Legally Speaking: Recent Episodes
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With the right attorney and legal information, you make informed decisions. Practicing from 11 branches throughout South Africa, STBB offers clients access to a powerful team of more than 90 independent-minded attorneys who are dedicated to client service. Through this Podcast channel we will be sharing useful information relating to wills, trusts and estates.
In the fourth instalment of our five-part series, Refqah Ho-Yee discusses the implications of new technology on estate planning. Are downloadable templates for wills reliable? Can generative AI tools truly replace the skill and expertise of an experienced attorney in drafting a will? Further, have you made provision for the secure storage of your essential documents? Refqah thoughtfully explores these questions and more.
In a travel-focused episode, Refqah Ho-Yee considers the impact of settling abroad, marrying a foreigner abroad, or persuading your foreign spouse to relocate to South Africa on estate planning requirements.
In the second instalment of our five-part series, Refqah Ho-Yee thoughtfully explores the implications of the co-ownership of immovable property for estate and succession planning. To avoid needless conflict and provide clarity to those you leave behind, contact estates@stbb.co.za to schedule an appointment to draft a comprehensive will or to update your existing will.
In this month’s special five-part podcast series, Refqah Ho-Yee explores estate planning for millennials. In our first instalment, she addresses essential considerations for those with minor children, including how to provide for their ongoing needs – such as accommodation, medical care, and education – in the event of one’s untimely passing. Cognisant of the importance of having a valid will, Refqah emphasises the value of effective estate planning to accommodate your children’s future needs.
In honour of Women’s Month, Ghislaine Barends, Director at STBB Cape Town, joins us in our latest episode to discuss balancing a thriving career and personal life. Ghislaine touches on the challenges she faces in and out of the workplace and how she tackles these, as well as on the value of having a strong support system around you. Do listen to her advice for women facing the same challenges.
In our latest episode, Senior Associate and Head of STBB Claremont’s Bond Department, Junel Hickman, joins us to discuss various aspects of homeowners’ insurance, an essential component of property ownership. In a concise but insightful discussion, she canvasses the important distinction between homeowners’ insurance and household insurance, explains why homeowners’ insurance is a condition for securing bond approval, and provides insight on whether a seller or purchaser is responsible for paying insurance premiums when the purchaser takes occupation of the property prior to the registration of transfer.
Does listing your property during the winter months negatively impact its re-sale value? Tune into this brief, but insightful, episode with Dillon Lebotschy as he explains why there may be untapped advantages to selling your property during winter and shares invaluable tips for crafting a snug atmosphere to entice prospective purchasers. Don't miss out on this helpful advice and transform your winter sale into a warm success!
Have you ever wondered if it is best to avoid social media? Have you ever noticed that you click on links without a second thought? STBB Operations Manager and IT specialist, Brent Mackay, joins us on the podcast to explain how individuals and businesses can safeguard themselves on social media and what to watch out for to avoid being compromised. Tune in to learn more and stay cyber-safe!
Natasha Singh joins us on the podcast to talk about the ins and outs of the conveyancing process. She provides helpful advice for sellers and buyers, outlines the costs involved for both parties, and provides a synopsis of the entire process from receipt of instruction to the registration of the transfer in the Deeds Office. If you're considering selling or purchasing property, tune in now for valuable tips and insights!
Director, Stefan Hougaard, joins us to briefly discuss the impact of the Consumer Protection Act ('CPA') on lease agreements. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, or are planning to rent property, tune in now to learn more and stay informed.
On today's podcast, Ewin Michael gives us the run-down on antenuptial contracts under South African law. He outlines the conditions that must be met in order to conclude a valid antenuptial contract, and the legal ramifications of being married in or out of community of property. Tune in now for more insights on this topic!
On today’s podcast, Ewin Michael joins us to address a range of frequently asked questions relevant to family law. What is a parenting plan? How does one enforce a maintenance order? What alternatives are there to marriage? And does South African law recognise 'common law marriage'? Tune in now to receive the answers to these questions and more!
In the final instalment of this two-part podcast, our labour law expert, James Foxcroft, joins us to discuss the intricate details of employment contracts, and the importance of re-examining HR policies on an annual basis to ensure that they conform with existing law. Don’t miss out on this informative discussion – tune in now!
As the solar tax incentive reaches its twilight and filing season looms, dive into the nitty-gritty details with our associate, Abduraghmaan Farao, on today's podcast episode. Learn how to navigate this incentive and arm yourself against those dreaded letters from SARS. Tune in, and heed the advice because, as they say, it's better to be safe than sorry!
In part one of this two-part podcast, our labour law expert, James Foxcroft, joins us to discuss a range of frequently asked questions about the regulatory framework governing retirement and retrenchment, the procedures applicable to misconduct and dismissal, and the law relevant to instances where an employer transfers a business as a going concern.
