Community Archives | Page 4 of 5 | Sectional Title Solutions

30 November 2023 Community

Unveiling the future of property investment: insights from The Property Show 2023

The demand for affordable homes near economic hubs is driving the growth of the sectional title development market. Young adults are looking for secure, lock-up-and-go properties, and shared spaces are becoming popular due to their sense of community and affordability.

30 November 2023 Funding and Treasury

Common financial challenges in community schemes

Suze Orman states that “owning a home is a keystone of wealth – both financial affluence and emotional security.” This security has never been more important, especially during the current financial situation we as South Africans are facing. It becomes even more evident and crucial when your home is part of a community scheme.

11 November 2023 Legal and Advisory, Smart Technology

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 schemes are looking to install video surveillance systems, not just at access points but also on the common property.

8 November 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 Others has cast a spotlight on the pivotal role of the “embargo provision” as outlined in the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986, and why it must be protected and its power preserved.

28 October 2023 Funding and Treasury

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 of companies, big and small, usually have a designated person whose responsibility is to have oversight of the finance of that entity.

Legal gavel with a person with a pen in hand pointing to a document

25 October 2023 Legal and Advisory

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[1] case. This case sheds light on the importance of providing proper notice when disconnecting electricity in sectional title schemes and the implications of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act ("PAJA").

Rooftop solar panels on sectional title units

25 October 2023 Solar and Efficient

Installing solar in sectional title schemes: choosing the right path to sustainable energy

Sectional title schemes are increasingly turning to solar power to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which approach is best for your sectional title scheme.

Three people in a meeting with one man looking angry

25 October 2023 Community, Legal and Advisory

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 common property use.

25 October 2023 Community

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 left an indelible mark on each of the volunteers as they worked alongside the dedicated staff at CFW, caring for orphaned and injured rhinos and learning about the critical conservation work taking place here.

13 October 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) confirms “no”.

27 September 2023 Legal and Advisory, Uncategorised

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.

A diverse group of women discussing documents around a boardroom table

22 September 2023 Community

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 among women in South Africa.

A group of people around a boardroom table.

19 September 2023 Legal and Advisory, Uncategorised

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 good governance. Many organisations widely adopt these principles, including sectional title schemes, to enhance their governance standards and promote trust among stakeholders.

A smiling senior couple looking at a laptop.

5 September 2023 Community, Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory, Outdoor, Smart Technology, Solar and Efficient

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.

A smiling senior couple sitting across the table from a younger lady

3 September 2023 Uncategorised

What is the difference between ownership rights in life rights versus conventional ownership?

A wide angel photo of roof mounted solar panels at a community scheme from above

24 August 2023 Solar and Efficient

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 attorney, author and founder of WiST, Marina Constas, and Manager: Commercial Department at Sectional Title Solutions, Advocate Jade Adair, engaged in an in-depth discussion on the legalities and practicalities of implementing solar energy systems in sectional title schemes.

18 August 2023 Outdoor

Springing into life: revitalising community scheme gardens

Two men and a woman wearing hard hats and safety vests in front of a TLB

8 August 2023 Legal and Advisory

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.

Star wars lego characters surrounding a nervous looking character behind a desk

2 August 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 Force.[1]

A push bike lying next to a pothole in the road

27 July 2023 Funding and Treasury

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 and families hard-pressed to maintain a balanced budget, let alone establish financial reserves for unforeseen circumstances.

A smiling young female holding a set of housekeys

26 July 2023 Community, Update

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 reported a steady increase in the number of women becoming property owners, with half of all property transfers now being made to female buyers.

A group foto of the smiling group of STS volunteers in front of the entrance to the Alberton Old Age Home

18 July 2023 Community

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 Alberton Old Age Home as our Mandela Day initiative, bringing joy and love to the residents who call it home.

A hard hat and safety equipment in front of construction scaffolding

4 July 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 their obligations and duties requires careful examination of the specific capacity in which the community scheme operates in different scenarios.

30 June 2023 Legal and Advisory

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) or directly seek resolution through the courts.

Community