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  • gerrit@dbmlaw.com
  • Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 16:30 | Fridays 08:00 - 16:00

New breed law firm

We embrace diversity

Who We Are

DBM Attorneys is proudly based in Newcastle and our clients regard us as a firm of excellence. As the largest firm of attorneys in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, we provide our clients with efficient and effective legal solutions with integrity and professionalism.

We care

We care for our clients, our staff and our community.

We care

We like to get personal and build relationships of trust with our clients. We invest in our staff and give back to our communities.

Setting the Standard

We set the standard and lead from the front.

Setting the Standard

We set high standards for ourselves and work hard to achieve them and ensure our clients experience top and consistent service throughout the firm.

Expertise

Expertise

We are experts that aim to simplify the complex.

Featured Articles

Will AI be steering the future of M&A?

31 March 2025

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably in some way become part of the day-to-day operations of most businesses.... In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have long been a vital strategy for companies looking to expand their reach, increase market share, or diversify their portfolios. 

READ MORE
5
Article

Car balloon payments: Pop goes your budget!

31 March 2025

A car balloon payment may not be quite as festive as it sounds. Consumers often don’t consider the down-the-road impact... of a balloon payment. In this article, we look at the balloon payment structure and what consumers can do to manage this or alternatives that can be considered when procuring a vehicle.

READ MORE
5
Article

When does the Property Transfer clock start in a divorce?

31 March 2025

A recent Chief Registrar’s Circular has shed light on the challenges of determining the correct transaction date for divorce-related property... transfers—especially when settlement agreements are amended after the divorce. 

READ MORE
4
Article

To vote or not to vote: Post-Commencement business rescue creditors

31 March 2025

The Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled on a critical issue in business rescue proceedings—can post-commencement creditors vote on rescue... plans? The Mashwayi Projects v Wescoal case brings much-needed clarity, shaping the future of business rescue in South Africa. Find out what this means for creditors, financially distressed companies, and the business rescue process.

READ MORE
6
Article

Can your cell phone get you fired?

31 March 2025

Using a cell phone has become so accepted that employees easily forget or ignore the fact that their use at... work may not be approved or allowed by the employer. However, failing to adhere to employer policies on cell phone use could potentially have serious consequences for an employee.

READ MORE
3
Article

New SARS reporting puts trusts under the microscope

31 March 2025

SARS has issued stern warnings to trustees to ensure the accurate and honest submission of trust tax returns and made... it abundantly clear that trustees can no longer shift the responsibility of managing a trust’s tax affairs entirely to tax practitioners. This article aims to guide trustees on SARS’ latest tax reporting requirements. 

READ MORE
7
Article

Senior Conveyancing Paralegal: Property Law Department

07 August 2024

 

READ MORE
718
Vacancy

Litigation Secretary: Dispute Resolution Department

13 August 2024

READ MORE
661
Vacancy

Merger retrenchments or operational cuts – Where’s the line?

27 February 2025

When is a retrenchment truly merger-related? The Constitutional Court’s ruling in the Coca-Cola case reshapes the debate on job cuts... and business survival.

READ MORE
48
Article

New rules: will we say goodbye to unwanted direct marketing?

27 February 2025

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published draft amendments to Regulation 4 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of... 2008 (“CPA”) for comment late in 2024. The amendments relate to direct marketing communications in South Africa providing for an opt-out registry as well as a pre-emptive block on direct marketing. In this article, we highlight some of the proposed amendments and how this may be a game changer for consumers and direct marketers.

READ MORE
75
Article

Are you an Accountable Institution under FICA?

27 February 2025

Accountable Institutions are key role players in the fight against crime. Businesses must know whether they qualify as an Accountable... Institution based on the services they provide. 

READ MORE
73
Article

Injured by a hazardous product? Know your rights!

27 February 2025

In a recent judgment, our courts were required to consider whether a consumer who suffered personal injuries from a hazardous... product was entitled to approach a court directly or had first to exhaust the remedies provided for in the Consumer Protection Act. In this article, we review the court’s findings regarding a consumer's rights regarding a hazardous product.

READ MORE
44
Article

Is your business ready for the new Employment Equity rules?

