Ombuds – Why and How to Use Them
“Who you gonna call?” (Ghostbusters) An “ombud” (often called ombudsperson, ombudsman or ombudswoman, and sometimes not referred to as an “ombud” at all) is an independent and impartial person or office who will investigate any complaint you may have against a business, government agency, or public or private institution falling under their authority. Ombuds seek […]
Is an electronic will valid in South Africa?
In terms of South African law, for a will to be accepted as valid by the Master of the High Court (a statutory body to which deceased estates are reported), it must comply with the legal formalities as set out in section 1(a) of the Wills Act, 7 of 1953 (hereinafter referred to as the Wills Act). The main requirements in terms […]
Coffee With Us: London’s new “Sky Pool” vs. local swimming gems
An interesting article on a new “sky pool” in London was published in the CapeTownEtc recently: https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/londons-new-sky-pool-vs-local-swimming-gems/. It goes on to compare our local pools with the new London pool, which led me to recall a discussion I had recently with a client on the hot water springs in the Western Cape and South Africa […]
Visiting South Africa with kids just became easier – Here’s what you need to know
“We’re all going on a summer holiday…” (Cliff Richard) With the Festive Season (and our Summer Holidays!) well and truly upon us, you may be inviting family or friends to visit you from overseas with their children, or perhaps you are a foreigner planning a family trip to South Africa. Either way here’s some good […]
Property: Are verbal agreements valid?
“A verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on” (Samuel Goldwyn) Verbal agreements in South Africa are generally as binding and valid as written ones. Of course not recording your agreements in writing is a bad idea – oral agreements are a recipe for doubt and dispute, and proving the exact terms agreed on […]