Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

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.