About Breytenbachs
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited is a company specialising in the field of UK Immigration and South African Immigration.
We are regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), which can give you the peace of mind that we have to adhere to very strict rules imposed on us, in order to ensure that we are fit, competent, up to date with all the latest immigration rule changes and acting in your best interest.
Our consultants have many years of immigration experience and accredited up to IAA(formerly OISC) level 3, which is the highest accreditation an immigration firm can obtain in UK Immigration law. This means we can assist you with the most basic immigration cases up to complicated matters such as Immigration Appeals and Reviews.
Our affiliate South African Immigration advisers, based in South Africa, are registered with FIPSA, the professional body for immigration practitioners in South Africa. This can give you the peace of mind that your matter is in competent hands.
Apart from offering the most professional advice, our mission is to offer you the best client service in the market. We take a personal approach to all our cases and strive to provide you with client service par excellence.
Whether you are looking for basic assistance or have a complicated matter that you need assistance with, our team is ready to assist. Please also see the reasons why you should use Breytenbachs!
Meet the directors
Founder Member and Senior Consultant
Hannes is a Senior Immigration Consultant and founder of Breytenbachs Solicitors (1998). He is also the founder of Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Ltd (2011). Hannes has over 38 years of experience in South African law and more than 24 years of experience in both UK and South African Immigration law. Hannes is passionate about law and immigration and making a difference in people’s lives through his work.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered. (formerly OISC)
- BIuris & BProc degrees
- Registered with SA Law Society since 1979
- Qualified attorney since 1979
Hannes Breytenbach
Director and Senior Consultant
JP is a Senior Immigration Consultant and a director of Breytenbachs. He has more than 18 years of experience in UK Immigration law. He is committed to achieving results that exceed expectations and providing clients with a world-class immigration service. JP consistently invests in the talents and energies of staff members through continuous mentoring and training.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered Level 3. (formerly OISC)
- Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Philosophy United Kingdom
- Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practices
- Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2008, now specialising in Immigration Law as an IAA-registered consultant.
JP Breytenbach
Director and Senior Consultant
Phillip is a director and Senior Immigration Consultant at the Breytenbachs Pretoria and Durban affiliate offices. He is passionate about the field of Immigration and assisting clients in realising their dreams of working, living, studying, or joining their families in the UK. He is committed to investing in the careers of staff members and ensuring a healthy and happy office atmosphere!
- More than 17 years of experience in Immigration law in the UK and SA.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Phillip Venter
Meet the consultants
Senior Consultant
Laya is a fully qualified British solicitor and Senior Immigration Consultant with over 20 years of experience in UK Immigration Law.
She is passionate about working with people and assisting them in planning their immigration routes. Laya enjoys the academic rigour of the law and its application thereof. She is dedicated to making complex legal problems simple and providing effective solutions for the benefit of our clients.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered. (formerly OISC)
- LLB degree from Durham University in the UK
- College of Law LPC
- Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2005, moved to specialise in Immigration Law as an IAA-registered consultant.
Laya Strydom
Senior Consultant
Chiara is a Senior Immigration Consultant with more than 18 years of experience in the legal sector. She has extensive knowledge of immigration legislation and case law. She is also the author of several papers published in peer-reviewed international journals. Chiara is passionate about immigration, human rights, and criminal justice, which has translated into regular and active participation in professional organisations and legal conferences.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered Level 3. (formerly OISC)
- Italian-qualified lawyer
- PhD in Comparative and International Criminal Law
Dr Chiara Mancuso
Senior Consultant
Chris is a Senior Immigration Consultant with more than 30 years of experience in immigration. This comprises seven years in the public sector and 23 years in the private sector. Chris has extensive knowledge of immigration legislation. His main area of expertise is general immigration, including extensions of stay, settlement and citizenship. Chris is committed to providing clients with the best immigration advice in their unique circumstances.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered. (formerly OISC)
Chris Ward
Senior Consultant
Verity is a Senior Immigration Consultant with more than thirteen years of experience in UK Immigration Law. She is passionate about the benefits of migration and dedicated to providing detailed yet easily accessible immigration advice to clients. Her advice ensures that clients can negotiate the complexities of UK immigration laws and make informed decisions to protect their status and rights within the UK.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered. (formerly OISC)
- Passed the Bar Vocational Course with an 80% total grade, graded as Very Competent.
- Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation
- MA Honours degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies
Verity Marshall
Senior Immigration Consultant
Chris is a Senior Immigration Consultant with over 15 years of experience in United Kingdom and South African Immigration Law. Chris specialises in UK Sponsor Licensing and Skilled Worker applications. Having gone through the immigration process himself before becoming a dual national in 2012, Chris understands the complexities of the process and the importance of attention to detail. He is dedicated and committed to providing clients with the best possible service in a friendly and professional manner.
- LLB Degree
- Admitted Attorney
Chris Snyman
Senior Immigration Consultant
Debbie is a Senior Consultant at the Breytenbachs Cape Town affiliate office, with more than thirteen years of experience in UK Immigration. Her extensive knowledge of UK immigration law and intricate procedures enables her to offer invaluable guidance and support to clients. She strongly believes in walking the extra mile with every client and is committed to providing clients with a personalised and world-class service.
- Seven years of experience as a Legal Assistant and Conveyancing Secretary.
- Extensive experience in strategic planning, office management and client liaison.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in UK Immigration Law.
Debbie Smuts
Immigration Consultant
Dirk is a well-trained and experienced consultant based in our Cape Town affiliate office. Before joining Breytenbachs, Dirk spent time in a South African law practice. He has experience in all immigration fields but focuses on UK business immigration matters. Dirk has a keen interest in law, business and finance and aims to apply his trait in a simplified manner. Dirk strives to provide his clients with friendly, welcoming, and effective service throughout.
- BComm, LLB
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court (non-practising)
Dirk van Niekerk
Attorney (non-practising)
Bernelee is a qualified Attorney with a diverse and well-rounded legal background, specialising in British immigration and nationality law as well as South African commercial litigation, family law, and labour law. With years of experience in both local and international legal systems, Bernelee has developed a deep understanding of immigration processes, legal frameworks, and the complexities of navigating cross-border legal matters.
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court (non-practising)
- Bachelor of Law degree with Honours (LLB)
- Extensive experience in British immigration and nationality law;
- Skilled in commercial litigation, family law, and labour law;
- Proven expertise in providing strategic legal and immigration solutions.
Bernelee Venter
Immigration Consultant
Seshni is an Immigration Consultant at our expanding Durban affiliate office. She completed her LLB degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2014. Afterwards, she completed her articles and Professional Law Training and was admitted as an attorney in 2016. Seshni has experience in both High Court and Magistrates Court litigation. Seshni, leveraging her legal capabilities, now concentrates on UK Immigration law to deliver successful outcomes for her clients. Her strategic approach and understanding of UK immigration law ensure optimal results and effective representation.
- Bachelor of Law (LLB) University of Natal
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court (non-practising)
Seshni Reddy
Immigration Consultant
Kelsey is a native of Johannesburg and is highly skilled with significant expertise in complex nationality and appeal matters. As a holder of dual British and South African nationality, Kelsey brings a unique personal perspective to her work, complementing her professional capabilities. She is an integral member of the firm’s Nationality Team and Complex Matters Team, working closely with Mr JP Breytenbach to provide innovative and strategic solutions for clients.
As an Admitted Attorney of the High Court and a non-practising qualified attorney, Kelsey combines a robust legal foundation with a deep understanding of cross-border complexities. Her meticulous approach and unwavering dedication ensure the delivery of tailored, effective outcomes for clients navigating intricate immigration challenges.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kelsey is a passionate reader and a competitive padel ball player. Her dynamic and tenacious nature, both on and off the court, underscores her ability to tackle challenges head-on, turning even the most complex immigration cases into success stories.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered Level 1. (formerly OISC)
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court (non-practising)
- Bachelor of Law degree with Honours (LLB)
Kelsey Waddell
Senior SA Immigration Consultant
Adri van Niekerk is a Senior Immigration Consultant in our SA Immigration Department. She is registered with FIPSA, the Federation of Immigration Practitioners of South Africa. Adri leverages her extensive expertise in SA Immigration law and profound knowledge of the workings of the SA Home Affairs to aid clients in securing favourable outcomes for their SA immigration cases. Adri was one of the first consultants who was chosen to do SA immigration work whilst the SA Home Affairs still regulated the industry.
