Purchasing a property from a deceased estate is often fraught with problems. The question before the panel this week relates to a transfer that appears to have hit a dead end. Some time ago, a reader signed an offer to purchase on a property that formed part of a deceased estate. The previous owner had passed away two years before and the deceased's sister appeared to be dealing with the property. The reader explains that the sister was in fact the beneficiary of the property, but decided … [Read more...] about Dead end in Estate Transfer
Paving the way for common problems
Our panel is often asked to deal with a variety of issues relating to sectional title complexes, from problems between neighbours to maintenance of the common property. This week's reader question is a classic example of the latter. The reader explains that he has owned and lived in his unit for some time. Approximately two years ago, he approached the trustees of the complex about paving a dusty and unusable area adjacent to his unit. He was well aware that the area formed part of the … [Read more...] about Paving the way for common problems
Watch Tough Rugby Players Attempt to Klap the Little Red Ball for Charity
Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment will come out to bat for charity at the Celebrity Cricket Sixes tournament in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, September 24. Spectators at Kemsley Park will see a host of former national sportsmen and celebrities face off in 10 six-a-side matches in aid of the Cancer Association of South Africa and JAG Foundation. Organiser Laurence Finn said the positive response to last year's inaugural event in PE had made it the natural choice as kick-off … [Read more...] about Watch Tough Rugby Players Attempt to Klap the Little Red Ball for Charity
Latest Summer Trends
The latest summer fashion trends for youngsters will be displayed when Pier 14 Shopping Centre hosts its annual fashion show on Saturday, October 22. The Mr & Miss Pier 14 Fashion Show would showcase all the new children's clothing ranges available at retailers in the centre, said centre management's Sophia Steyn. She said the models, aged three to 18 years, would be chosen via a competition and stood to win prizes and clothing vouchers worth over R20 000. "This is a fun event for … [Read more...] about Latest Summer Trends
Rights and Responsibilities – Landlords, Leases and Liabilities
This week our panel once again sheds light on the rights and responsibilities in the landlord-tenant relationship. A reader explains that she moved into a flat and was required to pay a deposit of R2 000 into the landlord's account. Some time later, she gave notice and subsequently vacated the flat. Upon leaving, the reader was advised by the landlord that her satellite dish was not to be removed. He also informed her that he would use R500 of her deposit for repairs and painting. The … [Read more...] about Rights and Responsibilities – Landlords, Leases and Liabilities
All Star Celebrity Line Up for Cricket Sixes Tournament
Port Elizabeth will play host to the first of six Celebrity Cricket Sixes tournaments to be held at venues across South Africa from September 24. Organisers have announced an all-star line-up of over 50 sporting icons and entertainers who will make up the six-a-side teams doing battle in the name of fun and charity. Following the success of last year's inaugural event in Port Elizabeth, Kemsley Park has been chosen as the new venue for the kick-off of the nationwide tour. Thereafter, … [Read more...] about All Star Celebrity Line Up for Cricket Sixes Tournament
R200 000 for Charity
Springbok legends Schalk Burger senior, Garth Wright, Dr Hannes Marais, Warren Brosnihan and De Wet Barry raised R200 000 for Port Elizabeth needy causes in Port Elizabeth when they donned white aprons and brandished spatulas in a "Springboks cooking for charity". Nearly 300 ardent Bok supporters were at the dinner, which was held - fittingly - at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Sports Centre. In addition to good food from favourite Bok recipes, guests learned the inside story … [Read more...] about R200 000 for Charity
Storm Brewing Over Runoff
With all the rain that has fallen across the country recently, it is not surprising to hear from a reader who complains about the manner in which his neighbour diverts stormwater runoff. He writes that his neighbour has made numerous holes in their shared boundary wall, diverting stormwater to the reader's side. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the properties are on an incline, with the reader's erf being the lower of the two. The reader would like to know whether this practice … [Read more...] about Storm Brewing Over Runoff
Steamed up Over Burst Geyser Cover
It appears that issues relating to geyser replacement in a sectional title scheme have got more than one reader steamed up. The typical scenario presented to our experts seems to be that there is insurance in place to cover the replacement of a burst geyser. However, the sectional title owner is then held responsible for the excess payable and/or any amount not covered by the policy. One reader in particular feels that, in her instance, the scheme was underinsured for the cost of her … [Read more...] about Steamed up Over Burst Geyser Cover
Parental use and abuse
This week our experts help a reader sort out a rather complex and emotional legal problem involving her parents and their right of use on part of her property. The reader's situation did not begin as a usufruct-related issue. She had initially invited her parents to come and live on her property and build a cottage there. After the building was completed, her parents suggested that they enter into a usufruct arrangement to protect their rights to the property and/or their dwelling. The … [Read more...] about Parental use and abuse
Of Moral, Latent and Patent Defects
This week, our panel deals with a question from a reader grappling with the issue of moral defects versus latent and patent ones. The reader is currently renting a property, which is on the market and has been viewed by several potential buyers. When questioned by the viewers about possible issues or faults relating to the property, he has responded truthfully. Unfortunately, it appears that there are structural defects, which have caused the walls and tiles to crack. The reader’s … [Read more...] about Of Moral, Latent and Patent Defects
Property Purchase up in Heir
This week our panel helps a reader who is uncertain about what the heirs can do with a property that forms part of a deceased estate. The reader explains that she is currently living in a property that belonged to a deceased family member and she now wishes to make an offer to purchase on it. She does not mention how long ago the family member passed away but it appears that the transfer from the estate to the ultimate beneficiary has not yet taken place. The matter is further complicated by … [Read more...] about Property Purchase up in Heir
Tenant Powerless Over Unpaid Bills
A reader has approached our panel about a rental situation that has, quite literally, left her powerless. She writes that she has been renting a property for the last year or so. After a few months, the owner appointed an agent to handle rental matters, including the payment of municipal accounts. The reader dutifully began making her monthly payments via the agent. Unfortunately, it now appears that the municipality has cut off the electricity supply due to arrear utility payments. She … [Read more...] about Tenant Powerless Over Unpaid Bills
Unseating a complex chair
After experiencing ongoing problems with the chairperson of her homeowners' association (HOA), a reader asks our panel what the correct procedure is for unseating such a person. The reader says that, despite the HOA members having voted unanimously for her removal, she is continuing in the role. The chairperson contends her dismissal is merely temporary until a current dispute with her neighbour is settled. In such instances - where an HOA is formed as a non-profit company - the Companies … [Read more...] about Unseating a complex chair
Port Elizabeth Cyclists Dominate SA Track Team
The Eastern Cape once again proved itself a powerhouse in the junior men's ranks with four Port Elizabeth riders included in the seven-man South African track team. The national squad was officially announced by Cycling South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday following a two-week training camp in Durban earlier this month. Top local club Mecer-NMMU leads the pack with two representatives - Marinus Prinsloo and Kellan Gouveris. With Shane Pheiffer and Cuen Holland completing the local quartet, … [Read more...] about Port Elizabeth Cyclists Dominate SA Track Team
