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Redvers is known for having more than
a passing acquaintance with good wine. We broke tradition
late one Friday afternoon and, over a glass of Meerlust
Rubicon, Redvers told us more about his property and
conveyancing practice …
I
walked to work from my flat in Pine Street when I first
joined the firm. As a candidate attorney
I was in awe of our chairman, Garnet Venn. I was filled
with anxiety at the end of my first month when Garnet's
secretary told me that he wanted to see me later that
day. My trepidation was thankfully misplaced - Garnet
gave me a raise!
I enjoy
fixing complex conveyancing problems.
Technical problems can hold up a transfer or the start
of a development. I get a lot of exposure to these problems
because we lodge transfers at the Deeds Office on behalf
of attorneys throughout Kwazulu-Natal and the rest of
South Africa. As a result, we have been involved as
agents in the development of the Umhlanga Ridge and
in exciting projects like Zimbali, Nondela and Dunblane.
I also
enjoy putting together property development projects.
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than
driving past a commercial or residential property project
that we helped establish. I especially like the financial
aspects of conveyancing, probably because I come from
a long line of accountants.
The great thing about our coun-try's conveyan-cing system
is - certainty. When you buy property you are certain
about the current owner, the boundaries of the property
and the conditions registered against the property.
This is a great contribution to our property market
and the economy generally. In the United States, for
example, the system is so unreliable that the first
thing you do as a new property owner is take out insurance
against the risk of someone challenging your title. |
I have
a real interest in education. I was
chairman of the Board of the Governors at the Wykeham
Collegiate for six years and thoroughly enjoyed the
interaction with dedicated educators. At Venn Nemeth
& Hart, we put a lot of emphasis on training candidate
attorneys in conveyancing. The conve-yancing exams
are difficult and we are proud of our 100% pass rate.
At the
end of the day I am a 'people' person. Conveyancing
is a technical process, but human relations are terribly
important. I still visit the Deeds Office every day.
These personal visits allow me to keep up to date
with the latest conveyancing practice and help me
to maintain good relationships with the Registrar
and her staff. Property developments aside, nothing
gives me a thrill like seeing a young couple into
their first house!
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ffee
with redvers
