Latest news with #TammyTaylor
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Gupta house sold
Here's your daily news update for Thursday, 24 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, one of three Saxonwold properties linked to the Gupta family has been successfully sold at auction on Thursday for R3.3 million. Meanwhile, the defence in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial has revealed that the accused intend to apply for their charges to be dropped. Furthermore, a Tammy Taylor franchisee who lost R5.8 million has spoken out about Peet and Melany Viljoen. Weather tomorrow: 25 July 2025 A yellow level 2 warning has been issued for damaging waves south of Durban, with wet and windy weather forecast inland. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Gupta's property in Saxonwold compound sold for R3.3m at auction [PICS] One of three properties in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, linked to the Gupta family was successfully sold at auction on Thursday for R3.3 million. The public sale was part of an effort to recover funds from the family's confiscated estate. Number 3 Saxonwold Drive, part of the Gupta compound, seen on 24 July 2025. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen The homes are owned by Confident Concept, a Gupta-owned company currently under business rescue. The auction forms part of a larger effort to liquidate assets tied to the controversial family. CONTINUE READING: Gupta's property in Saxonwold compound sold for R3.3m at auction [PICS] Gupta's property in Saxonwold compound sold for R3.3m at auction [PICS] It was an eventful day in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, as the defence in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial revealed that the accused intend to apply for their charges to be dropped. Proceedings resumed with officials from the Department of Correctional Services appearing before Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to address his earlier ruling regarding accused number five, Fisokuhle Ntuli. State Prosecutor George Baloyi is seen at Pretoria High Court on 15 September 2022. Picture: Gallo Images/City Press/Tebogo Letsie After resolving the prison-related matters, prosecutor George Baloyi closed the state's case. 'It is precisely three years since the state started leading evidence, we formally close the case,' he said. With the state having closed its case, attention shifted to the defence. Defence attorneys disclosed that they have been instructed to file an application to have the charges dropped under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act. CONTINUE READING: Senzo Meyiwa murder accused seek to have charges dropped as state closes case Tammy Taylor franchisee who lost R5.8 million speaks out about Peet and Melany Viljoen A Tammy Taylor franchisee, who lost the R5.8 million she paid for two Tammy Taylor salons and a 30% stake in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, says she had enough reason to 'get weird' when she went into business with the Viljoens. After the Pretoria High Court ordered Peet and Melany Viljoen to refund a franchisee R600 000 that she had paid for a Tammy Taylor salon that never materialised, the Viljoens left South Africa. Peet and Melany Viljoen of Tammy Taylor fame. Picture: Facebook In his first video from Miami, Peet says that Hantie Oosthuyzen, who paid R5.8 million for two salons and a stake in the business, became 'weird', and after they addressed the issue on WhatsApp, they did not hear from her again. Oosthuyzen told The Citizen that she used some of the investments she inherited after her husband passed away from cancer in 2022 to pay for the salons and her share in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising. Oosthuyzen has a minor child and still works in her profession, as she is now the breadwinner. CONTINUE READING: Tammy Taylor franchisee who lost R5.8 million speaks out about Peet and Melany Viljoen MPs asked to recuse themselves from Mkhwanazi police corruption allegations probe EFF president Julius Malema says Kenny Kunene should tell the truth about why he was at the house of a man suspected of killing musician and businessman, DJ Sumbody. Kunene was found in a Sandton house where businessman Katiso 'KT' Molefe was arrested for the murder of Oupa Sefako, also known as DJ Sumbody. EFF leader Julius Malema during a press briefing on 24 July 2025. Picture: X/@EFFSouthAfrica He told the police that he was there to facilitate an interview for a journalist who works for his online publication. But Malema on Thursday described this as a 'story'. 'To take a journalist is not a secret operation. Who is that journalist? Why would you take a journalist to someone who just came out of prison, someone who is on bail, as an MMC?' he said. CONTINUE READING: Malema accuses Kunene of lying about relationship with man accused of murdering DJ Sumbody Health care crisis: SA loses nearly 6 000 doctors and nurses a year South Africa's public healthcare system is hemorrhaging medical professionals at an alarming rate, with nearly 6 000 doctors and nurses resigning annually from state facilities. Recent parliamentary data reveals the devastating scale of the brain drain crippling the country's health sector. The brain drain is crippling the country's health sector. Image: iStock Official figures from the Persal system show that between 2013 and 2025, South Africa lost 12 745 doctors and 58 897 nurses from public health care facilities. Combined, this represents an average of approximately 5 900 doctor and nurse resignations per year over the 12-year period from 2013 to 2024. CONTINUE READING: Health care crisis: SA loses nearly 6 000 doctors and nurses a year Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: NA approves Appropriation Bill | US Bill's bid to sanction ANC officials | Inflation increases