27 February 2025

This article briefly highlights the changes small business owners should anticipate following the enactment of the Employment Equity Amendment Act... (EEA) updates.

READ MORE
73
Article

Reconsideration under Section 17(2)(f): still a safety net?

06 February 2025

With 2024 amendments to Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act, is the application for reconsideration still an option for litigants?  

READ MORE
71
Article

Navigating harassment in community schemes

06 February 2025

Can you protect yourself from harassment in your community scheme? Learn which legal route could work best for you and... how the courts are stepping in to ensure community safety. 

READ MORE
80
Article

POPIA: protecting health and sex life data privacy

06 February 2025

New draft POPIA regulations address the processing of sensitive health and sex life data. This article explores the potential impact... on privacy and consent concerns. 

READ MORE
92
Article

Beneficial Ownership reporting: dormant and deregistered trusts

06 February 2025

Is reporting still required for dormant or deregistered trusts? Uncover the key details you need to know! 

READ MORE
134
Article

Vodacom-Maziv merger blocked: competition vs public interest

05 February 2025

The proposed Vodacom-Maziv merger, combining the largest mobile operator with a key fibre player, highlights the delicate balance between competition... and public interest in mergers.

READ MORE
77
Article

Employee rights in business transfers

03 February 2025

An often-overlooked aspect of a sale of business, is the treatment of staff, with the financial objectives of the sale... taking precedence. In this article, we look at the rights of employees and the importance of these rights being upheld during and post the transfer process to limit the employer’s liability to claims of unfair conduct.

READ MORE
86
Article

Signed, sealed, (e)-delivered: digital leap for Land Registration System

03 February 2025

Say goodbye to paper trails! The Deeds Registries Amendment Act is transforming South Africa’s land registration system, including amendments, to... a shift to digital. Find out how these game-changing reforms will streamline property transactions and reshape the future of land registration. 

READ MORE
148
Article

Capital gains distributions between trusts – who gets taxed?

03 December 2024

Can the conduit principle be used in structures where there are multiple trusts? This issue has recently been heard by... the Constitutional Court in the case of Thistle Trust v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (CCT 337/22) [2024] ZACC 19 which has guided how to tax capital gains in multi-tiered trust structures.

READ MORE
168
Article

When and how can a trustee resign from a trust?

03 December 2024

There is often great uncertainty and misconceptions when it comes to the resignation of trustees of a trust. In this... article, we look at the requirements for the resignation of a trustee from an inter vivos trust and a testamentary trust. 

READ MORE
715
Article

Can you challenge maintenance when you’re in arrears?

03 December 2024

The duty to maintain a child is of utmost importance. But what happens when your financial circumstances change, causing you... to fall behind on maintenance payments? Can you challenge the maintenance order in such a situation?

READ MORE
213
Article

Can a sale in execution proceed while an appeal hangs in the balance?

03 December 2024

In this article, we explore some of the complexities relating to the general rule of suspension during an appeal.

READ MORE
149
Article

Will AI be steering the future of M&A?

31 March 2025
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably in some way become part of the day-to-day operations of most businesses.... In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have long been a vital strategy for companies looking to expand their reach, increase market share, or diversify their portfolios. 
READ MORE
5
Article

Car balloon payments: Pop goes your budget!

31 March 2025
A car balloon payment may not be quite as festive as it sounds. Consumers often don’t consider the down-the-road impact... of a balloon payment. In this article, we look at the balloon payment structure and what consumers can do to manage this or alternatives that can be considered when procuring a vehicle.
READ MORE
5
Article

When does the Property Transfer clock start in a divorce?

31 March 2025
A recent Chief Registrar’s Circular has shed light on the challenges of determining the correct transaction date for divorce-related property... transfers—especially when settlement agreements are amended after the divorce. 
READ MORE
4
Article

To vote or not to vote: Post-Commencement business rescue creditors

31 March 2025
The Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled on a critical issue in business rescue proceedings—can post-commencement creditors vote on rescue... plans? The Mashwayi Projects v Wescoal case brings much-needed clarity, shaping the future of business rescue in South Africa. Find out what this means for creditors, financially distressed companies, and the business rescue process.
READ MORE
6
Article

Can your cell phone get you fired?

