Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

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.

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.