Insights

  • Section 16 of the Deeds Registries Act: Your 2026 guide to property transfer in South Africa

    Section 16 of the Deeds Registries Act: Your 2026 guide to property transfer in South Africa

    In South African property law, the transition of ownership is not a mere private agreement—it is a rigorous, state-sanctioned process. At the heart of this system lies Section 16 of the Deeds Registries Act, the “gold standard” for how land and real rights move from one person to another. As we move through 2026, this…

  • From “I do” to “Who pays?”: Decoding spousal maintenance in South Africa

    From “I do” to “Who pays?”: Decoding spousal maintenance in South Africa

    Navigating a divorce is never easy, and the financial transition from a joint household to an independent one is often the most stressful part. In South African law, the topic of spousal maintenance—commonly known as alimony—is frequently misunderstood. Unlike child maintenance, which is a non-negotiable legal duty, spousal maintenance is not an automatic right. Here is…

  • The three pillars of duty transfer in South African law

    The three pillars of duty transfer in South African law

    The term “duty transfer” in South African law can be a bit of a chameleon—it changes its meaning depending on whether you are talking about taxing a property sale, shifting contractual obligations, or moving employees to a new company. If you’re looking for a clear-cut legal guide, here is a breakdown of the three most…