About Anja
"I have been working as a Conveyancing Secretary, with a primary focus on property transfers, for the past year. My journey in conveyancing first began approximately twenty years ago, where I gained valuable experience and developed a strong foundation within the industry. Although I later stepped away from the profession to pursue a different career path, returning to conveyancing reignited my passion for the field. It reminded me of the satisfaction that comes with working in a profession that requires precision, dedication, and a thorough understanding of the transfer process. Re-entering the industry also challenged me to adapt to changes and expand my knowledge, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally while doing work that I truly enjoy."
On enrolling at the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law
"I studied Office Management at the University of Tshwane back in 2004. I did conveyancing, but started with bonds. After a few years, I took another journey in my career. In 2017, I got married to a farmer in the Northern Cape and moved there.
Last year, I started at Franco Groenewald Attorneys to do typing for civil cases, and we soon realised that they needed a conveyancing typist. My basic knowledge was still there, but I had to freshen up on transfers. A friend of mine is a lecturer at GLR, and advised me to take the course.
The lecturer was straight to the point, did not waste time, was friendly, had a good sense of humour, and was overall an excellent trainer."
On facing challenges
"I did face personal challenges. My two little kids were sick almost eight months of the year in 2025. We were all sick during the Level 2 training. On day two, I couldn’t keep my head up, so I requested to participate in the next intake. In the second intake, both my kids were in the hospital for a period of two weeks in total, so I also couldn’t attend. I rescheduled to do Level 2 in February this year and passed with above 85%. I'm thankful.
Professionally, I learned a lot — trial and error with not knowing all the loopholes yet — but I'm growing and learning everyday with the help of other good-hearted people."
Anja's practical tips for paralegals
"The practical course, where you are able to ask questions and work through scenarios during the training, was the best option for me, as I can sometimes lose focus when simply watching and listening without any participation. It also gave me the opportunity to discuss current challenges I was experiencing."
"If you are looking for high-quality training and valuable notes that you can keep and refer to long afterwards, this is definitely the way to go."
On role models
"I am fortunate to know many legal practitioners in the industry, including advocates. What inspires me most is the way they handle all the administration and paperwork behind the scenes. It is demanding work, requiring careful attention to every spelling detail, statement, and countless other matters on a daily basis. You need to love what you do, remain vigilant, and stay dedicated. It also teaches discipline, which is something I value greatly.
I also have a few people in my personal life whom I look up to, often without them even realising it. I observe the way they grow, learn, and handle challenges, and I draw valuable lessons from the way they manage different situations."
Key takeaways
- Communication drives a smooth transfer: Regular and clear communication with clients, estate agents, banks, municipalities, and the Deeds Office is essential. Keeping all parties informed helps manage expectations and prevents unnecessary delays.
- Accuracy and compliance are critical: Conveyancing requires strict attention to detail, as errors in documents, figures, or legal requirements can delay transfers or create liability. Always ensure compliance with the Deeds Office, FICA, municipal, and bond registration requirements.
- Time management and process control matter: A property transfer involves many interdependent steps and deadlines. Effective file management, follow-ups, and proactive handling of outstanding requirements are key to ensuring registration takes place as efficiently as possible.
Last updated on 23 April 2026.