In the space of a week, the Corona Virus outbreak has become an all-consuming global crisis, with unprecedented societal and business upheaval as the pandemic fuels turmoil across the world.  This has brought remote working front and center, like never before, for the health and safety of everybody. 

In response to President Ramaphosa’s announcement on 23 March 2020 regarding the country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, we would like to inform you of the following measures we have put in place to protect both our staff and valued clients, while at the same time ensuring that we continue to offer our full services as best possible under the circumstances. 

As of midnight on Thursday, 26 March 2020, the following will be implemented:

 

GENERAL

  • EVDM will continue to render services to our clients.
  • Our attorneys and support staff will be available via cellphone, whatsapps and all other digital media platforms.  We encourage you to contact them. 
  • We will keep you updated on all matters that we are currently handling on your behalf.
  • We are currently updating our website and will provide regular feedback. 

 

LITIGATION AND GENERAL MATTERS

  • As per a directive from the Chief Justice dated 24 March 2020, only urgent motion applications will be issued in matters relating to bail applications, urgent maintenance, domestic violence related matters and cases involving children. 
  • The issuing of all other matters is suspended until further notice. 
  • No new civil matters (trials, appeals, reviews, unopposed and opposed motions) will be enrolled during the lockdown period. 
  • Civil trials, opposed motions, appeals and reviews already enrolled must be postponed to dates as arranged with the relevant divisions, for dates after the lockdown period. 
  • The service of summons and applications other than those mentioned above, by the Sheriff is suspended until after the lockdown. 
  • Although no physical meetings will be allowed during the lockdown, our professional staff will still be available to consult with clients telephonically, via Skype, whatsapp video call or other online communication platforms. 
  • All emails will still be attended to as in the normal course of business.

 

CONVEYANCING:

 

CLOSURE OF THE DEEDS OFFICE

 

  • As per a directive from the Chief Registrar the Deeds Office will be closed as from Thursday, 26 March 2020 until further notice.
  • No transfer documents can be lodged at the Deeds Office during the lockdown period.
  • No registration of transfers will take place during the lockdown period.
  • No applications for rates clearance figures and certificates can be obtained from the City of Cape Town during the lockdown period.
  • No transfer duty assessments and receipts can be obtained from SARS during the lockdown period.
  • Transfer documents already lodged at the Deeds Office will stand over until after the lockdown period.

 

OPERATIONS DURING LOCKDOWN

  • The EVDM conveyancing department will continue to operate remotely during the lockdown period. 
  • Our conveyancers and support staff will continue to attend to the active transfers which will include the drafting of transfer and bond documents, preparing documents to upload to the City of Cape Town online site and SARS E-filing site, to prepare transfer documents to lodge etc.
  • Obtain all outstanding information relevant to the transfer and bond processes. 
  • Attend to all correspondence either via email or telephonically. 
  • Open transfer files for new instructions and attend to all the drafting and processes possible. 
  • Our conveyancers will be available to provide advice and answer queries via email or telephonically. 

 

These are unprecedented times.  Never before have we faced such challenges.  Please remember to stay positive. 

We trust and hope that you and your loved ones will remain safe during this time of turmoil and uncertainty.  We wish to thank you for your continued and loyal support. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries or need assistance.  You can telephonically contact both our Cape Town and Johannesburg offices on 087 096 0217.

 Please stay safe!  The directors and supporting staff

ENDERSTEIN VAN DER MERWE INC

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