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 […]
How to Clear Your Name After a Default Judgment Against You: Rescission of Judgments
Most people only become aware that a default judgment has been granted against them when the sheriff arrives with a warrant of execution or when their credit applications are unexpectedly declined. A default judgment is usually issued when a defendant fails to enter an appearance to defend or does not attend trial, and in the […]
Sale of Immovable Property from a Deceased Estate
Most people only become aware that a default judgment has been granted against them when the sheriff arrives with a warrant of execution or when their credit applications are unexpectedly declined. A default judgment is usually issued when a defendant fails to enter an appearance to defend or does not attend trial, and in the […]
Divorce and Pensions
Navigating recent legislative changes. When couples divorce, the division of assets can become a complex matter, particularly where retirement savings are involved. For financial advisors, understanding how marital property regimes and legislation intersect is critical to supporting clients. Recent legal updates, effective from 1 September 2024, have aligned the definition of ‘pension interest’ across fund […]
Unlawful Arrests and Your Rights
In South Africa, the process of making arrests is governed by the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 as amended (CPA), which outlines the legal framework for law enforcement officials when apprehending individuals suspected of committing crimes. This legislation ensures that arrests are carried out in a manner that upholds the rights of the accused, […]
When Is a Trust Not a Trust?
When can the provisions of a trust deed be set aside? When you don’t stick to the rules. Far too many people pay their accountant or attorney a visit, draw up a boilerplate trust deed, sign on the dotted line, and think that this piece of paper will take away all their tax and estate […]
Considering the CCMA? Here Is What You Need to Know
A lack of information or comprehension of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (Hereinafter the “CCMA”) and its processes can prevent the public from taking advantage of the commission’s accessible and low-cost services, causing frustration. For those unfamiliar with labour laws and not part of the legal profession, navigating the CCMA can seem intimidating […]