In an unprecedented move, half of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's netball team have been named in the South African student squad, the academic institution announced on Monday, 18 July 2011. The six Spar-NMMU players were selected on the basis of their individual performances at the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament, which took place at North-West University's Potchefstroom campus earlier this month. The team placed fourth overall. "It's obviously a very big … [Read more...] about Half of NMMU Netball Squad Crack National Nod
Two Levies, Too Late
In a reversal of stereotypical roles, a reader "interferes" on behalf of his mother-in-law and interrogates our panel about a belated levy payment. The lady in question lives in a sectional title complex and some time ago had the balcony of her unit enclosed. Now - a full 15 years later - the management company has ruled that an additional levy is payable on this alteration. Understandably, the reader is upset over this decision as no mention of an extra levy had been made prior to … [Read more...] about Two Levies, Too Late
House Divided
This week our experts deal with a sticky situation involving the joint ownership of a property - proving that a problem shared is not always a problem halved. A reader writes that his mother passed away some 30 years ago, leaving her fixed property to be shared equally between him and his brother. He says that his brother never once used the property, whereas the reader used it as a holiday home. It appears that no agreement was ever reached between the brothers concerning the payment … [Read more...] about House Divided
Time out for Transfer
This week our experts shed light on the transfer process and how long it typically should take. A reader made an offer to purchase a property - subject to obtaining a bond to finance it and selling her existing property within three months. However, the property that she purchased is one of two houses on a piece of land that was to be subdivided into various stands for a cluster housing development. The Section 21 company, which will form the basis of the homeowners' association, has … [Read more...] about Time out for Transfer
Letting Agent go
The question posed to our panel this week revolves around estate agents managing rental contracts. The reader would like to know whether he, as lessor, may terminate a tenant's contract and then continue with the same tenant under a new lease agreement that excludes the agent. He was told by the letting agent that only the tenant may terminate the lease agreement. Also, if the tenant and landlord were to conclude a new contract excluding the agent, the agent would still be entitled to his … [Read more...] about Letting Agent go
Tenant has trust issues
This week, a reader asks our experts for assistance regarding the leasing of a commercial property, which had been jointly owned by a trust and a natural person. At the beginning of the lease agreement, the reader made improvements to the property by installing a shower room, with the consent and knowledge of the person who co-owned the building. It appears that the lessee did not deal with the trust, but only with the other part-owner and paid the initial deposit and all rental over to … [Read more...] about Tenant has trust issues
A bond for life
This week our panel of experts considers the important issue of the insurance requirements with regard to mortgage bonds. A reader would like to know whether it is compulsory for a bondholder to take out life insurance when a bond is registered in his or her name. She also asks what would happen if a bondholder were to die without any life assurance. The question is whether there is negligence on the part of the bank for not insisting on life assurance. Charl Crous from Du Toit … [Read more...] about A bond for life
Structuring a section
At a time when space comes at a premium, our experts encounter issues relating to sectional title complexes with increasing frequency. One such issue relates to the structural status of wendy houses and lapas erected on exclusive use areas. A reader would like to know how such structures affect participation quotas and whether they need to be registered with the Surveyor-General. "In terms of the Sectional Titles Act, a sectional owner acquires ownership of his or her section and joint … [Read more...] about Structuring a section
Complexities of mismanagement
Our experts have been called on once again to deal with mismanagement problems in a sectional title complex. One of our readers is a trustee for the complex in which he lives. He complains that he is always outvoted on matters he feels are important and in line with his vision for the complex. He claims that the complex is not being properly maintained and that the gardens are not being kept tidy. Despite the imprudent use of existing funds, the monthly levies continue to increase and are … [Read more...] about Complexities of mismanagement
Executing a disputed sale
A reader has enlisted the help of our experts regarding a property he purchased from a deceased estate. In September last year, he signed an offer to purchase in his capacity as trustee of a trust. One of the terms of the agreement was that transfer would take place by November. Shortly after the reader and the executor of the estate signed the offer to purchase, the executor objected to the terms and insisted on a new contract. The original offer was drafted by the agent who was … [Read more...] about Executing a disputed sale
Rental income is taxing
This week a reader asks our panel of experts to clarify the issue of income tax as it relates to rental income. The reader and her spouse are joint owners of a property, which they rent out. She is no longer employed and this rental currently represents her only income. The rental money is also used to pay the membership fees for their medical aid scheme, of which the reader is its principal member. She would like to know whether she would be able to reflect the rental income and … [Read more...] about Rental income is taxing
Great Splash Festival Opening Day
The 21st Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival got off to a vibrant start as a bumper crowd took full advantage of the good weather at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth on Friday. Despite the fact that the Easter weekend falls outside the school holidays this year, organisers estimate that between 50 000 and 100 000 visitors turned out to enjoy the jam-packed watersports and entertainment programme. "We've been really lucky with the weather after the poor conditions in the lead-up to the event," … [Read more...] about Great Splash Festival Opening Day
I Love to Truck wiff Dr Victor
Legendary South African band Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels will bring down the curtain on this year's Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth over the Easter weekend. The "I love to truck" and "My number one" hit-makers will end the action-packed festival on a high note, following the closing ceremony on Monday, April 25, at 2pm. Programme coordinator David Limbert said the group had been chosen for its wide and enduring appeal. In another coup for the … [Read more...] about I Love to Truck wiff Dr Victor
Guess Who’s 21 This Weekend?
From its first tottering steps as part of a small local festival, the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival has matured into a multi-faceted showcase of local, national and international entertainment acts and sporting events. The 21st edition will take place at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth this Easter weekend and visitors can look forward to an action-packed programme, which includes food and craft stalls. "This is the coming of age party for the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival," said … [Read more...] about Guess Who’s 21 This Weekend?
Top Swimmers for 8 Kilometre Ocean Swim Rematch
Former South African three-kilometre open-water swimming champion Abdul Malick Railoun is confident of turning the tables on Slovenian champion Rok Kerin when they meet for a rematch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Bell Buoy Challenge in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, April 23. Kerin edged out the 18-year-old by the narrowest of margins when they last went head-to-head - in the 3km Speedo Challenge at the aQuelle Midmar Mile - in February. With over R70 000 in prize money, the eight-kilometre race … [Read more...] about Top Swimmers for 8 Kilometre Ocean Swim Rematch
