Community Archives | Page 5 of 5 | Sectional Title Solutions

A group of smiling people standing nezt to a wall holding laptops, smart phones and tablets.

29 June 2023 Smart Technology

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 with POPIA and data protection is paramount.

Pergola and patio with sun shining through the roof

16 June 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 by homeowners within the estate.

Solar panels on the roofs of garages and units in a sectional title scheme

6 June 2023 Solar and Efficient

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 home with a renewable energy source like solar has several benefits. With solar, you not only reduce your utility bill but also increase the value of your home and contribute to the green economy by reducing your carbon footprint.

1 June 2023 Legal and Advisory

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 venture?

A large solar panel and battery energy storage container with high rise buildings in the background

25 May 2023 Solar and Efficient

Winter is coming - time to see the light

Load-shedding continues to be a persistent challenge in South Africa, causing disruptions to businesses and millions of citizens' daily lives. As the country enters the winter season, the likelihood of even higher stages of power cuts increases.

25 May 2023 Community, Uncategorised

Wonderful winter soup recipes to warm the soul

If you're looking for some comfort and warmth this winter, you might want to try some of these amazing soup recipes from our Solutions Consultant Team. Our team members are not only experts in providing quality solutions for sectional title schemes in South Africa, but also talented cooks who love to share their favourite dishes with us.

A photo of Willow, a female rhino at Care for Wild

25 May 2023 Community, Solar and Efficient, Uncategorised

Empowering conservation: efficient energy system sponsorship energises Care for Wild's mission

Care for Wild (CFW), the world's largest specialised orphaned rhino conservation facility, faced many challenges due to costly generators and an inefficient solar and battery system. However, in 2021, Sectional Title Solutions (STS), BC Funding Solutions (BCFS), and Bright Light (BLS), donated a complete solar system worth R2 million to the sanctuary.

2 May 2023 Legal and Advisory

Roads within secured residential estates – public or not?

In July 2022, the High Court of Pretoria in the case of PJJ Van Vuuren Beleggings (Pty) Ltd v The Wilds Homeowners Association (“The Wilds case”) handed down this judgment in determining when roads within a secure residential estate could in fact be for public use and benefit.

Solar panels and battery energy storage units in a sunny field

26 April 2023 Solar and Efficient

Efficient energy to help power up your wallet and mental health

As of 1 April 2023, cash-strapped consumers in South Africa have been dealt another blow as Eskom’s 18.65% price hike came into effect. This came on the back of repeated interest rate hikes and the rising cost of living, all contributing to homeowners’ financial stress.

Picnic bench, jungle gym and waste bin from recycled plastic in a shared community scheme garden space

18 April 2023 Outdoor

Enjoying your community scheme’s shared spaces all year round

Temperatures are dropping, the days are getting shorter and the trees are already losing their leaves. Winter is a season that can make us want to stay indoors, huddled up in blankets and sipping hot chocolate. Although we might be tempted to stay indoors during the colder months, getting outside is still good for you.

14 April 2023 Legal and Advisory

The pandemic, backlogs, load-shedding, and failures; the challenges facing SA courts

South Africa’s Chief Justice Raymond Zondo released the Annual Judicial Report 2022/23 on Friday, 24 February 2023. The report is not yet available on the Judiciary's website. This report highlighted the performance of South Africa's “superior courts” during the last financial year. Superior courts are courts like the High Court.

A smiling woman holding an energy efficient light bulb

11 April 2023 Solar and Efficient

7 easy energy- and money-saving tips for your home

May marks National Energy Month, which is aimed at promoting energy conservation. However, South Africans have little choice but to use electricity sparingly due to the ongoing electricity crisis in the country.

4 April 2023 Funding and Treasury

Arrear levy solutions with people in mind

Are arrear levies threatening your community scheme’s financial stability? The non-payment of levies potentially has severe consequences for community schemes. Body corporates are unable to fund the day-to-day expenses and necessary maintenance and repair projects.

Smiling staff at the TRACS event in Bloemfontein

30 March 2023 Community

Get your community scheme back on track with TRACS

Can you believe that the Training Academy for Community Schemes (TRACS) was officially launched just a little over a year ago? Since then, hundreds of property owners, residents, buyers, and managers in South Africa have completed the Introductory Guide for Sectional Title Owners - for FREE!

A young woman's face being scanned by a device at an entrance

22 March 2023 Smart Technology

How facial recognition can help keep a watchful eye on your community

With the next holiday period about to kick off, we know that many families will spend their holidays away on vacation. We always advise our communities to be extra vigilant during the holidays and ensure their community schemes' safety and security.

8 March 2023 Funding and Treasury

A Credit Control Policy - keeping a grip on your community scheme's finances

In this blog, we continue our series on tips for bodies corporate to navigate a financial crisis. (See part I and part II). As body corporate members, unit owners are legally bound to pay their monthly levies. However, tough economic times can result in homeowners falling into arrears.

A woman taking a reading of water meters

2 March 2023 Funding and Treasury, Legal and Advisory

A better way to manage and monitor water consumption

South Africa celebrated National Water Week from 20 to 26 March. This event aims to raise awareness about water conservation by discouraging irresponsible water use.

A sectional title scheme with solar panels on rooftops

23 February 2023 Solar and Efficient

Power up your sectional title unit

Want to power up your sectional title unit? President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined a number of steps to deal with the country’s energy crisis in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 9 February 2023. Economists expect over 250 days of load-shedding in 2023, even more than in 2022.

The steps leading to the entrance of the STS Investment Holdings offices

21 February 2023 Community

Sharing the success of STS Investment Holdings

STS Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Wates announced the launch of the STS Investment Holdings Employee Trust in 2022. This initiative aims to share the financial benefits of the group’s growth and success with qualifying employees.

A distressed looking woman holding a pillow over her ear

14 February 2023 Legal and Advisory, Update

Good fences make good neighbours - handling domestic violence in a sectional title scheme

Domestic violence has a devastating impact on the lives of victims. However, the ripple effects often extend beyond the home, impacting more lives than that of the victim.

A confused looking man in a suit scratching his head

12 February 2023 Legal and Advisory

Disconnecting the dots - cutting off electricity and/or limiting water supply to a unit due to non-payment

Disconnecting the electricity, or limiting the water supply of a unit owner or occupier for failing to pay their consumption charges for that electricity or water has never been easy. The law is far from certain as to when this is and is not enforceable. Some applications are granted, and some are not, whether opposed or unopposed.

26 January 2023 Legal and Advisory

New changes ushered in the new year for the Sectional Titles Act

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Sectional Titles Amendment Act 13 of 2022 into law on 22 December 2022. The Act was published in the Government Gazette on 5 January 2023, and also came into effect on that date. Click here to access the new version of the Sectional Titles Act 95 of 1986 (“the STA”), with all of the amendments.

Antique books in a library and a gavel on a table

19 January 2023 Legal and Advisory, Update

Comprehensive commentary on CSOS appeals

In Part 1 of this commentary, we set the scene by laying out what s 57 of the Community Schemes Ombud Service Act 9 of 2011 (“the CSOS Act”) provides in respect of the limited right to appeal against CSOS adjudication orders.

17 January 2023 Solar and Efficient

A light at the end of the tunnel...

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) recently announced the decision to grant Eskom a tariff increase of 18.65%. The electricity price hike would come into effect on 1 April 2023.

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