants and defendants in negotiations, litigation, and appeals. Whether the matter is sensitive, high-stakes, or technical, we approach each case with clarity and focused execution.
Evictions
We act for both commercial and residential landlords in eviction proceedings.
Our team assists property owners in recovering possession of leased premises, ensuring compliance with all procedural and statutory requirements under PIE and common law. We handle both urgent and standard eviction applications, including those involving defaulting tenants, unlawful occupiers, and holdover tenants. With a clear focus on efficiency and legal compliance, we help landlords enforce their rights while minimising delay and reputational risk.
Fraud Investigations
Corporate fraud demands swift action and strategic enforcement.
Our team assists clients in uncovering financial misconduct, tracing assets, and initiating recovery through both civil litigation and criminal proceedings. From misappropriated funds and insider theft to breach of fiduciary duty and collusion, we work alongside forensic investigators to build strong cases and secure urgent relief — including freezing orders, Anton Piller applications, and restitution claims. The goal: stop the loss, recover what was taken, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Insolvency
Sound legal guidance is essential in insolvency proceedings.
Our team advises liquidators, creditors, and financially distressed companies on all aspects of liquidation and sequestration. This includes initiating and opposing applications, proving claims, recovering assets, setting aside impeachable transactions, and managing directors’ liability issues. Whether acting before or after a winding-up order, we provide strategic, commercially focused support to protect interests and maximise recoveries.
Insurance Law
Insurance disputes require a clear understanding of both policy wording and practical risk.
We assist clients with claims under a wide range of insurance policies, including business interruption cover, engineering and contractor’s all risk insurance, personal liability, professional indemnity, household contents, and motor vehicle insurance. Our services include reviewing cover, advising on repudiations, preparing claims, and litigating where necessary to enforce indemnity rights. Whether acting for businesses or individuals, we aim to resolve insurance disputes efficiently and with a firm grasp of the commercial realities involved.
Interdicts
Urgent relief often calls for decisive legal intervention.
Our team assists clients in both pursuing and opposing a wide range of interdicts, including anti-dissipation orders, restraints of trade, prohibitory and mandatory interdicts, and urgent applications to preserve rights or prevent harm. We act swiftly to prepare compelling papers, secure court dates, and advance or defend interim and final relief with strategic precision.
International Trade Law
Cross-border transactions demand clarity, compliance, and commercial foresight.
We provide legal guidance across all aspects of international trade law, including international contract negotiation and enforcement, transport and shipping law, customs and excise regulations, as well as international payment structures, letters of credit, and performance guarantees. Our advice is practical, risk-aware, and tailored to help clients navigate the legal complexities of cross-border trade with confidence.
Joint Venture Disputes
Joint venture disputes require strategic clarity and a firm grasp of commercial dynamics.
We assist clients in navigating all aspects of joint venture breakdowns — including disputes over control, profit sharing, deadlocks, breaches of fiduciary duty, and misuse of shared assets or funds. Whether acting for minority or majority stakeholders, we provide clear advice, enforce rights, and pursue effective remedies through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Landlord and Tenant Disputes
We assist with the full spectrum of commercial and residential lease disputes.
Our work includes the recovery of arrear rental and damages, enforcing lease obligations, and defending or pursuing claims for remission of rent. We also represent tenants and landlords in cases involving breach of contract, unlawful occupation, and early termination. Whether acting in the context of retail, office, industrial, or residential leases, we provide strategic, commercially minded solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Litigation
Our litigation practice spans all levels of South African courts.
We represent clients in proceedings before the Magistrates’ Courts, High Courts, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court. Whether enforcing rights, defending claims, or challenging decisions, we approach each matter with strategic focus, meticulous preparation, and a deep understanding of court procedure and precedent.
Sale of Business Disputes
Disputes arising from business sales and mergers require commercial insight and legal precision.
We advise both buyers and sellers on disputes stemming from mergers, acquisitions, and the sale of shares or business assets. Our experience includes claims involving misrepresentations, breaches of warranties, earn-out disputes, restraint clauses, and post-closing obligations. We focus on protecting our clients’ commercial interests while resolving disputes efficiently—whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Secured and Unsecured Debt Recoveries
We assist creditors with the recovery of both secured and unsecured debts.
From demand to enforcement, we help clients recover outstanding amounts owed under loan agreements, invoices, guarantees, and other obligations. Our services include issuing letters of demand, instituting legal proceedings, obtaining judgment, and executing against assets — all with a focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and protecting our clients’ financial interests.
Urgent Applications
Urgent relief often determines the outcome of a dispute — and we act swiftly to secure it.
We represent applicants in a wide range of urgent applications, including spoliation orders, interdicts to halt board meetings, applications to set aside company resolutions, stays of sales in execution, and interdictions to prevent the transfer of immovable property. Our team moves quickly to prepare compelling papers, secure court time, and protect our clients’ rights when time is of the essence.
TESTIMONIALS
Freddie Terblanche has proven himself to be an astute litigator and has been described by clients, colleagues and advocates as “excellent”, “amazing”, “aggressive”, “meticulous”, “efficient”, “an extremely hard worker”, “honest”, “a legal technician of note” and possessing “extraordinary business acumen”.
LEGAL INSIGHTS
Clarity, Candour, and the Evidentiary Burden: Reflections on Rippel v Absa Brokers (Pty) Ltd
In the matter of Rippel v Absa Brokers (Pty) Ltd (KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Durban, Case No....
When Arbitrators Overstep: A Caution from the SCA
In the 2007 case of Gutsche Family Investments (Pty) Ltd and Others v Mettle Equity Group (Pty)...
Arbitration and the Limits of Judicial Review: Telcordia v Telkom
— A Brief Overview of the SCA’s Landmark Ruling In Telcordia Technologies Inc v Telkom SA Ltd 2007...
George Building Collapse: Investigation Reports are expected in January 2025
The incident On 6 May 2024, a building that would be known as the 74 Victoria Apartments...
Beware of this CSOS Appeal Pitfall
In Hanekom N O and Others v Nuwekloof Private Game Reserve Farm Owners Association a trust...
What is meant by a ‘reasonable prospect’ of business rescue?
The first time the Supreme Court of Appeal had to deal with the concept of business rescue was in...
When will liquidation proceedings be suspended by a business rescue application?
The crisp issue that was decided by the Supreme Court of Appeal in the matter of Lutchman N.O. and...
Do you know the difference between a contract and an agreement?
It is said that all contracts are agreements but not all agreements are contracts. In business we...
Mediation as ADR
Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution where an independent third party (called a...
An arbitrator’s right to be wrong.
In a judgment handed down earlier this year, the South Gauteng High Court restated the legal...