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Talk is cheap: The legal reality of verbal agreements in South Africa

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Talk is cheap: The legal reality of verbal agreements in South Africa

Ever sealed a deal on a call or over coffee and wondered if it would stand up if things went south?

25 Nov 2025 07:36 Minutes Podcast
Talk is cheap: The legal reality of verbal agreements in South Africa

Talk is cheap: The legal reality of verbal agreements in South Africa

Podcast

Talk is cheap: The legal reality of verbal agreements in South Africa

Podcast

00:00 00:00
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In this episode of CDH Conversations, Roxanne Bain, Professional Support Lawyer in the Corporate & Commercial practice, and Belinda Scriba, Director in the Dispute Resolution practice, unpack when a verbal agreement is legally enforceable in South Africa, where the real risks lie, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself. They break down the “no‑go” categories that must be in writing, the grey areas where verbal deals are common, and why evidence can make or break your case.

If you move at speed and do business in the real world, this is a practical, jargon‑free guide to doing it safely. You will walk away knowing how to turn a handshake into something you can rely on, what clauses in your existing contracts can trip you up, and how to document just enough, just in time, to avoid costly disputes later.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

The information and material published on this website is provided for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We make every effort to ensure that the content is updated regularly and to offer the most current and accurate information. Please consult one of our lawyers on any specific legal problem or matter. We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, which may arise from reliance on the information contained in these pages. Please refer to our full terms and conditions. Copyright © 2025 Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr. All rights reserved. For permission to reproduce an article or publication, please contact us cliffedekkerhofmeyr@cdhlegal.com.

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