{
  "id": 13360301,
  "title": "Family feud puts Cape Town’s 60-year-old Gatti ice-cream business under the microscope",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/family-feud-puts-cape-towns-60-year-old-gatti-ice-cream-business",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-10T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/capeargus/news/2026-10-10-family-feud-puts-cape-towns-60-year-old-gatti-ice-cream-business-under-the-microscope/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A family dispute has forced Cape Town's renowned ice cream business, Gatti Ice Cream, under the scrutiny of the Western Cape High Court. On October 5, 2026, Judge Babalwa Mantame issued an order for an independent investigation into the company's affairs after overturning two decisions made by the directors of Gatti Ice Cream (Pty) Ltd. Gatti Ice Cream, known for popular ice lollies like Choc-o-Lina, Jolly Jelly, and Surf Joy, has been a staple in the city since 1965. The Harnekar family, who have been running the business since they bought the Gatti brand, is currently embroiled in a conflict over management practices and financial controls. The case was initiated by the Behnst Family Trust, holding 25% of the company, and Basheer Harnekar, who is a director and former chairman. Allegations include the purchase of a generator and boiler without proper board approval, as well as concerns over financial controls and senior managers' decisions. Majority directors contested these allegations and raised issues about disciplinary proceedings and an office camera installation. The court found that Aiyoob Harnekar should have disclosed his interest and recused himself during discussions about disciplinary actions involving his son, Zameer. The judge criticized the lack of formal governance when the company transitioned from the founders to their children and then to the third generation. While the majority directors defended their informal management system, the court acknowledged that oversight was necessary for a business that had grown beyond its original structure. The judge overturned two resolutions and refused several other requests from Basheer and the trust, including suspending senior managers, appointing Basheer as general manager, and forcing the trust to sell its shares.",
  "summary": "The Western Cape High Court has ordered an independent investigation into governance and management disputes at Cape Town-based Gatti Ice Cream after setting aside two resolutions passed by the company’s directors.",
  "key_points": [
    "Western Cape High Court orders independent investigation into Gatti Ice Cream affairs.",
    "Behnst Family Trust and Basheer Harnekar allege improper purchases and governance issues."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "GroundUp",
        "title": "March at Cape Town’s Princess Vlei highlights danger when it’s dark",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/march-at-cape-towns-princess-vlei-highlights-danger-when-its-dark",
        "published": "2026-10-10T05:36:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}