Ulrich Roux & Venter Incorporated

URA SECURES FATHER’S RIGHT TO UNSUPERVISED CONTACT AND SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINS CONTEMPT ORDER

URA’s Storm Roux, together with Clarisse Scheepers, Carlé Kriedemann and Counsel obtained a successful outcome for our client, an unmarried father in proceedings concerning contact with his 22-month-old son.

The matter arose after the mother unilaterally sought to restrict the father’s Court Ordered contact and insisted that contact be supervised. The father had agreed to a period of supervised contact on an interim basis. Thereafter, he insisted on the enforcement of the existing Court Orders after extensive supervision by social workers confirmed him to be a capable and loving parent.

Following urgent proceedings in the Johannesburg High Court (and the mother’s urgent counter variation application), the Court reaffirmed the father’s right to unsupervised contact and directed the mother to comply with the existing contact regime.

In a strongly worded judgment, the Court held: “The proper functioning of the judicial system depends on the foundational principle that court orders must be obeyed until they are set aside by a competent court. To hold otherwise would invite chaos and encourage litigants to resort to self-help, a course of action that our courts have repeatedly condemned.”

The Court found the mother in contempt of Court, reinstated the father’s unsupervised contact with immediate effect, sentenced the mother to 30 days’ imprisonment wholly suspended for 36 months, and ordered her to pay the father’s legal costs for both the urgent and counter application.

This matter serves as an important reminder that neither parent may unilaterally disregard or interfere with a child’s relationship with the other parent when both parties hold equal rights and responsibilities and especially where contact is regulated by a Court Order. The judgment reaffirms that the best interests of children remain paramount and solidifies the importance of the meaningful involvement of both parents in a child’s life.

URA SECURES SUCCESSFUL ORDER IN HIGH COURT PROPERTY DISPUTE

URA’s Storm Roux and Candidate Attorney Kiara Bahadur successfully obtained a High Court order compelling the transfer of immovable property to our client after the sellers refused to honour a valid agreement of sale.

The matter concerned the purchase of a property in Cape Town, in respect of which our client had fully complied with her obligations under the agreement by paying the deposit, securing bond finance and attending to the transfer costs. Despite this, the sellers sought to avoid their contractual obligations and refused to sign the transfer documentation.

An order for specific performance was granted, directing the sellers to sign all documents necessary to transfer the property to our client. The Court further authorised the Sheriff to sign the transfer documentation on the sellers’ behalf should they fail and/or refuse to do so within the prescribed period. The sellers were also ordered to provide vacant occupation of the property and to pay our client’s costs.

In a carefully reasoned judgment, the Court reaffirmed the importance of contractual certainty and the principle of pacta sunt servanda (that agreements freely and voluntarily concluded should be honoured). Significantly, the Court held:
"The respondents clearly developed 'seller's remorse' after the fact.”

This judgment serves as an important reminder that parties who enter into binding agreements cannot simply walk away from their obligations when circumstances become inconvenient.

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URA INSIGHTS | CHILD MODELS IN COMMERCIAL PRODUCTIONS

This article provides a practical overview of the legal framework, compliance requirements, and best practices that production companies, agencies, and brands must follow when working with minors.

CHILD MODELS IN COMMERCIAL PRODUCTIONS: LEGAL COMPLIANCE OVERVIEW This article provides a practical overview of the legal framework, compliance requirements, and best practices that production companies, agencies, and brands must follow when working with minors.Working with child models can bring authenticity, warmth, and relatability to a commercial production, b...

URA INSIGHTS | BEHIND ON LEVIES? THE LEGAL REALITY EXPLAINED

This article by Gerri Dawes examines the mechanisms through which BC’s may recover outstanding levies, alongside the HC’s caution against the incurrence of excessive legal costs in the recovery process, for which the defendant owner becomes unjustly liable.

BEHIND ON LEVIES? THE LEGAL REALITY EXPLAINED IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT HIGH COURT RULING This article examines the mechanisms through which body corporates may recover outstanding levies, alongside the High Court’s caution against the incurrence of excessive legal costs in the recovery process, for which the defendant owner becomes unjustly liable.In the recent High Court ruling of Ce...

URA INSIGHTS | THE FINE PRINT IS IN YOUR FAVOUR: WHAT INSURERS CANNOT UNDO.

This article deals with when insurers agree to cover in a policy, they cannot later escape liability by claiming the wording was a mistake.

THE FINE PRINT IS IN YOUR FAVOUR: WHAT INSURERS CANNOT UNDO IntroductionInsurance policies are only as valuable as the wording of their contractual provisions. A recent judgment by the Supreme Court of Appeal - AIG South Africa Ltd & Others v Azrapart (Pty) Ltd and Another (898/2024) [2025] ZASCA offers a crucial message for policyholders: insurers cannot re...

We are pleased to officially welcome John Macdonald to the firm as one of our 2026 Candidate Attorneys ⚖️

John joined our team shortly after our earlier intake and has already settled in well. Currently completing his Masters in Labour Law, he brings a keen interest in labour and criminal law, two areas in which he is eager to develop his experience and skills during his articles.

We look forward to his growth and the contribution he continues to make to our firm. Welcome to the , John!

URA INSIGHTS | THE HIDDEN RISKS OF FIREARM OWNERSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA

This article delves into what every firearm owner in SA should know about firearm ownership and the law, in plain, practical terms.

THE HIDDEN RISKS OF FIREARM OWNERSHIP IN SOUTH AFRICA Most people only think about firearm laws when something goes wrong. By then, it is often too late. Imagine this: You keep a licensed firearm at home for protection. One day, a friend asks to “borrow it quickly.” Or you store it temporarily somewhere else. Or you carry it in your car without thi...

Today, we proudly hosted our very first property morning and what a success it was.

Together with Janine Barry, MEGA Agent Master Trainer and Liezel Ras from Betterbond, we brought together a room filled with driven property professionals committed to growing, learning and elevating their businesses.

From powerful insights on building a 7-figure income, to practical strategies on preventing deals from collapsing and accelerating paydays, the morning was packed with real value and actionable takeaways.

What stood out most was the energy in the room – a shared commitment to excellence and a focus on navigating the 2026 property market with confidence.

To everyone who joined us: thank you! This is just the beginning.

URA INSIGHTS | WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROPERTY PURCHASE COSTS

This guide provides a clear overview of the typical costs associated with purchasing property in South Africa.

PROPERTY PURCHASE COSTS IN SOUTH AFRICA (2025/2026): WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW Many buyers are surprised by the additional costs that arise during a property transaction. Understanding these costs upfront is essential for effective financial planning and ensures a smooth process from offer to transfer.This guide provides a clear overview of the typical costs associated with pu...