“The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.” – Socrates
Welcome to our new-look Newsletter, the launch of which has come at a time where the world we live and work in is vastly different from what we knew a few weeks ago.
Thankfully, technology has made it possible for many aspects of business and schooling to continue to operate. At Bissets, we have systems that are in place to ensure that our attorneys and staff are available, that they have the necessary tools, and are able to work remotely and that we continue to provide our services to you with as little disruption as possible.
Our homes have become offices and schools with meetings and lessons taking place by way of video conferencing. Whatsapp and email communications have become a vital tool both in business and in our personal lives. Working parents have become teachers and are having to juggle facilitating school work with managing their professional life. Social media is an ever-increasing way in which to connect with clients, friends, and family. We are seeing innovation in the way in which business and life is conducted and many have been forced into a steep learning curve and adapt very quickly in this ever-changing situation.
We are truly together in this pandemic.
The partners and staff are in constant communication and monitoring matters and ways within which to navigate the way forward as each situation or announcement requires changes. We are, as always, striving to keep our clients informed where there are changes in the law and providing the highest level of service and efficiency.
The Deeds Office, Master’s Office, and the CCMA were closed during the lockdown period (Level 5). As of 1 May 2020, South Africa moves to Alert Level 4 and various parts of our economy will reopen.
Our offices reopened on 4 May 2020 to perform an essential service as provided for in terms of the Regulations of 29 April 2020 issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
We are implementing additional standards of hygiene and health protocols relating to Covid-19 at our offices and the majority of our staff are continuing to work from home. The Deeds Office and Master’s Office will also resume operations and we await directions/guidelines with regard to the procedures and functioning of their offices.
The Chief Justice has stated that the Courts will be open for “urgent” matters involving: any urgent matter or bail application, maintenance and domestic violence matters, cases involving “children issues” and urgent matters arising out of or from the activities associated with disaster management.
I would like to, on behalf of the partners, extend our thank you to our staff for the manner in which they have risen to the challenge in carrying out their work in these difficult circumstances. Their commitment and support is greatly valued.
It remains to be seen how Covid-19 will affect our business and individual lives in the future and what the new “normal” will be. In the meanwhile, please stay safe and take care of yourselves.
Stay safe, regards
Clint Van Aswegen
Managing Partner