Join our Marketing Manager, Leani Steenkamp, and STBB Associate, Dillon Lebotschy, as they discuss how to work more efficiently in 2024. This work-smarter session will focus on the fundamentals of time management and offer advice on how to foster positive relationships at work. Check out our podcast on this topic that was released today!
We have Adam Ismail on the podcast to talk about BBBEE. He goes into great detail about BBBEE, the South African government's approach, and the requirements for international or multinational corporations looking to expand their business in South Africa. For more information on this topic, don't forget to listen to this podcast.
Stefan Hougaard joins us on the podcast today. He provides us with a better understanding of loan agreements, mortgage bonds and how non-payment is enforced. He touches on scenarios that arise and how they are best resolved. Be sure to check out today’s podcast for more information on this topic!
Catch David Thompson’s interview on SAFM where he covers the basic rights and obligations of tenants in lease agreements. He will also touch on the perspective of landlords having challenges in as far as tenants are concerned. Be sure to check out today’s podcast for more information on this topic!
Coming up on our next podcast we chat Wills and Estates.
Refqah Ho-Yee joins us on the podcast to talk about the essentials of this topic. She explains how each estate has its own requirements and takes us through the process from how to prepare important documentation to the average period for the finalisation of a deceased estate. Tune in for more information on this topic!
Abduraghmaan Farao joins us on the podcast to talk about the nitty gritty of this topic. He covers a wide range of aspects, including the essential requirements for qualifying as a going concern. Be sure to check out today's podcast for more information on the topic!
Leani Steenkamp is joined by Abduraghmaan Farao as they explore the ins and outs of a going concern. Abduraghmaan will explain what constitutes a going concern and the implications for businesses. Tune in to learn how a going concern can help your business succeed. We all know that a going concern is essential when it comes to efficiently running a company but what exactly is a going concern, and more importantly, how do you qualify for one?
Andreas Tsangarakis, Director in the STBB Commercial Department, is joined by his colleague, Adam Ismail, Executive Consultant.
Today they will be discussing the processes involved in the sale of shares and highlight various legislation that applies. They will delve into understanding the value of shares and associated rights as well as pre-emptive rights in shareholders’ agreements.
Andreas and Adam will provide insight into the importance of understanding the legal implications when selling shares. This is an important topic to understand especially for those investing in companies or joining their board of directors.
It is also vital to understand pre-emptive rights in shareholders’ agreements, which provide an individual shareholder with a right or priority when it comes to acquiring additional shares in the company. Our two experts will provide an example of such rights and the impact on the shareholder’s ability to participate in, or influence, decisions made within the company.
Stay tuned for more information about today’s podcast as Andreas and Adam impart their knowledge on this important topic!
Knowing the tax implications of your property transaction is crucial, not only as seller or purchaser, but also for agents assisting in the sale process.
Listen to Zama Madungadaba as she breaks down the various taxes applicable in property transactions. Zama leads with great questions and identifies the three factors to consider when determining the taxes for which you will be liable.
In this month’s podcast, Olivia Harvey explains what a suretyship is and the implications of signing surety. Olivia then dives into the effect it will have if you are married in community of property and the consequences of your spouse signing surety on behalf a business - do you need to consent? Will you be held liable?
She also gives options for spouses married in community of property who want to avoid the risks of suretyship.
Who carries the risk relating to the property during a transfer process?
What about defects caused by natural disasters?
Join Madelein Williams as she expertly covers these questions and explains how to distinguish between the defects covered under Voetstoots law and the importance of the Property Condition Report.
Family helps family in times of need. Kamagelo Twala discusses the risks of lending money to family members and how to avoid a sticky situation. No matter how strong the family bond is, you need a valid agreement stipulating the terms of repayment. What are these terms? Should you be registered in terms of the National Credit Act? Tune in for some expert advise!
Subject expert, Stefan Hougaard, covers the topic from both an individual and entity perspective.
What does insolvency actually mean? What is the difference between factual and commercial insolvency?
Stefan explains the process of having someone declared insolvent as well as the benefits and risks for the creditor; he highlights two main risks including, the risk of the creditor having to pay into the estate being wound up.
You can reach out to Stefan on stefanh@stbb.co.za
Join the STBB Commercial Department second discussion on the Commercial Valuation of a Business.
A discussion facilitated by Mike Bromley, with experts Jacques Blignaut and Adam Ismail weighing in.
For all our Afrikaans listeners!
Daniel Els discusses the challenges in the transferring process.
Janke Geldenhuys discusses the Community Schemes Ombuds Service. What it is the CSOS and when can you benefit from their services? What concerns can be raised with CSOS?
