About Breytenbachs
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants Limited is a company specialising in the field of UK and South African Immigration.
We are regulated by the Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC), 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 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.
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
Hannes Breytenbach
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.
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- OISC Registered
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- BIuris & BProc degrees
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- Registered with SA Law Society since 1979
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- Qualified attorney since 1979
JP 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.
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- OISC Registered
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- Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Philosophy United Kingdom
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- Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practices
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- Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2008, now specialising in Immigration Law as OISC registered consultant.
Phillip Venter
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!
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- More than 17 years of experience in Immigration law in the UK and SA.
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- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Meet the consultants
Laya Strydom
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.
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- OISC Registered
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- LLB degree from Durham University in the UK
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- College of Law LPC
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- Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2005, moved to specialise in Immigration Law as OISC registered consultant.
Dr Chiara Mancuso
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.
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- OISC Registered Level 3
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- Italian-qualified lawyer
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- PhD in Comparative and International Criminal Law
Chris Ward
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.
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- OISC Registered
Shakir Hussain
Senior Consultant
Shakir is one of our most Senior Immigration Consultant with over 26 years of experience in Immigration Law. He is based in our London office. Shakir has extensive experience working on complex immigration matters, including appeal work, advising over-stayers and handling refusals. Shakir qualified as a British solicitor in 2000 before focusing on immigration law as a regulated OISC advisor.
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- OISC Registered Level 3
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- LLB in 1995 from Middlesex University
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- Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice in 1996
Verity Marshall
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.
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- OISC Registered
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- Passed the Bar Vocational Course with an 80% total grade, graded as Very Competent.
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- Graduate Diploma in Law, Commendation
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- MA Honours degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies
Lena Qarri
Senior Immigration Consultant
Lena is a Senior Immigration Consultant with over ten years of experience in UK immigration. She is proud to work in a firm where she can be passionate about immigration law. She possesses exceptional expertise and profound insight in navigating intricate UK Immigration matters. With a comprehensive understanding of legislation, she offers invaluable guidance in addressing complex immigration challenges to benefit her clients.
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- OISC Registered Level 3
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- Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons)
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- Master of Laws (LLM International Law)
Chris Snyman
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.
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- LLB Degree
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- Admitted Attorney
Debbie Smuts
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.
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- Seven years of experience as a Legal Assistant and Conveyancing Secretary.
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- Extensive experience in strategic planning, office management and client liaison.
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- Extensive knowledge and experience in UK Immigration Law.
Dirk van Niekerk
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.
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- BComm, LLB
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- Admitted as an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Karlien Matthysen
Immigration Consultant
Karlien is a well-trained and experienced Immigration Consultant at the Breytenbachs Pretoria affiliate office. She has knowledge of South African criminal and labour law and substantial working knowledge of South African Immigration Law. For the past four years, Karlien has been focusing on UK immigration law. With an unwavering dedication to achieving favourable outcomes, her expertise ensures comprehensive and reliable advice to navigate the complexities of UK immigration matters. She is dedicated to providing her clients with a world-class service.
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- LLB (North-West University)
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- Admitted Advocate to the North-Gauteng High Court
Seshni Govender
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.
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- Bachelor of Law (LLB) University of Natal
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- Admitted Attorney
Adri van Niekerk
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.
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- Registered with FIPSA
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- More than 25 years of experience in SA Immigration law
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- National Diploma in Human Resources
Eljoana Steenkamp
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.
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- Six years of experience working in UK immigration
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- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Law Stellenbosch
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- Bachelor of Law (LLB) Stellenbosch
Consultants in training
Annémi Brink
Consultant in Training
Annémi is a Consultant in Training at our Pretoria affiliate office. She is an LLB graduate from the University of Pretoria with vast experience in litigation and family law matters. Leveraging her legal qualifications and experience in law, she is now undertaking training as a consultant in UK immigration law. With a strong commitment to client service, she strives to assist clients in achieving successful immigration outcomes by providing comprehensive guidance and unwavering support.
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- LLB Graduate
Kelsey Waddell
Consultant in Training
Kelsey is an Immigration Consultant in training at our Pretoria affiliate office. She is passionate about assisting people and going the extra mile to provide clients with results with the utmost care and efficiency. She has extensive knowledge of various areas of South African law and will be admitted as a non-practising attorney in due course.
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- LLB Graduate
Kris Parteka
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.
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- Bachelor of Laws University of Pretoria
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- Admitted Attorney (non-practising roll)
Nadia Nell
Trainee Consultant
Nadia is an Immigration Consultant in training in our Pretoria affiliate office. She obtained both her BCom Law and LLB degrees at the University of Pretoria. As an immigration consultant in training, she is passionate about working with people and providing exceptional service to help them achieve their immigration goals. She takes pride in delivering high-quality work and strives to exceed expectations. With a focus on client satisfaction, she is committed to putting a smile on the client’s face and making the immigration process as seamless as possible.
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- BCom Law
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- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
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- Two years of experience in General and Banking Litigation
Professional and personal assistants
Hayley Barnard
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.
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- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
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- Qualified non-practising Attorney and Conveyancer of South Africa.
Megan Brown
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.
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- Qualification in Marketing and Sports Management.
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- More than ten years of working experience in UK Immigration.
Ornela Kola
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.
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- Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons)
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- Over five years of legal experience.
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- Over eight years of client services experience.
René Venter
Professional Assistant
René works for the London office as Professional Assistant. She has more than ten years of experience in the legal and financial services industry. René expertly leverages her expertise to offer unparalleled service as a Professional Assistant. Her comprehensive knowledge of UK Immigration law and dedication to excellence and time management enable her to deliver world-class support and guidance, ensuring invaluable support to her team and optimal outcomes for clients.
