The Truth About Driving Under the Influence
Uncover the truth about driving under the influence (DUI) in South Africa. Learn about the strict laws, legal limits, and severe penalties for offenders. Find out how to estimate your blood-alcohol concentration and make responsible choices for safer roads. This is your guide to prioritising your safety and the safety of others, helping you avoid […]
Intending to Buy a State-Funded House? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Constitution of South Africa enshrines the right of everyone to have access to adequate housing. This places a mandatory duty on the state to achieve this right for all South Africans through its available resources. The government introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) as its social housing programme to provide low-income families with […]
Claiming Ownership Through Acquisitive Prescription
One way to acquire property in South Africa is through acquisitive prescription. This method does not rely on the transfer of rights from a predecessor in title; instead, it acknowledges specific factual criteria that, when met, grant legal rights and title to ownership. This article will outline the requirements necessary for successfully claiming ownership through […]
All Our Trustees Have Resigned. What Now?
What happens if all the trustees of a sectional title scheme resign? Who is then in control of the management, and who is entitled to continue exercising the function and powers of the body corporate, which is entrusted to the trustees by virtue of the Sectional Title Schemes Management Act 8 of 2011 (STSMA)? The […]
Addressing Minority Shareholder Oppression: Effective Remedies
Being a minority shareholder can leave you powerless in situations where decisions are made against your wishes. Most Memorandums of Incorporation (MOIs) typically require a 75% majority vote for special resolutions to pass, regardless of your dissent. This scenario can lead to feelings of oppression and unfair prejudice. The word oppressed was derived from the […]
Understanding Restraints of Trade in South Africa: Legal Position and Practical Insights
A restraint of trade agreement is generally contained in a contract of employment. The purpose of such a restraint of trade clause is to protect businesses from unfair competition by former employees or partners and safeguard company secrets and its client base. A typical restraint of trade clause may require a senior manager or sales […]
Property Ownership Transfer and the Abstract Theory
South African courts have adopted the abstract theory, which means that the validity of transferring ownership is not affected by whether the original transaction is valid. In the case of Legator McKenna Inc. v Shea [2009] 2 All SA 45 (SCA), McKenna, an attorney, was appointed as the curator of Mrs Shea’s estate because she […]
A Closer Look at Maintenance Court Procedures in South Africa
Divorce and maintenance claims are often emotionally charged and legally complex processes. In South Africa, the maintenance court, established under the Maintenance Act 99 of 1998, plays an important role in ensuring that dependents, particularly children, are financially supported after a divorce or separation. The maintenance court is a specialised court established under Section 3 […]
Divorce and Immovable Property: Understanding the Section 45bis(1)(a) Endorsement Application
When a person married in community of property is awarded their former spouse’s share in jointly owned property following a divorce, they can apply to the registrar of deeds for an endorsement of the title deed. This endorsement records that the applicant is now the sole owner of the property and can deal with it […]
Understanding Your Rights at a Roadblock in South Africa
It’s late at night, and you’re driving home when flashing blue lights appear ahead – another roadblock. Your heart races slightly, even though you’ve done nothing wrong. What are the police allowed to do? More importantly, what are your rights? Your Rights When Stopped at a Roadblock Getting pulled over at a roadblock can feel […]