Buying a property is often the biggest business transaction you will do. Things often become tricky. Belinda Lewis explains what a conveyancer is. Surprisingly, it is not just an administrative function. She further explains active and passive roles in the conveyancing process.
In this episode of Coffee with Commercial, Andreas Tsangarakis covers the topic of acquisition of shares in property-owning companies.
In this episode of Coffee with Commercial, Candice Robberts discusses "Schemes of arrangement” in terms of the Companies Act.
Belinda Lewis talks about how you can develop your residential property further and how you can potentially unlock income from your property.
Adam Ismail takes the subject of Broad-based Economic Empowerment (BEE) head on. Many thought that the BEE policy had a limited lifespan, but it is clear that BEE is here to stay. Are there legal requirements for BEE? Are there any gains?
Lindsey Biccari sets the record straight on Wills. What is required for a Will to be valid? Are Video Wills legal in South Africa? What can invalidate a Will? What if your heir is a minor?
What happens if you pass away without a Will? How long does it take to administer an estate?
Martin Bey covers the topic of evictions, starting off with the difference between residential and commercial evictions. What is an unlawful eviction? When can a landlord evict a tenant? What is the process to get a tenant evicted?
Join the STBB Commercial Department for a two part discussion on the Commercial Valuation of a Business.
A discussion facilitated by Mike Bromley, with experts Jacques Blignaut and Adam Ismail weighing in.
What happens when a couple divorces but they have a shared home?
When can a spouse be evicted from a shared home? What happens if you are married ANC with accrual? What are the procedure and costs involved when buying your partner’s share of the property?
Listen to Shereen Volks addressing this tricky subject.
Belinda Lewis discusses Servitude rights. What are the different servitutes out there and how are they established.
As part of our series on Capital Gains Tax, Kent Karro breaks down Capital Gains Tax relating to deceased estates. He takes a bit more time to discuss tax in detail than the previous two podcasts, so definitely one if you have a bit more time and want to go into further detail.
In the second part of the Capital Gains Tax series, Belinda Lewis dives into the more complex transactions, such as estates, and breaks it down into understandable terms.
Capital Gains Tax is a tricky, and oftentimes scary subject, that a lot of us prefer to ignore. The most important fact about Capital Gains Tax is that it applies to ALL property transactions. The only difference is how it is calculated.
Listen to the first part on Capital Gains Tax while Belinda Lewis simplifies and explains the various calculations.
Choosing the correct purchasing vehicle for your property purchase is a complex issue and it will hinge on various factors.
Belinda Lewis breaks it down for us in layman's terms.
Whether you are a buyer or seller, today's episode will help you to understand VAT, taxes and costs, and also cover the dreaded breach clause.
Before you put pen to paper, it is important to understand what you are signing. We will help you to identify what to look out for when signing an Offer to Purchase. In particular the Voetstoots, Compliances and Additional clauses.
Looking for a property? Knowing which "type" of property is the right fit for you is important. There can be many ins and outs to know and understand when it comes to the different property types. Not to mention the added costs and responsibility.
This audio brochure walks you through exactly what you need to know about sectional title.
Having a tenant in a property wanting to sell your property raises quite a few questions like how does this work? How will the lease be transferred?
What about payment of the occupational rental, levies, taxes?
Join us in this podcast where we discuss the ins and outs of selling a property subject to a lease agreement.
Viewing your home for the first time? Ever wondered what the risks involved are and how to make informed decisions. Property is the most valuable asset you will ever buy in your lifetime, we are here to help educate you on recognising the underlying risks involved.
Shopping around for a home loan? Investing in one of the most expensive assets in your life requires consulting with a specialist. Before getting a home loan it is very important to get the package that is best suited for you. Listen to our STBB professionals giving you the best advice when it comes to shopping for your home loan.
The FIC Act has been introduced to overcome financial crime which includes money laundering, tax evasion and terrorist financing activities. In this podcast we will be discussing how the legislature requires of us to combat these financial crimes.
Did you know that Powers of Attorney can be used to simplify your life when it comes to property transactions? Before we dive into all there is to know regarding these documents, there are various types to take note of: Power of Attorney to transfer, Special Powers of Attorney and General Powers of Attorney.
Ever thought of investing your assets or taking ownership of a foreign company? Look no further, as we discuss all there is to know about foreign investments.
Discussing the various costs associated with administering an estate, costs and debts that survive after your death - by Refqah Ho-Yee and the settlement of outstanding debts of a deceased estate.
Understanding how to calculate Estate Duty is an important aspect of estate planning. This affects the financial liquidity of your estate and in turn the funds available to your dependents. Listen to Refqah Ho-Yee on how to calculate your estate duty.