Does The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 govern residential lease agreements? The Supreme Court of Appeal answered it definitively in Els v Venter and Another [2025] ZASCA 163, handed down on 27 October 2025. This article outlines the facts of the case and explains...

Within South African law, a lease agreement is a binding contractual agreement that defines the relationship between a tenant and a landlord, including the respective rights, obligations and appropriate remedies of each party. A well-drafted lease agreement not only...

After years of reliance on the 2015 edition of the General Conditions of Contract for Construction Works (“GCC 2015”), the South African Institution of Civil Engineering introduced a new edition in September 2025 (“GCC 2025”). This updated framework aims to improve...

Estate planning is often viewed primarily as a means of ensuring that family members are provided for after one’s death. However, a carefully structured will can accomplish far more than merely distributing assets. For individuals who wish to support charitable...

The question of whether a person’s home may be sold in execution to satisfy a relatively small debt raises profound constitutional concerns in South Africa, where the right of access to adequate housing is firmly entrenched. While creditors are entitled to enforce...

The recent judgment in Parch Properties 72 (Pty) Ltd v Summervale Lifestyle Estate Owner’s Association and Others 2026 (1) SA 449 (SCA) (17 October 2025) has brought welcome clarity to the long‑standing question of whether the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of...

The Constitutional Court has recently delivered a significant judgment reaffirming that customary marriages and civil marriages hold equal legal status. Importantly, the Court clarified the implications and validity of antenuptial contracts within the context of...

Purchasing a property at an auction often feels like a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity, with the thrill of competitive bidding, the possibility of securing a bargain, and the pressure of acting quickly. However, beneath this excitement lies a complex legal and...

The world is smaller than ever - South African families increasingly own property in Portugal, hold shares in the US, or have children studying in London. Yet while your life may be global, the law remains stubbornly local. This article explains why a single South...

In South Africa, levies in sectional title and similar community schemes are the cornerstone of funding for maintenance, operations, insurance, and future repairs. However, when levies are increased, particularly when the increases appear excessive, owners often...