In an unforgettable moment on national television, the country’s leader struggled to put on a face mask sparking a flurry of jokes, memes, and concern nationwide. Behind the scenes, the situation was anything but funny. Reliable, high-quality protection was urgently needed for public engagements amid a global health crisis.
The call went out to one man: Peet Viljoen entrepreneur, franchisor of over 300 luxury salons, and owner of multiple businesses capable of rapid, high-quality manufacturing. Within days, Viljoen produced branded masks that combined safety, durability, and South African style.
In a rare personal acknowledgment, the leader sent a direct message thanking Viljoen for his swift and critical intervention.
Viljoen’s influence extends far beyond business. As a legal strategist, he made history in the Supreme Court of Appeal in the case Viljoen v Law Society (Case No. 094/2010).
In this landmark ruling, a full bench of five judges redefined the powers of the Law Society, limiting its ability to withhold a fidelity fund certificate from a legal practitioner before disciplinary proceedings were completed. The decision strengthened the principles of fair process and protection against abuse of regulatory authority.
The judgment not only protected the rights of attorneys but also exposed systemic flaws in how the legal profession was being regulated.
Viljoen is not merely a lawyer—he is an agent of change. His career is marked by high-profile cases that have rattled political, business, and law enforcement structures. He has been instrumental in exposing corruption and misconduct across a range of industries and institutions.
In each instance, Viljoen’s legal acumen and fearless pursuit of justice placed him at the centre of national attention.
From producing life-saving masks in a time of crisis to shaping constitutional fairness in the legal profession, Peet Viljoen’s story is one of influence, courage, and unwavering principle. Whether in the boardroom, the courtroom, or in moments of national urgency, Viljoen stands as a figure who not only responds to crises—but changes the systems that cause them.