Adv. Gift Morolong: Owner of Andrews Incorporated Attorneys, Conveyancers & Estate Agents. - driven by and bound to the legacy of the founder.

“Ownership has changed, but not the ethos, trustworthiness, and core competencies of Andrews Incorporated. It is business as usual.”

One finger cannot lift a pebble. This is the philosophy of Adv. Gift Morolong, new owner of Andrews Incorporated in Welkom, who is determined to honor the legacy and principles of the late Mr. John Andrews, his mentor and friend for many years.

Adv. Morolong – who is a certified conveyancing attorney with more than 20 years’ experience in law - does not hesitate to praise the experienced staff of the firm, some who have been working at Andrews Incorporated since Mr. Andrews opened its doors in 2001.

As a token of respect for the late Mr. Andrews, who passed away in December 2022, he decided not to change the law firm’s name because of new ownership.

The friendship between him and the late Mr. Andrews goes back to when he was still doing his clerkship (commonly known as articles), says Adv. Morolong.

He states with clear admiration and respect: “The law firm where Mr. Andrews worked was at Boland Bank at the time. We became acquainted over time. He was always willing to assist with practical advice, and never expected anything back in return. His formal and informal guidance was invaluable. I learned from him the value of accommodating any difference in opinion, focusing on what unite rather than the few things that divide, among other precious gems of wisdom.”

“Looking back, I think it was his greatest passion and achievement: to cultivate strong connections with people around him, forging deep ties with them, and nurturing his relationships throughout his life. He empowered me by transferring the impact of these characteristics.”

Adv. Morolong, born and bred in Thabong, matriculated at Lephola Secondary School. His matric results and his passion for the intricacies of the law, gave him a clear pass for study assistance. He graduated from Vista University; Bloemfontein Campus (now incorporated with the University of the Free State).

After obtaining his LL.B degree, he returned to Welkom in 2003 to do his articles. (LL.B translated to Legum Baccalaureus, a Latin phrase that translates to Bachelor of Laws in English.)

“LL.B programmes give students a solid understanding of law, as well as the critical, analytical and strategic thinking skills necessary for the field of law, but corporate law attracted me enormously and I subsequently enrolled for a post graduate diploma in this field.” His passion culminated in a M.A. (master’s degree) in corporate law from the University of South Africa.

However, it was during this time he recalled a conversation about conveyancing he had with Mr. H.V. Jordaan of Jordaan H.V. Incorporated Attorneys. Mr. Jordaan, himself a qualified and certified conveyancer, encouraged him to consider conveyancing as career re-positioning.  

Adv. Morolong explains conveyancing is the process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It’s a distinct branch of law in South Africa, with its own strict rules and regulations that must be followed. “In South Africa, conveyancing practice is regulated by the Legal Practice Council. Conveyancing in South Africa may also only be carried out by a licensed conveyancer: an attorney who has passed the National Conveyancing Examination.

“A proffesional conveyancer - who may also be referred to as a conveyancing attorney or conveyancing solicitor - assists with the property transfer process by ensuring that his or her client meets the legal obligations, and that their client is protected during this transaction.”

A new chapter opened for Adv. Morolong when he passed the compulsory appraisal and examination to practice as a specialist in property law. “It was not an easy journey. I failed at times, but then I would get up, take the bull by the horns, and try again.”

“A conveyancing attorney has a duty to ensure that the ownership of the property is legal and valid and to ensure that there are no third-party claims against the property. As an attorney, I have a responsibility towards a client to ensure his or her legal interests are protected. That is one lesson the late Mr. Andrews would often repeat, and one I took to heart.”

Adv. Morolong says it is, with hindsight, clear both Mr. Andrews and Mr. Jordaan gradually “groomed” him to be the best he can be. “I was asked to serve Andrews Incorporated as a director, and from there I was nominated and appointed to be of service as a member of a panel of approved conveyancers for bond registrations at a commercial bank. The panel do bond registrations, among others.

“Theoretical knowledge and practical experience came together. Two very experienced attorneys invested in what they saw as my potential, and sharing their best practices with me undoubtedly molded me.”

As time progressed, and he has risen through the ranks, making his mark as he continued to climb an upward spiral, Adv. Morolong tapped into some hidden reservoir of energy and opened a successful law firm (GM Attorneys and Conveyancers) in Jan Hofmeyer Road, Doorn, Welkom. In December 2022, the late Mr. John Andrews sold Andrews Incorporated to Adv. Morolong.

Adv. Morolong – now an experienced and successful conveyancer attorney and not the young law clerk from the days they first met – decided to pay his respects to his friend by buying the firm.

“The name of the firm will not change. It will remain Andrews Incorporated. Employees will stay with the firm as far as achievable. We are all driven as a team by and bound to the legacy of the founder. Ownership has changed, but not the ethos, trustworthiness, and core competencies of Andrews Incorporated as a law firm. It is business as usual.”

Adv. Morolong, who shares his birthdate with the late former President Nelson Mandela (18 July), regards Madiba as his role model. “His humble leadership style teaches the lesson that potential will be unleashed in a conducive environment where all are valued and appreciated.”

A family man to the core, Adv. Morolong and his wife, Pearl, a professional in her own right who has made her mark in the media industry with academic achievements and practical experience in education - specifically learners with special needs – are blessed with twin daughters Keneilwe and Reabetswe, and a son, Kamohelo. 

“Without my wife and my family’s support my journey thus far would not have been possible. I owe much to them for their faith in me.”

Adv. Morolong is a warm, friendly people-centered person with vast experience.