31 March 2025
Using a cell phone has become so accepted that employees easily forget or ignore the fact that their use at... work may not be approved or allowed by the employer. However, failing to adhere to employer policies on cell phone use could potentially have serious consequences for an employee.
READ MORE
3
Article

New SARS reporting puts trusts under the microscope

31 March 2025
SARS has issued stern warnings to trustees to ensure the accurate and honest submission of trust tax returns and made... it abundantly clear that trustees can no longer shift the responsibility of managing a trust’s tax affairs entirely to tax practitioners. This article aims to guide trustees on SARS’ latest tax reporting requirements. 
READ MORE
7
Article

Senior Conveyancing Paralegal: Property Law Department

07 August 2024
 
READ MORE
718
Vacancy

Litigation Secretary: Dispute Resolution Department

13 August 2024
READ MORE
661
Vacancy

Merger retrenchments or operational cuts – Where’s the line?

27 February 2025
When is a retrenchment truly merger-related? The Constitutional Court’s ruling in the Coca-Cola case reshapes the debate on job cuts... and business survival.
READ MORE
48
Article

New rules: will we say goodbye to unwanted direct marketing?

27 February 2025
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published draft amendments to Regulation 4 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of... 2008 (“CPA”) for comment late in 2024. The amendments relate to direct marketing communications in South Africa providing for an opt-out registry as well as a pre-emptive block on direct marketing. In this article, we highlight some of the proposed amendments and how this may be a game changer for consumers and direct marketers.
READ MORE
75
Article

Are you an Accountable Institution under FICA?

27 February 2025
Accountable Institutions are key role players in the fight against crime. Businesses must know whether they qualify as an Accountable... Institution based on the services they provide. 
READ MORE
73
Article

Injured by a hazardous product? Know your rights!

27 February 2025
In a recent judgment, our courts were required to consider whether a consumer who suffered personal injuries from a hazardous... product was entitled to approach a court directly or had first to exhaust the remedies provided for in the Consumer Protection Act. In this article, we review the court’s findings regarding a consumer's rights regarding a hazardous product.
READ MORE
44
Article

Is your business ready for the new Employment Equity rules?

27 February 2025
This article briefly highlights the changes small business owners should anticipate following the enactment of the Employment Equity Amendment Act... (EEA) updates.
READ MORE
73
Article

Reconsideration under Section 17(2)(f): still a safety net?

06 February 2025
With 2024 amendments to Section 17(2)(f) of the Superior Courts Act, is the application for reconsideration still an option for litigants?  
READ MORE
71
Article

Navigating harassment in community schemes

06 February 2025
Can you protect yourself from harassment in your community scheme? Learn which legal route could work best for you and... how the courts are stepping in to ensure community safety. 
READ MORE
80
Article

POPIA: protecting health and sex life data privacy

06 February 2025
New draft POPIA regulations address the processing of sensitive health and sex life data. This article explores the potential impact... on privacy and consent concerns. 
READ MORE
92
Article

Beneficial Ownership reporting: dormant and deregistered trusts

06 February 2025
Is reporting still required for dormant or deregistered trusts? Uncover the key details you need to know! 
READ MORE
134
Article

Vodacom-Maziv merger blocked: competition vs public interest

05 February 2025
The proposed Vodacom-Maziv merger, combining the largest mobile operator with a key fibre player, highlights the delicate balance between competition... and public interest in mergers.
READ MORE
77
Article

Employee rights in business transfers

03 February 2025
An often-overlooked aspect of a sale of business, is the treatment of staff, with the financial objectives of the sale... taking precedence. In this article, we look at the rights of employees and the importance of these rights being upheld during and post the transfer process to limit the employer’s liability to claims of unfair conduct.
READ MORE
86
Article

Signed, sealed, (e)-delivered: digital leap for Land Registration System

03 February 2025
Say goodbye to paper trails! The Deeds Registries Amendment Act is transforming South Africa’s land registration system, including amendments, to... a shift to digital. Find out how these game-changing reforms will streamline property transactions and reshape the future of land registration. 
READ MORE
148
Article

Capital gains distributions between trusts – who gets taxed?