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tammy Taylor franchisee who lost R5.8 million speaks out about Peet and Melany Viljoen
Although her lawyers are investigating, the franchisee says she 'learnt a lesson' after the Viljoens allegedly used her R5.8 million to move to Miami. A Tammy Taylor franchisee, who lost the R5.8 million she paid for two Tammy Taylor salons and a 30% stake in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, says she had enough reason to 'get weird' when she went into business with the Viljoens. After the Pretoria High Court ordered Peet and Melany Viljoen to refund a franchisee R600 000 that she had paid for a Tammy Taylor salon that never materialised, the Viljoens left South Africa. According to videos posted to Melany's Facebook page, they are now living in Miami. The videos contain a barrage of racism as well as homophobic remarks, with Melany alleging that she was booted from her job selling bull bars because is not black, although she says she was very successful in her sales. Peet says he hates all black people in South Africa, while both of them are not shy to use swear words. He also complains about 'the media' not listening to their side of the story. He says all journalists are gay, and makes various nasty comments, such as 'I don't speak baboon', referring to black people, and 'I don't speak lesbian'. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens leave Tammy Taylor Nails franchisees in the lurch? Viljoens have big plans in US after leaving local franchisees in the lurch Peet says he 'already has approval' to write his exams to practice as a lawyer in the United States (US). In South Africa, he was disbarred in 2011. The irony is that a US court ruled in June, just before they left South Africa for good, that they must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71 million ($4 million) for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract. According to the judgment, the Viljoens tried to register the Tammy Taylor trademark as their own in 2021, in the US. In his first video from Miami, Peet says that Hantie Oosthuyzen, who paid R5.8 million for two salons and a stake in the business, became 'weird', and after they addressed the issue on WhatsApp, they did not hear from her again. This transaction was concluded in September, despite the Viljoens, according to Rapport, having already made plans —15 months prior — to move to the US. ALSO READ: Viljoens say Tammy Taylor will not get her R71 million [VIDEO] Franchisee lost R5.8 million Oosthuyzen told The Citizen that she used some of the investments she inherited after her husband passed away from cancer in 2022 to pay for the salons and her share in Tammy Taylor Global Franchising. Oosthuyzen has a minor child and still works in her profession, as she is now the breadwinner. Did she become 'weird', as Peet says? 'It is human nature to become weird when you are not paid for service rendered and when you do not get what you pay for, as well as not receiving dividends. You become weird when you are misled, and you receive false information.' She says she saw the Viljoens had no business ethics and that they instructed her to move the Tammy Taylor head office but then found out that the company was kicked out because the Viljoens did not pay the rent. Oosthuyzen says in addition, she found out that the stock was not insured, staff had no employment contracts and that no UIF was paid for them, while they were threatened and fired without due process. The Viljoens also allegedly dispensed liquor without a license, and the salons had no health and safety policy. After she started asking too many questions, the staff were instructed to record Oosthuyzen and her child and provoke her, she says. In addition, she saw racism and homophobia, while the Viljoens told lies about her and threatened her when they did communicate with her. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? Franchisee did not go into the Tammy Taylor agreement with Viljoens blind Did she do proper research before paying the Viljoens for the salons and the stake in the business? Oosthuyzen says she did her homework and even asked a chartered accountant to help her register the salons in Benoni and Bedfordview. 