OVK, a farmers’ co‑operative, used a standard form ‘Graanaankoopooreenkoms’ to purchase maize from farmers. On 26 October 2000 the respondent’s husband signed such a document, purportedly on her behalf, indicating an intention to sell 500 tons of maize to OVK at R580 per ton. The document contained a clause stating that the agreement would only come into force once signed by both parties and that the purchaser would sign within 14 days, failing which neither party would be bound. Before OVK signed the document, the respondent communicated (through her husband) that she no longer wished to sell the maize. OVK nonetheless signed within the 14‑day period and later sued for damages when the maize was not delivered.