03 December 2024
Can the conduit principle be used in structures where there are multiple trusts? This issue has recently been heard by... the Constitutional Court in the case of Thistle Trust v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service (CCT 337/22) [2024] ZACC 19 which has guided how to tax capital gains in multi-tiered trust structures.
READ MORE
168
Article

When and how can a trustee resign from a trust?

03 December 2024
There is often great uncertainty and misconceptions when it comes to the resignation of trustees of a trust. In this... article, we look at the requirements for the resignation of a trustee from an inter vivos trust and a testamentary trust. 
READ MORE
715
Article

Can you challenge maintenance when you’re in arrears?

03 December 2024
The duty to maintain a child is of utmost importance. But what happens when your financial circumstances change, causing you... to fall behind on maintenance payments? Can you challenge the maintenance order in such a situation?
READ MORE
213
Article

Can a sale in execution proceed while an appeal hangs in the balance?

03 December 2024
In this article, we explore some of the complexities relating to the general rule of suspension during an appeal.
READ MORE
149
Article

Featured Expertise

Administration of Estates

Administration of deceased estates, include advice and guidance, executorships, preparation of all documentation for submission to the Master of the High Court, preparation of agreements, ma...

Show more

Appeal

Appeal and review support and assistance in all appropriate forums, risk and merit assessment, preparation and lodging of appeal documentation and records, case management, legal representat...

Show more

Banking and Finance

Banking and finance services, advice and support in relation to credit and finance agreements, transaction structuring, financing agreements, securities and negotiable instruments, shares an...

Show more

Black Economic Empowerment

Advice and support in respect of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) scorecard planning, BEE transaction structuring, equity transactions and ownership models, empowerment funding, BEE complian...

Show more

Bond Registration and Cancellation

Advice and support regarding the registration and cancellation of mortgage bonds, drafting and preparation of securities, engaging with financiers, preparation and lodging of documentation w...

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Child Rights

Advice, guidance and support in respect of child rights, including protection, maintenance, custody, adoptions, surrogacy, legal representation, mediation, negotiation, investigations, draft...

Show more

Commercial Contracting

Advice and drafting of all types of commercial, business and other agreements and transaction documents, standardised contract formats, reviews and audits, risk assessments, negotiation, med...

Show more

Consolidation and Subdivision

Advice and support regarding the consolidation or subdivision or immovable property, including the preparation and lodging of documentation with the Deeds Office, obtaining all necessary aut...

Show more

Consumer Law

Advice and support in respect of all aspects of legal and regulatory aspects relating to the consumer including business audits, risk assessments, drafting of policies and procedures, consum...

Show more

Corporate

Advice and support in respect of entity formation, preparation of founding documentation, registrations, maintenance, amendments, drafting of agreements and resolutions, and company secretar...

Show more

Corporate Governance

Advice and support regarding regulatory compliance, corporate governance, risk assessment, decision-making, company secretarial functions, policies and procedures, training, and the drafting...

Show more

Corporate Structuring

Advice and support regarding effective corporate structuring, entity formation and restructuring, taxation related aspects, reorganising business assets, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers,...

Show more

Administration of Estates

Administration of deceased estates, include advice and guidance, executorships, preparation of all documentation for submission to the Master of the... High Court, preparation of agreements, management of estate assets and liabilities, and all related aspects to ensure a successful administration of a deceased estate.

Appeal

Appeal and review support and assistance in all appropriate forums, risk and merit assessment, preparation and lodging of appeal documentation... and records, case management, legal representation, briefing of counsel and all related support services.

Banking and Finance

Banking and finance services, advice and support in relation to credit and finance agreements, transaction structuring, financing agreements, securities and... negotiable instruments, shares and debentures, regulatory compliance, opinions, and drafting of related documentation and agreements.

Black Economic Empowerment

Advice and support in respect of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) scorecard planning, BEE transaction structuring, equity transactions and ownership models,... empowerment funding, BEE compliance in respect of relevant BEE legislation, codes and charters, skills development, centralized procurement and socio-economic and enterprise development initiatives.

