5 minutes with the Black Conveyancers Association

This month’s column features the Black Conveyancers Association (BCA). De Rebus news editor Nomfundo Manyathi spoke to BCA President, Kevin Kiewitz, about the organisation.

What is the BCA?

The BCA is a voluntary association of 100% black-owned law firms in South Africa that specialise in commercial and property law. The BCA also provides training, which aims to empower candidates with skills enhancement. 

What does the BCA do?

The BCA –
• ensures the continuation, growth and development of black-owned firms with specific emphasis on commercial law and conveyancing practices;
• advances, promotes and represents the interest of members in all spheres of commercial law and conveyancing;
• builds capacity among black legal practitioners and provides training opportunities;
• initiates mentorship programmes for members; and
• establishes community outreach projects.

When was the BCA established?

The BCA was formed in May 2005 as a direct response to the historical inequalities that were evident in the commercial law and conveyancing industry.

Who can become a member of the BCA?

Only 100% black-owned legal firms can apply for membership. The application process includes verification to make sure the information supplied is correct.

How does one become a member?

Firms interested in becoming members should complete an accreditation application form, which is available from the national executive, together with proof of ownership and professional qualifications.

The current fees are:
• Full membership: R 500
• Associate membership: R 250
• Observer membership: R 100
• Accredited member firms: R 2 500
Those whose applications for accreditation are approved will be liable to pay R 2 500 for the firm and R 500 for the full member. The minimum payment for the accreditation application is thus R 3 000 per year or, should accreditation be granted in the middle of the year, the association calculates the pro rata payment applicable. Additional members from the same firm may apply for associate membership.

What is the BCA’s current membership?

To date the BCA has more than 200 member firms practising countrywide. It has 19 member firms in the Eastern Cape, four in the Free State, 65 in the Gauteng region, 78 in the KwaZulu-Natal region and 42 in the Western Cape region.

Does the BCA have offices in each province or just a national office?

The BCA has a presence in all nine provinces in South Africa. Its administrative office is in Bellville, Cape Town.

Contact information
National office
PO Box 3048, Tygervalley 7536, Bellville, Cape Town
Tel: (021) 823 3466
Fax: (021) 914 1455
E-mail: bca.admin@telkomsa.net
Website: www.bcalaw.co.za

If you would like to see a specific organisation featured in the ‘5 minutes with …’ column, please send an e-mail to nomfundo@derebus.org.za

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Nomfundo Manyathi, nomfundo@derebus.org.za