SARS’ ‘Toll Fee’ on the Road to Home Ownership
Of all the costs involved in purchasing a home, transfer duty is one of the largest. Buying a property in South Africa involves more than just the purchase price. One of the additional costs that many buyers need to budget for is transfer duty, a tax levied by SARS. Understanding how this tax works is […]
The Rental Housing Tribunal: The Unsung Hero of South Africa’s Rental Market
Renting or leasing a home should be simple, but when it turns into a headache, the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) steps in to help. Established under the Rental Housing Act No. 50 of 1999, the tribunal provides a free, fair, and accessible way for landlords and tenants to resolve disputes, without the stress or cost […]
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 […]
Your Rights Under the Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) changed South African contract law by introducing statutory remedies that differ from the traditional common-law breaches, such as mora, positive malperformance, and repudiation. Instead of classifying remedies by the type of breach, the CPA focuses on the type of performance, distinguishing between services and goods. The CPA […]
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 […]
High Court Validates Electronic Will of Late Constitutional Court Justice
In an important judgment that addresses the intersection of modern technology and traditional legal formalities, the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley has ordered the Master of the High Court to accept an electronically signed will as the valid last will and testament of the late Constitutional Court Justice Mokgoro. Justice Mokgoro, who passed away […]
Time Is, Indeed, Money!
How to make time work for your money. It’s often said that time is money, and when it comes to your finances, that’s absolutely true. The principle of the time value of money is simple: money available today is worth more than the same amount in the future, because it has the potential to earn […]
Know Your Rental Rights
Renting a home should be straightforward: you pay your rent, you get a safe place to live, and both sides respect the agreement. Unfortunately, renting does not always go as planned. The Rental Housing Act was introduced to keep things fair and balanced between tenants and landlords. And when disputes do arise, the Rental Housing […]
Steps to Take When Your Tenant Stops Paying Rent
For many landlords, one of the toughest situations to face is when a tenant stops paying rent. It’s frustrating, but it’s important to remember that eviction isn’t just a matter of asking someone to leave. It’s a legal process governed by strict rules. Knowing how it works helps you protect your rights while avoiding unnecessary […]
Can You Back Out of a Property Purchase? Legal Consequences Explained
Purchasing property is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make. It often involves high financial stakes, emotional investments and a legally binding contract. But what happens if you need to back out of a sale after signing an offer to purchase? Whether due to a change in financial circumstances, buyer’s remorse, […]