'We were especially interested in the manufacture and distribution of the products, as well as standardising the salons and marketing them, as it was clear that some were thriving while others battled and had to be sold. I also noticed there was a delay between buying a salon and the time it opened.' She says she also started noticing the negative publicity around the Viljoens, but when she asked about it, they had all kinds of excuses. 'Our dream was a small salon focused on quality instead of quantity, and I still believe this is a successful model in the industry. I definitely learnt a lesson, and there is no chance that I will do business with the Viljoens again.' Oosthuyzen says it was a dream for the Viljoens to live in the US. 'It is important to chase your dreams. We put a lot of emphasis on this in raising our child. However, the problem is that you should not reach your dreams to the detriment of others. This is where a moral compass and a good upbringing are important.' ALSO READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises What would she like to say to the Viljoens? 'Dear Peet and Mel, here is my answer to your last WhatsApp: You will not understand! You do not know the terms ethical behaviour. We come from a long line of Afrikaners. Our forebears were poor when it came to property, but rich in ethics. 'Our style, class and built-in value system gave us a good reputation in the community where we lived. We did not buy this from Louis Vuitton, Gucci or Rolex. We respect each other in everything. We do not intimidate, harass and threaten each other. 'We also believe in our beautiful country, South Africa, a country with many cultures and races. Our rainbow country, where we work hard with our countrymen, where we want to stay and live in peace together. 'Good luck with your adventure, and we wish you pace and success.' ALSO READ: Tammy Taylor Nails franchise story goes horribly wrong for SA owners The Viljoens did not react to a request to comment on these allegations. If received, their answers will be added. More legal trouble for the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor fame? Adv M Razak, instructed by Ghirao Incorporated, is acting on Oosthuyzen's behalf and says investigations are underway to look for legal solutions. 'The crux of the matter is that she does not have anything to show for the money she paid – no salons and no shares. 'It appears that the Viljoens used the money to fund their lifestyle and sponsor their trip to Miami.' Meanwhile, the Viljoens posted a new video on Facebook where they invite white Afrikaans 'meisies' who were trained to do nails by Tammy Taylor in South Africa to apply for positions at one of their new salons in the US. Peet says in the video that, 'We can then sponsor you to come over.'
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Did the Viljoens leave Tammy Taylor Nails franchisees in the lurch?
While the Viljoens are living it up in Miami, Tammy Taylor franchisees in South Africa are wondering what will happen to them. Now that Peet and Melany Viljoen left the country, their Tammy Taylor franchisees have been left in the lurch. The principal franchisor, the Viljoens' Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, has left the country, but the salons still carry the Tammy Taylor brand name and logo despite South African and US courts forbidding the Viljoens from continuing to use it. Where does that leave the franchisees? Trudie Broekmann, a consumer lawyer from Cape Town and expert on the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), says a franchise operation can generally not operate without an engaged national franchisor which properly holds the legal rights to act as franchisor. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? The CPA's provisions regarding franchises were used in the application for an order against the Viljoens and Tammy Taylor Global Franchising recently, when Lebohang Hlathuka asked to be refunded the R600 000 she paid for a franchise. The court also ruled that the Viljoens be barred from using the Tammy Taylor brand name any longer. Tammy Taylor franchisees left to fend for themselves Broekmann says, from Hlathuka's recent judgment against the Viljoens, it is clear that at least those 'franchisees' who recently acquired their franchises from the Viljoens' entities do not have a valid franchise. 'These franchises would have to be reacquired or otherwise regularised by either a South African franchisor with a valid right for the relevant territory or with Tammy Taylor in the US. ALSO READ: US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million 'If earlier franchisees acquired their franchises validly from the Viljoens while they were authorised by Tammy Taylor to sell franchises, those franchisees have also been left in the lurch by the Viljoens' sudden departure. 