Corporate Structuring

Advice and support regarding effective corporate structuring, entity formation and restructuring, taxation related aspects, reorganising business assets, mergers and acquisitions,... takeovers, joint ventures, private equity, corporate unbundling, share structuring, securities, financing, due diligences, commercialisation and all related agreements and documentation.

DBM Attorneys

Proud and excited for achieving the Platinum Award once again for 2022 and 2023!

The Platinum Award is the highest award of the PH Group to a member firm.
READ MORE

DBM Attorneys

Proud and excited for achieving the Platinum Award once again for 2022 and 2023!

The Platinum Award is the highest award of the PH Group to a member firm.
READ MORE

Client Testimonials

SACC has a long history with DBM Attorneys, whom have provided the company with valuable legal services in all areas of the business. DBM Attorneys is renowned for its efficient, reliable and professional legal advice.

Neraksha Bhowani , Director
SA Calcium Carbride

DBM Attorneys always delivers professional service.

Lungile Mgobhozi , HR Manager
Lanxess CISA

In my entire career I have never seen such speed and professionalism when receiving services. The efficiency of Lynette of the conveyancing department and the system that you are using at DBM is beyond comprehension, unbelievable! I was updated by Lynette and the system all the way. Never, even once, where I had to call your office to find out about the status of my stand. I reside and work in Pretoria, I felt this process was going to take long, but Lynette made it look so easy, she's, professional, solution driven and committed (I think I need her in my office in Pretoria she's got excellent work ethics). This whole deal was made without me coming down to your office in Newcastle, can you believe it!!! for some reasons I ended up trusting the whole process because Lynette knows her story and she very eloquent when explaining I ended up taking the risk and it worked. It is believable that DBM Attorneys are so technologically advanced in its business dealings... within 4 weeks my stand is registered under my name wow!!! that 360 degrees service turn deserves a big THANK YOU to Lezea, Alisa and Lynette.

Ntombikayise Sambo, Private Client

Dear Mamati I would like to express my appreciation in a short note. Thank you so much for your assistance. May you continue doing your outstanding work to your clients May God bless you and your colleagues abundantly! Much Appreciated

Thande Shabangu, Private Client

I just wish to take the opportunity to thank Prishila Ramsangar and Sonja Slabbert for the unbelievable excellent service that we received on our first property deal. You have managed both the transfer as well as the registration of the bond on a professional basis and kept us up to date on a daily basis. What was apparently supposed to be a stressful situation was made simple and it was an absolute pleasure to deal with DBM, Priscilla and Sonja.

Monique Roux , Room Division Manager
Vulintaba Country Hotel & Spa

I would like to express my gratitude to the Firm for the opportunity that was afforded to me by inviting me to attend the vacation work programme. The Firm’s culture was very welcoming and conducive for learning and experiencing what the actual practice of law is all about. It was obvious that there was a lot of skills transferred to young lawyers. Furthermore, the people are comfortable and relaxed to be around. I learned a great deal with regards to the proper drafting of court documents insofar as the practical application of legal theory is concerned. I also learnt about the value of good administrative skills within an office workplace environment, as it is a vital survival tool for an effective/efficient attorney and lastly, I also practically observed how civil court procedures was practiced with reference to the legal theory from our textbooks.

Mawande Xaba, Vacation Work Programme Student

I once bought a house at Ngagane through DBM Attorneys during 2020. Elize Maritz your service and feedback was excellent. I will definitely use you again.

GM Sibiya, Private Client

Elize, I always rely on your prompt action. Your professionalism and efficiency is the best I've seen.

Sindi Nyoka, Private Client

Elize and Prishila, We sincerely appreciate the effort of DBM and team for the streamline progress for very quick registration, we were actually surprised as the agent had mentioned that the property is likely to be registered only next year and therefore are thankful for a speedy turn-around-time of 38 days. We are glad, happy and excited on our new home. It is big step for any homeowner/s on the purchase of a home and DBM has delivered an efficient service to us. Thanking you kindly.

