The maxim “Communio Mater Rixarim Est” – is a latin phrase in law which means communal ownership is the mother of all disputes. Needless to say, many co-owners can agree with this.

Media recently covered DA’s, Dr. Roy Jankielsohn victory against members of the ANC YOUTH league over racial slurs, the 29-page judgment was handed down on the 11th November 2019, and Jankielsohn was awarded R300 000.00 in damages.

Altering your home with an extension is a real opportunity to create the space you have always wanted, and it further adds value to your property.

Some new legislation will bring far-reaching changes to the property industry as it will be replacing the Estate Agency Affairs Act, 1976 (“The old Act”). If you are an estate agent, you will likely already be aware that the Property Practitioners Bill was signed into South African law on 2 October 2019 and we can expect that it will become operational within the next few months. However, Estate Agents are not the only ones who this bill applies to.

We all dream of living in an ideal world, one where people follow the law, parents willingly maintain their children and spouses, even those going through divorce, wish to see the other still looked after. These basic human instincts should prevail above all else, or so one would think.

We are fortunate to live in a culturally diverse country with a rich heritage and a Constitution that recognises and respects our differences and affords us all equal opportunities. In South Africa, a marriage or a civil partnership is only legally valid if it has been registered and solemnised in accordance with the Civil Union Act, Marriage Act and/or Recognition of Customary Marriages Act.