'The older franchisees will have to negotiate new channels for their supplies and support. Even successful legal prosecution generally cannot rectify the devastation left behind by fraudsters. I can only commiserate with the non-complicit staff, franchisees and even customers of the franchisees who have been left to fend for themselves.' Judgment in US court against Viljoens A US court also issued an order at the end of June after the real Tammy Taylor sued the Viljoens for trademark infringement and breach of contract. The US judge ordered that the Viljoens' US Trademark Registration be cancelled and that Taylor's request for the maximum in statutory damages of $4 million against the Viljoens for counterfeiting the US-registered trademarks and breach of contract is granted. In addition, the judge ordered the Viljoens to scrub all references between them and the Tammy Taylor brand, including their website, from the internet. ALSO READ: Viljoens say Tammy Taylor will not get her R71 million [VIDEO] How do these judgments affect the Tammy Taylor franchisees in South Africa? Broekmann says the truth is that the franchisees are in a bind and there is probably not much they can do. 'Considering the rulings by the South Gauteng High Court and the California District Court in the US, it is clear that the Viljoens and their entities did not have the right to sell Tammy Taylor franchises since April 2022. 'Therefore, any 'franchisee' or potential 'franchisee' who contracted with them is entitled to claim their money back, along with damages. If these 'franchisees' attempt to conduct business as a Tammy Taylor salon they will be legally unauthorised and open themselves to being sued by Tammy Taylor Nails Inc in the US for breach of its intellectual property rights. 'I would suggest they instruct legal representatives to act very quickly to ensure that the Viljoens' assets are not dissipated or removed from the country to evade payment.' What can the Tammy Taylor franchisees do now? Broekmann says even the legitimate franchisees, who transacted with the Viljoens between April 2017 and April 2022 while they were authorised to sell franchisees, were left in the lurch by the Viljoens' hurried departure from South Africa. 'I assume their companies will not operate for much longer. I suggest the franchisees contact Tammy Taylor Nails Inc in the US to negotiate arrangements for support and supply of the correct Tammy Taylor products. Of course, there is no guarantee that the US company will be willing to support the South African franchisees and if so, at what cost.' ALSO READ: Judge orders Viljoens to immediately stop using Tammy Taylor trademark She says she has been inundated with requests for help from South African consumers who are victims of con artists and fraudsters. 'This judgment is a move in the right direction and demonstrates that our courts will come to the assistance of those who fall victim to business people who behave in contravention of the law, in particular the CPA, which regulates franchising.' Be careful if you want a franchise, lawyer warns Broekmann recommends that consumers who want to invest in a franchise involve an attorney to assist them throughout the process, as there are many potential pitfalls. 'The CPA requires a franchise agreement to be in writing and signed by the franchisor as well as the franchisee, but Hlathuka was forced to pay R600 000 before the contract was in place for a 'franchise opportunity that never existed'.' NOW READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises
The South African
10-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
US court rules Peet and Melany Viljoen pay Tammy Taylor R71 million
A United States court has ruled that South African couple Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay $3.9 million (approximately R71 million) in statutory damages to Tammy Taylor, the American founder of Tammy Taylor Nails. The judgment was handed down by the Southern District of California, which also issued a permanent injunction banning the Viljoens from using the Tammy Taylor name, branding, or trademarks. The court has officially cancelled their US trademark registration and prohibited any future business activity affiliated with the brand. Taylor filed the lawsuit in April 2024, accusing the Viljoens of unauthorised use of her brand after their licensing agreement was terminated. The couple reportedly did not defend the case in court, allowing a default judgment to be entered. Taylor originally sought R390 million in lost profits, citing reputational damage and global brand confusion, but the court dismissed that portion due to insufficient evidence. The Viljoens have now been ordered to scrub all use of the Tammy Taylor name, including: Salon signage Websites Social media accounts The domain The ruling also requires that all public-facing material no longer imply any association with the original Tammy Taylor brand. The Viljoens' South African attorney, Hein Wiese, declined to comment on the judgment or confirm whether the pair remain in South Africa. The original Tammy Taylor has until 16 July to renew her motion for additional damages or to pursue trademark enforcement in South Africa. This case has drawn widespread attention in the beauty industry, particularly in South Africa, where the Tammy Taylor name has been heavily promoted under the Viljoens' franchise network in recent years. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Masemola on KZN task team
