Business Rescue: What It Is, When It Starts, and Why It Changes Everything. Introduction to Business Rescue in South Africa

Business rescue is often misunderstood and triggered too late. This session explains what business rescue really is, when it applies, and why timing and understanding matter.

3 CPD units July 20, 2026 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

What business rescue is and what it is not
When a company is legally distressed
How business rescue differs from liquidation
What happens once rescue starts
Who is affected and how
Why early action changes outcomes

Event breakdown

Financial distress explained
Legal trigger for business rescue
Business rescue versus liquidation
Immediate effects of rescue
Role of the practitioner
Impact on directors
Impact on creditors
Common misunderstandings

Category: Business RescueType: CPD CourseCPD category: Business Rescue

Description

Business rescue changes the rules the moment it begins. Directors lose control, normal payments stop, and decisions are scrutinised closely. This session explains how business rescue works in South Africa and why misunderstanding it creates serious risk. The focus is on recognising financial distress early, understanding the legal trigger points, and knowing what business rescue actually does to a company. Many professionals only engage once rescue has already failed. This session shifts that thinking. Understanding the process early improves advice, protects credibility, and avoids last-minute panic. Business rescue is not a miracle solution, but when understood properly, it can preserve value and prevent complete collapse.

Presenters

Div De Villiers — 20 years of experience as small business owner in Southern Africa. 35 years of experience in the development finance environment and 14 years' experience in the climate smart SME financing and development environment. Director of the management consultancy Dimension Capital Consulting (Pty) Ltd, which offers feasibility assessment, mentorship and business rehabilitation solutions to owner-managed SMEs. Certified Business Advisor and member of the Institute of Business Advisors of Southern Africa (IBASA); and associate member of the South Africa Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). As a Certified Business Rescue Practitioner with CIPC, conducting business rescue interventions for owner-managed private sector clients. Most recent business rescues include: Mpumalanga Sinks; Mtebeni Farms; Zakheni Projects; Critical Chain Technologies; Full Circle Farming; Sorted Design Studio; Mesca Agri Engineers. Holds a Master's Degree in Commerce from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Business Rescue.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser