“All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity.” (William Shakespeare, in Hamlet) Master’s Office records suggest that less than a third of us leave behind a will when we die. That’s astonishing, given the fact that death is one of the few absolute certainties in our lives. Why do so many of us […]
Excuses, Excuses: Why People Don’t Make Wills, And Why You Must Read More »
“You aren’t buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle.” (Anon) As more and more residential properties are subdivided and developed, an increasing number of homes are effectively cut off from direct access to the nearest public street or road. That’s where the “panhandle” comes into play, a narrow strip of land (looking on diagrams very
Panhandle Access to Properties – The Mistakes to Avoid Read More »
Dance like no one is watching, but text, post, and email like it will be read in court one day. (Anon) When can the target of rude comments and insults on a community Facebook group sue? The High Court recently grappled with a community debate over free-roaming jackals that turned sour. The golf estate and
Neighbours’ Facebook Feud: Cats Pics, Karens & Keyboard Muppets Read More »
“Theres no trust, no faith, no honesty in men.” (William Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet) A recent Labour Court decision is a stark reminder to employees that an employment relationship is founded on trust, and that any breach of that trust could justify dismissal. Pocketing a 50c coin to balance her till The responsibilities of
Honesty at Work: A 50c Coin Costs a Bank Teller Her Job Read More »
“Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides.” (William Shakespeare, in King Lear) A recent High Court judgment confirms, yet again, that if a property seller knows about a hidden defect and keeps it quiet, no exemption clause will save them. A loud roar, rolling flames, and a dream home turns to ashes A family thought
Your House Burns to the Ground: Can You Hold the Seller Liable? Read More »
Divorce is never only a legal process. It is often emotionally taxing, financially disruptive, and practically complex. Even where both spouses agree that the marriage has come to an end, the legal consequences of divorce can extend for years, particularly where children, property, or ongoing financial obligations are involved. This guide explains the legal framework
Divorce 101: A Simple Guide to the Legal Side in South Africa Read More »
“Diplomats operate through deadlock, which is the way by which two sides can test each others determination.” (Henry Kissinger) Running a business with a partner can work brilliantly – until it doesn’t. When co-directors or shareholders fall out and can no longer see eye to eye, the company can grind to a halt, meaning everyone
What Can You do When a Director Deadlock is Killing Your Company? Read More »
“You must take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour.” (Lord Atkin in the groundbreaking 1932 House of Lords decision that found a soft drink manufacturer liable for a consumer’s shock and illness after she discovered a decomposed snail in the remains of
Hamburger From Hell Takes a Bite out of Restaurant’s Profits & Reputation Read More »
“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” (Douglas Adams in The Salmon of Doubt) Contracts often contain suspensive conditions, a common example being the bond clause in a property sale agreement. The standard bond clause provides that the buyer must obtain a bond by a set deadline, and
A Bond Clause Deadline Whooshes by and a Sale Dies – Can You Revive it? Read More »
“In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others.” (Nelson Mandela) International Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated worldwide on 18 July every year, but in South Africa the whole of July is Mandela Month. What better time to talk about the
A Thought for Mandela Month – How Does Ubuntu Impact Your Legal Rights? Read More »