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- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
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- Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
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- Life Coach Diploma
Samantha Caalsen
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!
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- Extensive experience working in UK Immigration.
Talha Khan
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)
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- LLB (Hons) Law Degree
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- Training as an OISC consultant
Victoria Pretorius
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.
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- Nine years of experience in Customer Relations and Management
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- NVQ in Team Management and Customer Care.
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- Five years of experience working in UK Immigration Law.
Anneshia Grundlingh
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!
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- Diploma in Restoration Ministry
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- Thirteen years of experience in Office Administration.
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- More than seven years of experience working in UK Immigration.
Chanine Taylor
Personal Assistant
Chanine is a Personal Assistant for the Cape Town affiliate office. She is a loyal and hard-working individual with extensive experience as a personal assistant and secretary. She performs all her tasks diligently and prides herself on handling multiple tasks timeously. Chanine leverages her extensive experience in office administration to provide crucial support to her team. Her contribution enables them to deliver a world-class service to clients, resulting in successful immigration outcomes and client satisfaction.
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- Various courses in Office Administration and other office skills.
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- Published poet.
Jeanne Prinsloo
Personal Assistant & Operations Support Coordinator
Jeanne Prinsloo is a Senior Personal Assistant at the Breytenbachs Cape Town affiliate office. She has more than ten years of experience in Customer Relations and Client Management. She is highly organised and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills. Jeanne adeptly uses her proficiency and qualifications in modern technology to enhance internal company workflow systems. Through her expertise, she identifies and implements innovative solutions that streamline processes and contribute to the overall efficiency of Breytenbachs.
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- SAQA National Certificate – Field 03 Business (Commerce and management studies)
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- ICDL (International Computers Driver License) Certificate
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- Extensive experience working in UK Immigration.
Louise Leibrandt
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!
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- Diploma in Restoration Ministry
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- Thirteen years of experience in Office Administration.
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- More than seven years of experience working in UK Immigration.
Melanie Schlemmer
Senior Administrative Assistant
Melanie is a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Pretoria affiliate office. She is committed to providing quality service and customer support. Melanie’s unwavering commitment to excellence stems from her strong financial background and guiding philosophy to do everything to the best of her ability. Through years of hands-on experience, she has honed her skills to provide world-class service to clients. Melanie understands the value of delivering successful outcomes and dedicates herself to giving her best in every endeavour to exceed expectations.
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- Basic accounting courses.
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- Thirteen years of experience in Finance and Administration.
Monique Neethling
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.
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- Over 15 years experience in the Client Service Industry.
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- Diploma in Marketing Management.
Rieksie Berrange
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.
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- Four years of experience in Sectional Title Property Law background.
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- Four years of experience in UK immigration and British Nationality
Roisin Harris
Personal Assistant
Roisin is a Personal Assistant. She is a high-energy individual prepared to contribute her abilities to any required task. She is highly organised, responsible and well-versed in office software packages. She has excellent written and oral communication and critical thinking skills. Roisin enjoys problem-solving. Her ability to multi-task and her strong time management skills enable her to efficiently complete tasks and provide strong administrative support to her team and clients.
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- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English Literature
Talita Rheeder
Administrative Assistant
Talita is an Administrative Assistant at the Cape Town affiliate office. Talita is highly organised and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills. She strives to build trusting working relationships with clients while providing exceptional service. Talita’s extensive experience in client management, combined with her exceptional communication skills, enables her to surpass client expectations. She leverages her expertise to build strong client relationships, understand client needs and ensure world-class service to every client.
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- Extensive experience in Customer Relations and Client management.
Accountants, marketing and administration
Barbara Breytenbach
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.
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- Over 25 years of experience in managing client relationships and quality control.
Jacinda Olivier
Head of Marketing and HR
Jacinda is the Head of Marketing and HR at Breytenbachs. She has over eight years of experience as an Economics Researcher and twenty years of experience in Marketing and HR. She is passionate about providing world-class service to our clients via web communications, social media, newsletters, and search engine marketing.
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- BCom Law
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- BCom Honours Economics
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- Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Economics (Cum Laude)
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- Various social media, HTML, Marketing and SEO short courses (UCT)
Melanie Bakker
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.
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- 28 years of overall experience in bookkeeping.
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- 8 years of UK solicitors’ bookkeeping experience.
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- 8 years SA attorney bookkeeping experience.
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- 12 years of limited company bookkeeping experience.
Sharon Lowe
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.
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- Highly experienced in client liaison and communication
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- Extensive experience in diary management
Bronwen Thomas
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.
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- Nine years of experience as a Retail Manager.
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- Extensive experience as a small business manager and owner.
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- Extensive experience working in the client services industry.
Charlene Harley
Senior Telephonist
Charlene is the Senior Telephonist for our South African affiliate offices and the friendly voice taking your call. She has a strong administrative and office support background and many years of customer service experience. Charlene loves working with people. Her exceptional communication skills and strong telephonist abilities ensure that our switchboard operates seamlessly. Her knack for effectively engaging with clients guarantees smooth and efficient communication, leaving a positive impression and fostering client satisfaction.
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- More than eighteen years of experience in Administration, Client Service and HR duties.
Christi Swart
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.
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- More than three years of experience in Accounts
Savannah Lowe
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.
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- More than three years of experience in Client Service and Diary Management.
Anari Steyn
Client Liaison Officer
Anári is a Client Liaison Officer for the South African affiliate offices. She is a compassionate individual with an empathic nature who loves providing client services and support. She has exceptional administration and organisational skills. All her previous work experiences have been client services-oriented, which equipped her with excellent telephone and face-to-face communication skills, resulting in above-average communication qualities. Although her career provided her with plenty of experience, she remains an eager learner.
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- Extensive administrative and sales experience.