- Registered with FIPSA
- More than 25 years of experience in SA Immigration law
- National Diploma in Human Resources
Adri van Niekerk
Senior Caseworker
Eljoana is a senior caseworker based in the Pretoria office. She has over fifteen years of experience in South African commercial and tax law. Eljoana uses her profound knowledge of commercial and immigration law to help clients achieve favourable immigration outcomes. She specialises in the Global Talent visa, where she skilfully navigates the complexities and requirements to ensure clients’ successful visa applications. Eljoana is dedicated to providing quality client services that are tailored to each client’s specific needs.
- Six years of experience working in UK immigration
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Law Stellenbosch
- Bachelor of Law (LLB) Stellenbosch
Eljoana Steenkamp
Consultants in training
Consultant in Training
Kris is a South African non-practising attorney. He has experience in family law and South African firearm legislation. He also has vast experience in legal arguments and statutory interpretation. Drawing upon his legal qualifications and experience, Kris is now specialising in UK Immigration law. His legal background and experience enable him to assist clients in strategically planning their UK Immigration routes and facilitating successful outcomes.
- Bachelor of Laws University of Pretoria
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court (non-practising)
Kris Parteka
Trainee Consultant
Danica is an Immigration Consultant in Training in our Pretoria affiliate office. Having majored in Psychology (and Law) for purposes of her BA (Law) degree, as well as by virtue of her experience within the realm of family law as a candidate attorney, she approaches her engagement with our clients with compassion for emotional and personal aspects of the immigration process. Danica is due to be admitted as a non-practising attorney of the High Court of South Africa, whereafter she aims to establish her career as an Immigration Consultant.
- BA Law
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Danica Westaway
Professional and personal assistants
Professional Assistant
Hayley is a Professional Assistant in our London office. She has fifteen years of experience in the legal industry in South Africa and more than three years of administrative experience in UK Immigration. She enjoys the field of law and strongly believes in continuous learning. With a strong focus on providing excellent client service, she offers invaluable professional assistance to both her team and clients.
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Qualified non-practising Attorney and Conveyancer of South Africa.
Hayley Barnard
Professional Assistant
Megan is a Professional Assistant in our London office. With her extensive background in the client service industry, she actively utilises her experience to identify areas for process improvement, thereby enhancing client service. Her proactive approach ensures streamlined processes and an elevated client experience through effective communication. Megan is passionate about providing world-class service to clients and is an invaluable team member in our London office.
- Qualification in Marketing and Sports Management.
- More than ten years of working experience in UK Immigration.
Megan Brown
Professional Assistant
Ornela is a professional legal assistant in the London Office and is currently training as an OISC consultant. She is very passionate about matters relating to global human rights and immigration law. Ornela is dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to provide quality services while establishing personable client relations to assist them with their UK immigration journey.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons)
- Over five years of legal experience.
- Over eight years of client services experience.
Ornela Kola
Professional Assistant
Samantha Caalsen is a Senior Professional Assistant at our London office. She has over twenty years of experience in the client service industry and spent over ten years working in the property sector before returning to work in the field she is passionate about; UK Immigration law. Samantha believes in fostering strong working relationships, and that successful immigration outcomes are achieved through strong teamwork. Her emphasis on collaboration ensures effective communication and favourable client results!
- Extensive experience working in UK Immigration.
