Understanding levy statements and accuracy in sectional title schemes

In the realm of sectional title schemes in South Africa, accurate levy billing is crucial for maintaining financial transparency and fostering trust among owners. Levy statements, which outline the contributions required from each owner to support the scheme's financial health, can sometimes lead to disputes if they are inaccurate.

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23 October 2024 ,

Body corporate legal battle over construction defects

In Swahili, “Asante” means “thank you”, a common and heartfelt way to express gratitude in Swahili-speaking regions. It is appropriate in various contexts, from daily interactions to formal occasions. However, on 20 September 2024, it is unlikely that the Body Corporate of Asante used this expression of gratitude.

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2 October 2024

Are solar and battery backup solutions still worth it in community schemes?

In recent years, South Africans have grown accustomed to load shedding, but with significant improvements in the country’s energy supply, many are now wondering whether their investment in solar energy and battery backup solutions is still worth it.

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The annual budget: your roadmap to financial stability

“I wonder which way I ought to go!” - Alice in Wonderland. Unlike Alice’s approach for a body corporate, its trustees, unit owners, and managing agents, managing a sectional title scheme making this type of crucial decision, requires careful financial planning.

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26 September 2024 ,

Building stronger communities: handling domestic violence in sectional title schemes

"Good fences make good neighbours." This famous line from Robert Frost's 1914 poem “Mending Walls” highlights the idea that clear boundaries help maintain harmony between people. However, as urban living evolves and people reside in increasingly close quarters, the metaphorical fences of Frost’s time seem to dissolve, exposing residents to new challenges. One of these challenges is dealing with domestic violence within sectional title schemes.

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23 September 2024

The 2024 STS Rhino Run: a roaring success on World Rhino Day

On 22 September 2024, World Rhino Day, the STS team once again laced up their running shoes and hit the trails for our annual Rhino Run—an event dedicated to raising funds to protect Rhinos and conserve their habitats.

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20 September 2024

Understanding solar battery backup systems: a necessity for South Africans

Even though there have been less frequent power outages, the cost of electricity continues to escalate by double-digit percentages!

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18 September 2024

The Thomson Smillie Foundation's Cycle Tour is a triumph on two wheels

After an incredible twelve-day journey covering 2,090 kilometres, a dedicated group of cyclists, including riders sponsored by Sectional Title Solutions (STS), completed the Pont Drift to Cape Town Cycle Tour.

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14 September 2024 ,

Where to go for community scheme disputes: CSOS or court? Pick your battleground

At the second CSOS Indaba held at Bolivia Lodge, Polokwane, STS Chief Legal Officer Fausto Di Palma explored a critical question: Should community scheme members take disputes to CSOS or the courts first?

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29 August 2024

Celebrating International Rhino Day: A commitment to conservation

International Rhino Day (22 September) is the perfect time to reflect on these magnificent creatures that have roamed the Earth for millions of years. Rhinos are not only one of the most iconic animals on the planet, but they are also among the most endangered, with all five species at risk of extinction.

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29 August 2024

What is the difference between an HOA, a body corporate, and a sectional title scheme?

If you’re thinking about buying a property in South Africa, or if you already own one within a community scheme, it’s crucial to understand the different governance structures. Navigating the world of property ownership can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with community living arrangements. “Homeowners association”, “body corporate”, and “sectional titles” are three terms you’ll often hear thrown around.

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Unlocking new opportunities for clients: A new era in Capital Raising

At BC Funding Solutions (part of the same group as Sectional Title Solutions), we’ve always been committed to supporting community schemes (which include gated estates, sectional title body corporates, and homeowners associations) by providing loans to maintain and enhance their living environments.

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29 August 2024

Comprehensive solutions for community schemes: How STS serves the industry

In the complex landscape of community scheme management, where diverse needs and unique challenges intersect, finding a partner that offers a holistic suite of services is essential. Sectional Title Solutions (STS) stands out as a leader in this domain, providing tailored, innovative, and sustainable solutions that cater to the entire community scheme industry.

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25 July 2024

The importance of good governance and accurate record keeping in sectional title schemes

Effective record keeping is crucial for responsible property management in sectional title schemes. It ensures compliance with legal regulations, fosters transparent communication, drives efficient decision-making, and ultimately contributes to the overall well-being of a scheme.

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25 July 2024

Celebrating women’s voices: essential inclusion in community schemes for a brighter future

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month in August, it is a poignant reminder of the critical role women play in shaping our society. Women’s Day (9 August) commemorates the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in various spheres of life.

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Navigating the South African rental market: Trends, challenges, and opportunities for landlords

The South African property market is experiencing significant changes, particularly benefiting landlords in the rental sector. As interest rates remain high and homeownership becomes increasingly unattainable for many, the demand for rental properties has surged.

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Recovery of arrear levies: an overview of executing judgment debts in terms of The Magistrates' Courts Act No 32 Of 1944

As trustees who have recently obtained a judgment against an owner in respect of arrear levies, you may be considering how to effectively enforce this judgment. STS receives numerous queries on a regular basis regarding the recovery of arrear levies, which can be a complex process, especially after obtaining a court judgment.

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15 July 2024

The future of load shedding in South Africa: a call for solar energy adoption

Load shedding in South Africa has long been a pressing issue, disrupting daily life and economic activities. Although there has been a recent pause, experts warn that it is not gone forever. South Africans need to take proactive measures, such as installing solar energy systems, to ensure a stable power supply in the future.

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Recovery of arrear levies: what is a Section 65 financial enquiry?

After judgment against an owner for arrear levies has been obtained, one of the critical steps in the execution process is initiating a Section 65 financial enquiry in terms of the Magistrates' Courts Act No. 32 of 1944.

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26 June 2024

Navigating the South African property market: Challenges and opportunities for homeowners in community schemes

It has been a whirlwind of hype and anticipation over the past month, as South Africans went to the polls to cast their votes on the 29th of May. We waited with bated breath as the results were tallied and the results almost seemed surreal despite the pre-election polling being fairly accurate.

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25 June 2024

What is ratification?

 Albert Einstein once said “Everything must be made as simple as possible. But not simpler."  Legal terms can often be overwhelming and challenging to interpret. One of our objectives at STS is to nurture and encourage growth and development within the communities we service.

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Trustee and arrear levy lifelines

In today’s economy, managing a body corporate is more challenging than ever—just ask the trustees! Effective financial management is critical for any sectional title scheme, yet many bodies corporate find themselves in a cash flow deficit.

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