It is a continuous process, driven by legislative shifts, tax reforms and the growing complexity of client needs. Staying ahead requires more than keeping up; it demands applying technical expertise with strategic clarity.
To meet this need, the School of Financial Planning Law (SFPL) at the University of the Free State is launching a new 12-week short learning programme this August: Financial Planning Case Studies: Practical Strategies for the Modern Financial Planner. Entirely online and tailored for professionals already established in their field, the programme is designed to deepen technical knowledge while broadening strategic thinking.
The course is presented by Errol Gottfried Meyer, a respected authority in South Africa’s financial planning and legal sectors. With over 30 years’ experience in estate planning, taxation and fiduciary law, Meyer’s contributions are widely recognised in practice and academia. His publication, Notes on Estate and Financial Plans – Meyer on Case Studies, now in its 13th edition, is prescribed at multiple institutions and widely used by practitioners.
This programme takes a distinctly case-based approach. Rather than relying on abstract theory, it immerses participants in real-world, complex scenarios that demand technical precision and cross-disciplinary reasoning. The aim is to sharpen planning skills in high-net-worth and multi-generational client contexts, with higher stakes and more nuanced decisions.
Meyer’s own career bridges legal insight and practical application. As a former senior legal manager and tax advocate at SARS, and a consultant on complex estate and tax matters, Meyer brings an insider’s perspective on compliance and strategy. His teaching style is clear, focused and designed for professionals seeking peer-level engagement and challenge.
Weekly live sessions provide structure and interaction, while the online format ensures flexibility for working professionals. The short learning programme stretches over 12 weekly sessions, with a final assessment after completing the 12 weeks. Assessment tasks are built around realistic planning problems to test technical proficiency and strategic judgement. The programme is accredited by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) and carries 54 CPD points, including in ethics and technical categories.
Core content areas include estate and retirement planning, trust structures, tax strategy, behavioural finance and succession planning. These are not peripheral topics – they are central to modern financial planning, and clients rightly expect a high standard of competence in each.
This programme is ideal for financial planners, fiduciary specialists, tax consultants, attorneys, accountants and senior financial professionals who are serious about refining their practice and remaining at the forefront of their profession. Whether the goal is to enhance an existing service offering, contribute more strategically within a firm or simply stay sharp in a demanding environment, this course offers a meaningful opportunity for growth.
Applications are now open. For more information or to enrol, visit the School of Financial Planning Law’s website. In this profession, expertise earns trust and continued learning earns longevity.
