Recent occurrences:

1. Nova Director André Fourie has resigned 2. Nova attorney Diaan Ellis of Faber, Goertz, Ellis, Austen Inc (FGEA) has died (after taking his own life) 3. We have heard via the grapevine that FGEA have terminated the firm’s association with Nova

What do these three events signify?

Did Fourie resign in an attempt to distance himself from what he, perhaps, perceives as big trouble heading Nova’s way?

Did Ellis terminate his life for the same reason? He was the go-to attorney for Nova and he would have been called upon many times to handle Nova matters and actions that needed the cover of legal opinion

That FGEA have terminated the relationship speaks to the inside situation over many years within the firm. It strongly suggests that the other Directors were (or grew) uncomfortable with the connection with Nova, that the connection was not endorsed bay all of the Directors (although the firm will have derived considerable revenue out of Nova matters which Ellis addressed) and that they too are distancing themselves

Can any person or entity really distance themselves in any situation which might result in legal action and consequent reputational damage?