The phenomenon of street children living on the street is a worldwide occurrence. However, it is a relatively new dilemma in South Africa; during the 1980s apartheid laws controlled the influx of black South Africans to the 'white' areas of the country. With the eventual disbanding of "influx control" in the 1980s, South Africa has experienced a swift rural migration to the urban areas. Rapid urbanization, combined with economic and social changes has contributed towards an increase in the … [Read more...] about Street Children From the Perspective of a Professional
Columns
Fine time to pay levy
www.MyPE.co.za: A resident of a sectional title complex, who was fined for non-payment of a special levy, has approached our panel for some expert guidance. In June last year, says the reader, all residents were informed of the introduction of the levy, which would be "payable over the next six months". She also reports that the managing agent confirmed the full payment would be due by December 10. It was the reader’s understanding that the levy could be paid in varying instalments or, as … [Read more...] about Fine time to pay levy
No Will to Keep Property
www.MyPE.co.za: A reader, whose mother passed away without leaving a will, has approached our experts with a query about transferring a fixed property to a beneficiary. He has obtained a letter of executorship and would like to know what the transfer process entails, how long it will take and whether the property can be sold. "The panel has touched on this issue before, but it is useful to point out some of the important aspects again," says Charl Crous from Du Toit Strombeck Attorneys in … [Read more...] about No Will to Keep Property
Changing the Scheme of Things
www.MyPE.co.za: This week our panel of experts addresses the issue of whether a sectional title scheme could be converted into a homeowners' association. As manager of a body corporate, one of our readers is often confronted by annoyed sectional title owners who cannot understand why they require permission to make alterations to their property. She would like to know if they could be appeased through a change in the structure of ownership. "To answer this, we really have to look at each … [Read more...] about Changing the Scheme of Things
Getting a Handle on Access Rights
www.MyPE.co.za: This week our panel of experts examines the issue of a reader's right of access to his property via a so-called "panhandle". He says the vacant stand adjacent to his property was recently sold and the new owners also have access to their property via the same panhandle. The reader would like to know whether he could cut back the trees and vegetation along his driveway and erect a wall without the neighbours' consent. "It is important to establish what the legal rights … [Read more...] about Getting a Handle on Access Rights
Sweeping Defects Under the Rug
www.MyPE.co.za: The tricky issue of latent versus patent defects raises its head again this week. A reader recently signed an offer to purchase on a property, which the seller had originally bought on auction and renovated before putting up for sale. The owner assured the purchasing reader that the house had wooden floors, even though these were covered with carpet when the offer was signed. The reader visited the property again while the transfer was in progress to take certain … [Read more...] about Sweeping Defects Under the Rug
Special Levy a Little too Heavy
www.MyPE.co.za: In previous articles, our panel of experts touched on the issue of levies payable by sectional title holders. This week, they deal specifically with the question of special levies. A reader writes that he lives in a block of flats comprising 33 units, which was in need of extensive renovations. After a special meeting, the body corporate gave the go-ahead for the trustees to obtain quotes and proceed with the required work. He mentions that very few guidelines, such as a … [Read more...] about Special Levy a Little too Heavy
Keeping Parking Disputes at Bay
www.MyPE.co.za: This week our panel of experts ventures into the murky waters of common property versus exclusive use areas in a sectional title complex. A reader writes that he previously owned a unit with an open parking area and obtained written consent to enclose the area. He later sold this unit and moved to another one in the same complex. The exclusive use of the parking area was included in the sale agreement. The reader now rents out the unit he owns. Recently, however, a new … [Read more...] about Keeping Parking Disputes at Bay
Pieter Willem Moolman: To Trust Property or Not
www.MyPE.co.za: A client is considering a property purchase and would like to know whether it would be better to buy it as an individual or in a trust, writes financial planner Pieter Willem Moolman. Property intelligence is not everyone's forte and, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer - so much depends on a person's situation. Knowing my client's personal financial position, I'm well-placed to advise her on her options. For estate-planning purposes, a trust is ideal. In … [Read more...] about Pieter Willem Moolman: To Trust Property or Not
Owner Chokes on PIE
www.MyPE.co.za: This week our panel of experts revisits the eviction procedure in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land (PIE) Act. The matter was raised again recently by a reader who purchased a property more than two years ago. She writes that the previous owners could not keep up with their bond payments and that the house was sold in execution. The problem, however, is that the reader has been unable to take possession of her new property … [Read more...] about Owner Chokes on PIE
Pieter Willem Moolman: The Show Must Go On
www.MyPE.co.za: It is said that the most important asset in any business is its people, writes financial advisor Pieter Willem Moolman. In every business, however, there are those individuals who have a more significant impact on its future income and profits. They are known as key persons. Not just any employee can be identified as such. A key person is someone whose absence, whether through death or disability, will severely affect the future profitability and sustainability of the … [Read more...] about Pieter Willem Moolman: The Show Must Go On
Resident Down in the Dumps
www.MyPE.co.za: This week our panel of experts grapples with the growing problem of dumping on undeveloped land by unscrupulous neighbours and builders. A reader whose home borders on one such vacant property writes that she has two issues - firstly, with the dumping of rubbish and, secondly, with the overgrowth of trees and shrubs. With regard to the first issue, the unbearable smell emanating from the area drove the reader and her neighbours to report the problem to the … [Read more...] about Resident Down in the Dumps
Basics Need to be in Place
There will be no meaningful economic growth in the Nelson Mandela Metro until we address four basic needs - power, water, education, and leadership. Without power, industry cannot function, and investors will not come. And, we must accept that Eskom will not be able to provide the power we need. FNB chief economist Cees Bruggemans warns that "electricity supply is not soon expected to regain a safe 15% operational buffer, not during this decade while Eskom is engaging with catching up … [Read more...] about Basics Need to be in Place
My Family, Mr Williams, You Are Addling Their Brains
Dear Mr. Williams, I have a bone to pick with you. My family started to act all hupsy daisy and I thought to myself, "Who is to blame for this?". You are, Roly. You are. It all started innocently enough. I subscribed to The Herald, our town's daily gospel, as I thought it would do the family some good to immerse themselves in current affairs. I was pleasantly surprised to find my kids fighting over the paper within a week, less pleasantly surprised when my daughter sent her brother to … [Read more...] about My Family, Mr Williams, You Are Addling Their Brains
Pieter Willem Moolman: Business Debt not Personal
www.MyPE.co.za: If you have ever wondered what contingent liability is and whether you can be held liable for it, this article was drafted with you in mind, writes financial planner Pieter Willem Moolman. A contingent liability - a vital part of business assurance - is a potential liability that arises from a past transaction and is dependent on one or more uncertain future events, such as death. Examples of contingent liabilities are endless and could include financial disputes or being … [Read more...] about Pieter Willem Moolman: Business Debt not Personal
