The Companies Tribunal (the Tribunal) was established in terms of section 193 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (the Act) to adjudicate applications made in terms of the Act, and to provide Alternative

Dispute Resolution to companies. It has jurisdiction throughout the Republic of South Africa, and is obligated to perform its functions transparently, impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.

The seminar will include expert panel discussions and facilitate questioning and robust engagement. It will deal with the following topics, as contextualised by the mandate of the Companies Tribunal:

Discussion points

1. Improving the functioning of business rescue: this discussion point will deal with the following matters in the context of business rescue:

• The draft Companies Amendment Bill
• Proposals made by the Specialist Committee on Company Law
• The Alternative Dispute Resolution role of the Companies Tribunal

2. Practical problems relating to adjudication and the alternative dispute resolution functions of the Companies Tribunal in the context of:

• Authority to order the Companies Intellectual Property Commission to change names
• Substituted service
• Authority to vary or rescind its own decisions
• Authority to close applications where parties lost interest or do not attend to filing pleadings within a reasonable time
• Jurisdiction over non-profit companies

3. Recent noteworthy local and international company law developments

Who should attend?

Members of the Judiciary, the Specialist Committee on Company Law, the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, company law practitioners, business rescue practitioners, academics, company secretaries, company shareholders, directors and members of the business fraternity.

A detailed seminar programme setting out the expert panel participants and speakers will be distributed.

RSVP to [email protected] by 19 February 2021.