Best of Knysna & Plett: Smith Tabata Attorneys

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BUSINESS NEWS - Smith Tabata Attorneys are 30 years old this year, having been established in 1996 as a result of a merger between an internationally funded, anti-apartheid human rights law firm and a well-known conveyancing law firm established in the 1800s.

Since then, the firm has grown exponentially in the public law and property law fields, operating eight branches across the Eastern and Southern Cape.

It currently employs 25 attorneys (10 of whom are dedicated conveyancers) and over 100 support staff.

Smith Tabata Garden Route

Three years ago, the firm opened two offices in the Garden Route. Our office on Thesen Island services both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. George and Knysna provide conveyancing and property law services exclusively.

We are delighted to have been nominated in the category Best Law Firm in the Best of Knysna & Plett awards 2026.

What sets us apart from our competitors is “our people”. We have a dedicated team that have fast become the “attorneys of choice” along the Garden Route, in respect of property transactions with a fresh and vibrant approach, predicated on authentic relationships, professionalism, and a genuine passion to ensure every property transaction is handled as efficiently as possible.

Our clients, property practitioners, bond originators and developers regularly praise our availability, our hands-on approach, expertise and turnaround times. We simply must exceed expectations in every matter to win and retrain trust.

Of course, getting traction in new areas is never easy. Sellers often say, “I have an attorney” or “we always use…”

Our response is: “Give us one chance to see the difference we make”. Those who have given us that one opportunity have seen the difference first hand, for example, registering some cash deals in 10 working days! The difference is significant, to say the least.

We would like to thank all sellers, buyers, property practitioners, bond originators and developers that have seen the difference, to the extent that we are now your preference, simply because fast deal registrations is a win for all involved in the process.

Our Garden Route team includes Melanie Fourie (attorney/ conveyancer), Genny de Klerk (attorney/conveyancer specialising in developments) and Katy Heyns (relationship manager).

The team is solutions-based, dedicated to being available to clients 24/7, communicating milestones in the process and grateful to be entrusted with your transaction.

We have also invested heavily in the property practitioners’ base in Knysna and Plett. We offer in-house, NQF 4-accredited training, and bring nationally recognised speakers to events to keep property practitioners abreast of the latest developments in property law.

If you’re considering selling property in Knysna or Plett and have appointed an agent to help you, ask them to recommend who they feel you should appoint to handle the conveyancing aspects of your transaction.

The choice is yours, but guidance from those who deal with such things daily should always be considered. Markets change. Market leaders change.

You should not accept that what worked in the past is still the best and most efficient option.

RIGHT: The Smith Tabata team are Melanie Fourie (attorney conveyancer), Genny de Klerk (development conveyancer) and Katy Heyns (relationship manager).

Smith Tabata Real Estate Training in Plett.

Community involvement

We believe strongly in reinvesting into the communities where we operate and to date have been involved with fundraising initiatives for the Bitou Rugby Club and Revive Knysna, and have recently sponsored rugby jerseys for Fraaisig Primary School.

We are also excited to announce that in November 2026, together with certain partners, we will be launching the Knysna and Plett Top Homes for 2026. All proceeds from this event will go to People of Love in Plett and Thando House in Knysna.

Smith Tabata sponsored rugby kit for Fraaisig Primary School.

Smith Tabata was involved in a padel fundraiser in aid of Revive Knysna.

VOTE FOR US!

We are so pleased to have been nominated to be considered for the best attorneys in Knysna and Plett for 2026.

If we have assisted you with your property transaction, if you’re a stakeholder in the property sector that has been impressed with us, or having read this article you like who we are and how we add value, please take the time to vote for us.

Your support means the world to us and motivates us to continue to deliver excellent service, turning that one opportunity into an ongoing relationship.