Samantha Caalsen
Professional Assistant
Talha is a Professional Assistant in the London office. He has over ten years of experience in immigration and family law. Talha is a very focused and dedicated individual with an exceptional work ethic. Talha remains diligently updated on UK immigration law, leveraging his knowledge to handle cases meticulously and secure successful outcomes for clients. He has proven strengths in legal case management, and key cases include; MS v FS [2020] EWFC B9 (21 February 2020) (published) and BA v Secretary of State for the Home Department (deprivation of citizenship: appeals) [2018] UKUT 85 (IAC) (reported)
- LLB (Hons) Law Degree
- Training as an IAA consultant
Talha Khan
Personal Assistant
Victoria is a Personal Assistant in the London office. She has a passion for people and immigration law. She loves being able to guide her clients through the maze of immigration and offering support and care during the journey.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered Level 1. (formerly OISC)
- Nine years of experience in Customer Relations and Management
- NVQ in Team Management and Customer Care.
- Five years of experience working in UK Immigration Law.
Victoria Pretorius
Personal Assistant
Anneshia is a Professional Assistant at our Durban affiliate office. She enjoys working with clients and getting to know each of them. She is committed to providing quality service and building a trusting relationship with clients, assuring them that she is there to support and guide them every step of the way. Her commitment to world-class service can be seen in the excellent commendations and reviews she garners for the Durban office!
- Diploma in Restoration Ministry
- Thirteen years of experience in Office Administration.
- More than seven years of experience working in UK Immigration.
Anneshia Grundlingh
Personal Assistant
Louise is a Personal Assistant at the Breytenbachs Pretoria affiliate office. She enjoys liaising with clients and is committed to ensuring that clients are informed about their cases every step of the way. Louise strongly believes in effective and efficient working methods. She is passionate about helping clients and going the extra mile to provide them with successful results and exceptional client care.
- Diploma in Interior Decorating
- More than sixteen years of experience in Office Administration, of which eight years have been in Immigration law with BIC.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
Louise Leibrandt
Professional Assistant
Client relations and satisfaction are the top priorities for Monique Neethling. With more than eight years of being a senior consultant in the Investment industry, this comes to her naturally. Monique enjoys making clients feel heard and taken care of. She is well organised and an analytic thinker, making her day-to-day tasks assisting clients a joy. She has a high work ethic and feels honoured to be part of the team at Breytenbachs.
- Over 15 years experience in the Client Service Industry.
- Diploma in Marketing Management.
Monique Neethling
Assistant
Rieksie works at our Pretoria office with the director of the Pretoria affiliate office, Phillip Venter. She always strives to do her best as fast and efficiently as possible and is always there to help. Rieksie’s extensive experience in administrative management equips her with the skills to provide world-class service. Her adept problem-solving abilities complement her expertise, ensuring she delivers exceptional outcomes and surpasses client expectations.
- Four years of experience in Sectional Title Property Law background.
- Four years of experience in UK immigration and British Nationality
Rieksie Berrange
Immigration Assistant
Arifa Begum is an Immigration Assistant at Breytenbachs’ London office. She is a law graduate with experience supporting both private and business immigration matters. Her strong attention to detail, client-focused approach and knowledge of UK immigration processes enable her to provide valuable support to both clients and the immigration team.
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Registered Level 1 Adviser (formerly OISC)
- LLB Law, First-Class Honours, University of London
Arifa Begum
Accountants, marketing and administration
Quality Control Manager
Barbara is passionate about ensuring that all clients receive a world-class service by managing client relationships and quality control in the firm. She is dedicated and passionate about the successful development of the company. Barbara’s experience in client relationships and quality control positions her to ensure excellent service delivery to clients. Through her expertise, she fosters strong client relationships and implements rigorous quality control measures, providing consistent service excellence and driving continuous improvement of our internal processes.
- Over 25 years of experience in managing client relationships and quality control.
Barbara Breytenbach
Head Internal Accountant
Melanie is the Head Internal Accountant for Breytenbachs. She has extensive experience in budgeting and strategic planning. Melanie’s accounting skills and extensive financial experience ensure the seamless operation of accounts at Breytenbachs. Her passion for figures drives her to meticulously manage financial matters, always seeking the best way forward for clients and the company. Her expertise and dedication contribute to the overall efficiency and success of Breytenbachs. Melanie has been part of the team at Breytenbachs for twenty years.