Here's your daily news update for Wednesday, 9 July 2025: An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In the news today, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola gave a glimpse into the possible closure of the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team. Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied any links with controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, and downplayed his connection to Brown Mogotsi. Furthermore, a US court ruled that Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71.3 million for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract. Weather tomorrow: 10 July 2025 Fine, cool conditions expected across most provinces, with extreme cold and rain forecast in southern parts of South Africa on Friday, 11 July. Full weather forecast here. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. Masemola denies signing any letter to disband KZN political killings task team National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola on Wednesday gave a glimpse into the possible closure of the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team. The general declared that no official order to disband the unit had been authorised by him. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. Picture: X / @SAPoliceService Masemola confirmed this at a media briefing in Vanderbijlpark on Wednesday, where he was overseeing the destruction of illegal firearms. CONTINUE READING: Masemola denies signing any letter to disband KZN political killings task team Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala, as tenderpreneur bust with cellphone in prison Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has denied any links with controversial businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, and has downplayed his connection to Brown Mogotsi. This follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: Gallo Images Mchunu issued a statement on Wednesday responding to the fallout from a dramatic public spat, in which Mkhwanazi accused him and senior police leadership of interfering in investigations linked to politically sensitive matters. 'The minister has never met Mr Matlala, has never spoken to him, nor has the Minister ever requested or received anything from him,' said the Ministry of police. CONTINUE READING: Mchunu denies ties to Cat Matlala, as tenderpreneur bust with cellphone in prison US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million A US court ruled in June that Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay the real Tammy Taylor R71 370 400 ($4 million) for statutory damages caused by their use of her trademark and breach of contract. However, the court denied her claim of $22 176 000 (R392 537 200) for lost profit because she did not prove the loss. Peet and Melany Viljoen must pay Tammy Taylor R71 million. Picture: Instagram/peetviljoen_ttn Tammy Taylor, founder and owner of Tammy Taylor Nails in the US, announced on Instagram that she is suing the Viljoens and filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Southern District of California in April last year, accusing her former licensees of continuing to use her trademarks after the licence ended. CONTINUE READING: US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million Ian Cameron admits to naming the wrong 'Vusi' after Shauwn Mkhize's lawyers demand apology and retraction Democratic Alliance (DA) member of parliament (MP) Ian Cameron has admitted to mistakenly implicating Shauwn Mkhize in Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala's alleged criminal activities. 'On Monday, I misspoke by naming the wrong Vusimusi in relation to the firearms cache found at Shaun Mkhize's property during a raid by Sars [South African Revenue Service],' said Cameron, responding to The Citizen. Ian Cameron was forced to apologise to businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize for statements he said about her. Pictures:and kwa_mammkhize/Instagram Cameron's response comes after Mkhize's lawyers wrote a letter demanding the withdrawal of defamatory allegations, a public apology and retraction of statements he made about Mkhize. CONTINUE READING: Ian Cameron admits to naming the wrong 'Vusi' after Shauwn Mkhize's lawyers demand apology and retraction Malusi Gigaba's attempt to halt broadcast of ex-wife's explosive episode on 'Untied' fails Malusi Gigaba's attempt to halt the broadcast of an episode where his ex-wife Norma Mngoma details the politician's alleged infidelity during their marriage has failed. After heading to the Johannesburg High Court to prevent Mngoma's appearance on the Showmax show, Untied, the court has thrown out the matter. Malusi Gigaba and ex-wife Norma Mngoma. Gigaba failed to halt the airing of a Mngoma interview. Pictures: Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images/Supplied Mngoma is part of Untied, a talk show series that unpacks the complex world of divorce through the stories of famous women who have lived it. CONTINUE READING: Malusi Gigaba's attempt to halt broadcast of ex-wife's explosive episode on 'Untied' fails Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: Ramaphosa disputes 30% tariff claim | Ex-Cape Town mayor dies | MaMkhize lives it up
