Misled by a Property Seller? Know Your Legal Rights
What happens if a seller gives you false information to persuade you to buy a property? South African law offers protection in cases of misrepresentation, even where the contract includes a “voetstoots” clause. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to cancel the sale or claim damages. A recent court decision outlines the rights […]
Who Is Liable When a Casual Worker Falls Off Your Roof?
If you hire someone directly to clean gutters, repair a roof, or do similar work at your home, and that person falls and is injured, liability is not always simple. In many cases, the answer depends on whether that person is treated as your employee for legal purposes, whether you complied with compensation law, and […]
Forming a Trust in South Africa: Which Type Suits You?
What is a trust? The answer may seem obvious, but in practice, many people get confused as to exactly what a trust is and what such a structure is meant for. In this article, we examine the various types of trust recognised under the South African common law, as well as where the Income Tax […]
The Consumer Protection Act Changes the Rules of Voetstoots Sales
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) has significantly curtailed the use of voetstoots clauses in South African law. While these clauses are still recognised in certain contexts, the CPA strengthens consumer rights and places strict limits on when and how liability for defective goods can be excluded. What the Law Says Under South […]
Collecting School Fees in South Africa: The Legal Framework for 2026
Schools have the right to recover unpaid fees, but the law sets a precise sequence of steps that must be followed before any enforcement action can lawfully begin. For public schools, Section 39 of the South African Schools Act SASA governs the entire process, from exemption entitlements to the point at which a matter enters […]
When Grief Meets Red Tape: Understanding Today’s Estate Challenges
Losing a loved one is already one of life’s most difficult experiences. Add to that the burden of South Africa’s complex estate administration process, and families often find themselves overwhelmed at the worst possible time. In 2026, the challenges facing estate administrators have reached unprecedented levels, but understanding these obstacles and seeking professional help can […]
Are Electronic Wills Valid?
We live in an age where agreements are concluded by email, documents are signed electronically, and important records are stored in the cloud. It is therefore not surprising that clients often ask: “Can I sign my will electronically?” or “Is the will saved on my laptop valid?” The short answer is that South African law […]
South Africa’s Parental Leave Rules Have Been Updated
On 3 October 2025, the Constitutional Court delivered a landmark decision in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour & Others (CCT 308/23) [2025] ZACC 20, fundamentally reshaping the law on parental leave in South Africa. The Judgment The court declared that the existing provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act […]
Trusts and Family Wealth
Passing wealth from one generation to the next is no longer a simple administrative exercise. Families today live longer, own more complex assets, and face evolving tax and legal environments. Against this backdrop, estate planning has shifted from short-term succession planning to long-term stewardship. One structure continues to feature prominently in this conversation: the living […]
Do Part-Time Domestic Workers Get Paid Leave?
In South Africa, many households employ part-time domestic workers or gardeners who may only work once or twice a week. Employers often wonder whether they need to provide paid leave in these cases. The short answer is yes — but only proportionally, based on the number of days worked. Annual Leave The Basic Conditions of […]