- 28 years of overall experience in bookkeeping.
- 8 years of UK solicitors’ bookkeeping experience.
- 8 years SA attorney bookkeeping experience.
- 12 years of limited company bookkeeping experience.
Melanie Bakker
Operations & Marketing Manager
Jeanne Prinsloo is the Operations & Marketing Manager at BIC (Pty) Ltd, the South African entity within the Breytenbachs structure. She is based in Cape Town and has more than ten years of experience in customer relations, client management, operational support and UK immigration client-service coordination.
Highly organised and detail-oriented, Jeanne oversees key operational processes and supports the effective coordination of internal systems, workflows and administrative structures. She uses her experience with modern technology to identify and implement practical solutions that streamline processes, improve efficiency and support consistent service delivery.
Jeanne also manages marketing and communications activities, including digital content, social media, newsletters, website updates and brand communications. In this role, she helps ensure that public-facing content remains professional, informative and aligned with Breytenbachs’ values, services and overall market positioning.
- SAQA National Certificate in Business, Commerce and Management Studies
- ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) Certificate
- Extensive experience working in UK Immigration.
- Experience in operations management, digital marketing, workflow development and process improvement
Jeanne Prinsloo
Client Liaison Manager
Sharon is the Client Liaison Manager at the London office. She is committed to exercising discretion and patience in handling all queries and undertaking regular client feedback. Sharon’s exceptional client liaison and communication skills enable her to provide world-class service. She has an in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law and its intricacies, gained from working in the field of UK Immigration for more than twenty years.
- Highly experienced in client liaison and communication
- Extensive experience in diary management
Sharon Lowe
Senior Telephonist and Office Administrator
Bronwen is the Senior Telephonist and Office Administrator at our London office. As our clients’ first point of contact, Bronwen is committed to helping clients feel welcome and ensuring every client receives prompt service from the best suitable consultant. Bronwen’s administrative skills are crucial in maintaining the smooth operation of the London office’s administration and reception. Her attention to detail contributes to a well-organised environment for staff and clients.
- Nine years of experience as a Retail Manager.
- Extensive experience as a small business manager and owner.
- Extensive experience working in the client services industry.
Bronwen Thomas
Accounts Assistant
Christi is an Accounts Assistant for the South African affiliate offices. She prides herself on her ability to deal with pressure and multi-task with a positive attitude. Christi’s passion for figures and accounts and her positive attitude ensure that clients receive world-class service. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to her work ensures accurate financial management and strong support to the Accounts team.
- More than three years of experience in Accounts
Christi Swart
Personal/Administrative Assistant
Savannah is working for our London office as an Administrative and Professional Assistant. Savannah’s enthusiasm, positive attitude and excellent administrative skills make her an invaluable asset to the London team. With her strong focus on client service, she goes above and beyond to ensure client expectations are met and exceeded. Her dedication and meticulous approach to her work ensure smooth operations contributing to the Breytenbachs team’s overall success.
- More than four years of experience in Client Service and Diary Management.
Savannah Lester
Receptionist & HR Assistant
Jody is the Receptionist and HR Assistant for our South African affiliate offices and the welcoming face and voice greeting our clients. She brings fresh energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to every task. Jody is passionate about working with people, and her approachable nature and willingness to learn ensure that our front desk operates smoothly.
In addition to her reception duties, Jody supports our Human Resources function, showing great initiative and a strong ability to quickly adapt to new processes and responsibilities. Her eagerness to grow and develop in her role makes her a valued member of the team.
Jody’s combination of friendliness, dedication, and a fast-learning mindset ensures that both our clients and our colleagues feel welcome and well supported.
Jody Barry
Reception Assistant
Mary Rokosu is a Reception Assistant at Breytenbachs’ London office. She has more than five years of experience supporting front-office and customer service operations within regulated and compliance-focused environments. Her friendly, professional and detail-oriented approach helps create a welcoming environment while ensuring that daily tasks are handled accurately and efficiently.
- BA in International Relations, First-Class Honours, University of Essex
