High-flying media star Lerato Kganyago's husband Thami Ndlala, a successful businessman, finds himself in a legal dispute with his landlord. The case involves improvements Ndlala claims he made worth R1.3 million to property rented by his company Thami Ndlala Holdings.
According to Ndlala's court papers, his company entered into a three year lease agreement with Urban Mountains in August 2021 to expand their hotel. Urban Mountains, the court papers show, are the owners of the property on 14 On Hillell, the house next to Ndlala's hotel.
In his founding affidavit, Ndlala states that his company and Urban Mountains, in this case his landlord, agreed that Ndlala would be allowed to make improvements on the property owned by Urban Mountains and that permission would be sought from the owner before any renovations or improvements could be made. He said during the period from September 2021, his company made improvements worth R1. 3 million, which were approved by his landlord, but said he was suddenly shocked when his landlord served him with ejectment papers indicating that he was being kicked out of the property.
The property in question is located next to Ndlala's hotel, 12 On Hillell Villa and Spa in Northcliff, Johannesburg. It had been leased from Urban Mountains, the owning company. However, Urban Mountains recently took steps to remove Ndlala prior to the lease expiry.
In response, Ndlala launched legal action through Hugo Baloyi Attorneys. Court documents reveal Ndlala is demanding the liquidation of Urban Mountains, alleging insolvency and failure to repay creditors including his R1.3 million owed.
As evidence, Ndlala provided letters showing attempts to recoup owed money from Urban Mountains to no avail. Liquidation would allow examining company finances and determining liability to creditors like Ndlala Holdings.
Without other assets to cover debts, Ndlala argues Urban Mountains meets the legal definition of commercial insolvency. His application aims to protect his interests through a transparent winding up process overseen by the court.
As litigation plays out, the prestige address remains a subject of contention between two businesses in the high-stakes real estate sector. The judgement will offer clarity on the legal responsibilities of landlords and tenants.
