FROM OUR BLOG
Ensuring compliance of your scheme’s video surveillance to the POPI Act and privacy laws
Security is one of the biggest concerns of owners and tenants living in or looking to buy into a sectional title scheme. With this concern in mind, more and more...
The power and effect of the levy clearance certificate: preserved by the SCA
In the complex arena of sectional title law, the recent Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in the case of Body Corporate of Marsh Rose v Steinmuller and...
Keep an eye on your community scheme’s financial management
We often encounter community schemes that find themselves in financial difficulty. The financial woes are often the result of not having a trustee/director who is financially trained or savvy. Boards...
Eskom’s mistake – not giving proper notice
In a recent legal case, the Johannesburg High Court handed down a verdict against Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd ("Eskom") in the De Koker v Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd and Another
Installing solar in sectional title schemes: choosing the right path to sustainable energy
Decentralised
In a decentralised approach, each unit owner installs their own rooftop solar panels. This approach grants unit owners more flexibility and autonomy, potentially making them eligible for...Conflict resolution tips for trustees in sectional title schemes
Sectional title schemes are communities of property owners who share common spaces and responsibilities. This can lead to conflicts and disputes over issues such as maintenance, noise, levies, alterations, and...
Rhino conservation in action: a week at Care for Wild
Earlier in October the STSIH group had the privilege of sending a second group of volunteers to the Care for Wild (CFW) rhino sanctuary. This week-long experience...
The SCA clarifies a Unit Owner’s legal standing to launch action on behalf of the Body Corporate
The question arises: Can a sectional title owner litigate in their own name for repayment to the body corporate of funds allegedly unlawfully paid from the body corporate’s bank account? The...
Retirement property options in South Africa
South Africa is undergoing a significant demographic shift, with an ageing population expected to reach approximately 16% of the population over 60 by 2050. As the country...
The future is female: how to build a career, not just having a job
Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo’ – You Strike a Woman, you Strike a Rock. This powerful cry has been chanted from as far back as 1956 in the fight against oppression...
Eight valuable lessons for body corporate trustees from the King IV report
The King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa, 2016 (“King IV Report”) is a set of voluntary principles and practices that provide a framework for...
Solutions to help your retirement community thrive
At Sectional Title Solutions (STS), we are dedicated to helping community schemes thrive by reducing costs, increasing property value, generating income, and promoting eco-friendliness. Many retirement villages fall under the...
Harnessing solar power in sectional title schemes: advancing towards a sustainable future
In a this webinar titled "Should You Go Solar in Sectional Title?" and hosted by Women in Sectional Title (WiST), two legal experts, specialist...
Occupational Health and Safety in community schemes – a follow-up
In our previous article on occupational health and safety in community schemes, we explored the obligations of community schemes acting as employers or clients. Now, let's delve deeper into an...
Leveraging Levy Clearance Certificates
Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: A New Hope said, "Remember, the Force will be with you, always." He was a legendary Jedi Master and gifted in the ways of the...
Affordable project funding for community schemes: overcoming financial pressure in a complex economic climate
The current economic climate has brought significant financial pressures for individuals, businesses and community schemes alike. Rising interest rates and increased living costs have rendered many individuals...
A community for women to thrive
As Women's Month approaches, we take pride in acknowledging the growing trend of single female property buyers in South Africa. Over the past few years, Lightstone has...
Making a meaningful impact for Mandela Day
On July 18, we celebrated Nelson Mandela Day, a day of service that celebrates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. We were honoured to support the...
Occupational Health and Safety in community schemes
Scheme executives of community schemes hold significant responsibility in ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and its Regulations. However, the extent of...
Community scheme disputes: CSOS or the courts first?
Disputes within community schemes are a common occurrence. When attempts to resolve these disputes amicably fail, parties often find themselves contemplating whether to approach the Community Schemes Ombud Service (CSOS)...
Enhancing cybersecurity for a safer digital environment
In today's interconnected world, robust cybersecurity measures are more critical than ever. Scams, hacking, and phishing attempts are reported daily, affecting individuals and large corporations alike. Compliance...
Raising the roof: the pergola saga
In the case of Wilds Homeowners' Association NPC v Pillay and Others on 12 April 2023, the Pretoria High Court considered a dispute over a pergola built...
Solar for residential complexes
The past cold months, tariff hikes, and unpredictable load-shedding issues have shown residential homeowners that it is a good idea to look into alternative electricity and heating solutions. Powering your...
Navigating the legal landscape: Trustee authority and cosmetics businesses in residential sectional title units
Are you a unit owner in a residential sectional title scheme and considering starting a cosmetics business from your home? Or perhaps you're interested in the legalities surrounding such a...