Possession Is Nine-Tenths of the Law: Understanding Spoliation Law
What is spoliation? Spoliation refers to the unlawful dispossession of someone’s peaceful possession of movable or immovable property without their consent and/or without a court order authorising the dispossessor’s actions. Spoliation focuses specifically on a person’s possession, and ownership of the property involved is not considered relevant. Luckily, our law provides a strong remedy, originating […]
Evictions in South Africa: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
Evicting a tenant or occupier in South Africa is a highly regulated process governed by the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act). Landlords cannot take the law into their own hands. Let’s unpack the legal steps for a lawful eviction, the rights of unlawful occupiers, and why legal […]
Think You Were Misled About a Car Purchase? Read This
In South Africa, purchasing a motor vehicle is a significant financial decision. It is therefore essential that purchasers receive honest and complete information regarding the vehicle’s condition before making a decision. Unfortunately, circumstances still arise where purchasers are misled into buying defective vehicles due to false or incomplete representations made by sellers. The recent judgment […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mediation Before Litigation: Balancing Efficiency and Constitutional Rights
South Africa’s civil justice system faces significant challenges, including escalating litigation costs, prolonged delays, and an overwhelming backlog of cases, with some civil trial dates not projected until 2031. Against this background, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has been developing a Draft Mediation Bill since 2019 to integrate alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly […]
The Future of Platform Work in South Africa Needs a New Rulebook
The digital world is spinning faster than ever, and in South Africa, that rotation is powered by algorithms, online app orders, and the hum of delivery bikes. From catching an Uber to buying your weekly groceries via Checkers Sixty60, the “Platform Economy” has officially moved from a futuristic trend to our daily reality. But behind […]
What Does Being a Trustee of a Body Corporate Entail (Part 2)
In Part One of this article, we explained that a replacement trustee may be appointed by the remaining trustees when a trustee ceases to hold office, or, if all trustees have vacated their positions, by the members in a general meeting. The appointment is for a specified period, for example, six months or usually until […]
Sectional Title Arrears Collections: A Legal Perspective
Sectional titles remain one of South Africa’s most popular property ownership models, offering community-style living, shared security, and reduced maintenance burdens. However, arrear levies are the biggest ongoing challenge that can disrupt even the best-run schemes. Overdue payments from sectional title owners to the body corporate are not only an administrative challenge but also carry […]
Applications now open for Property Buyer Support Service
Buying a property is likely the single biggest financial decision you will ever make. Yet most buyers rush into it with less information, less protection, and less independent advice than they would when buying a car. And that’s exactly where many property buyers go wrong. Here’s the uncomfortable truth Every month, buyers sign offers to […]