Mr. & Mrs. Nanan, Private Client

Mandy, On behalf of my mom, my sister and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the DBM team for attending to this transfer. The efficiency and professionalism conducted throughout this process by DBM, was absolutely remarkable and outstanding. We could not have chosen a better Conveyancing Attorney.

Leon Grundlingh, Private Client

Hi Mandy Thank you. Received notification that payment was done. Appreciate it. Thank you for everything you have done for us and always being polite and friendly, although we where a pain. Have a lovely day.

Letitia and Gawie van Wyk, Private Client

In my entire career. I have never seen such speed and professionalism when receiving services. The efficiency of Lynette Kuzanga and the system that you are using at DBM is beyond comprehension, unbelievable! I was updated by Lynette and the system all the way. Never, even once, where I had to call your office to find out about the status of my stand. I reside and work in Pretoria, I felt this process was going to take long, but Lynette made it look so easy, she's, professional, solution driven and committed (I think I need her in my office in Pretoria she's got excellent work ethics). This whole deal was made without me coming down to your office in Newcastle, can you believe it!!! for some reasons I ended up trusting the whole process because Lynette knows her story and she very eloquent when explaining I ended up taking the risk and it worked. It is believable that DBM Attorneys are so technologically advanced in its business dealings... within 4 weeks my stand is registered under my name wow!!! that 360 degrees service turn deserves a big THANK YOU to Lezea, Alisa and Lynette.

Ntombikayiso Sambo, Private Client

I would like to acknowledge the great services provided by Elize Maritz (also DBM Attorneys Newcastle). Throughout the progress of registration. Elize assisted us with any enquiries we had as soon as possible. Thank you very much for everything Elize.

BJ Kruger, Private Client

Thank you for a great service DBM Attorneys, as a first time buyer I had a pleasant experience.

AP Msimango, Private Client

I would like to take this opportunity and thank you once again Elize Maritz. You have been extremely supportive, hands on and updating me throughout the whole process in order to finalise this matter. I am not shy to refer any person to you as I am confident that you are committed to excellency. You have inspired me Elize. I so wish we can have people in the Government who are of your same caliber.

SR Sibisi, Private Client

Thank you Mandy Coetzee ! Your service, work ethic and attention to detail is impeccable and very much appreciated !

Tracey Reineke, Property Practitioner
Seeff

Thank You Mandy always a pleasure dealing with you and the DBM family.

John Zanone, Commercial Banking Business Manager
Nedbank

Graag wil ek hierdie geleentheid neem om die firma DBM en in besonder Elize Maritz te bedank vir die uitstekende diens wat ek in die afgelope 20+jaar van julle ontvang het. Baie dankie dat julle altyd so flink optree en dat ons altyd soos familie ontvang word! Elke moontlike probleem word uitgesorteer en altyd met n glimlag en professionaliteit wat van n uitstaande firma soos DBM verwag word! Elize is uitstekend in haar werk en haar professionele hantering van elke saak wat sy deur die jare van my gedoen het is van die hoogste gehalte! Sy is waarlik n aanwins!

Alta Groenewald, Property Practitioner
Harcourts, Newcastle

I need to express my appreciation to you and your staff. I have had an effortless process dealing with Rita Nkosi and Elize Maritz and I must compliment your Attorneys Firm for absolute professional service in the way my Transfer and Bond Registration was handled. I will recommend your firm to anyone I know that needs professional service and advice. Well done and please compliment your ladies they are excellent.

Paul Byrom, Client

A big compliment to you and your staff for handling this transaction in such a professional way! Elize Maritz was always friendly and ready to assist. We were always kept up to date with the process! And yes...I'll definitely do business with your firm in future.

Bertus Potgieter, Property Practitioner
Aida, Pretoria North

Thank you Lynette Kuzanga for the promptness and for handling the transfer with such urgency much appreciated.

Tashveer Ramprith, Property Practitioner
Era, Newcastle

Mandy Coetzee, I thank you for everything you’ve done for me. It’s been a pleasure working with you.

Peggy Mtshali, Private Client

Mandy Coetzee, Thank you for your professional and speedy service. It is much appreciated!

Frikkie Viviers , Private Client