Resources

FROM OUR BLOG

Court finds withholding levies = grasping at straws

Most of us know that purchasing a unit in a community scheme would require the payment of levies. However, a defaulting unit owner attempted to justify the withholding of levies and contested the interest charged on the arrear amounts in a recent Western Cape High Court case. The court found that the defendant’s arguments amounted to “grasping at straws”.

20 August 2022 Community, Update

Creating a buzzzz around our beloved honeybees

STS places high value on making an impact on the world and preserving our natural resources for future generations. Sustainability is not only a major consideration in how we conduct our business processes and choose our partners, but is also factored into our corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Hand dropping a coin in a lightbulb reflecting solar panels

18 August 2022 Solar and Efficient

Load shedding woes - it is time to see the light

It’s probably safe to say that most South Africans are beyond fed-up with our unreliable electricity supply. We’ve already had an extraordinary amount of load-shedding during this year, and winter was especially bleak and dismal for homeowners and businesses alike.

5 August 2022 Community, Update

Considering women’s contribution to bodies corporate

In a world that generally runs at a frantic pace, I truly enjoy days of the year set aside to commemorate special people and moments in life, such as the recently celebrated Mandela Day.

3 August 2022 Smart Technology, Vlog

Superfast internet for your community scheme

With our fibre to the home installation, you can enjoy better speeds, smarter living, and increased security whilst adding to the desirability and value of your property. The infrastructure is fully funded and maintained, and allows for superfast internet connectivity at your fingertips.

26 July 2022 Solar and Efficient, Update

You still save with solar

The headline of a recent article conveying Eskom’s intention to charge grid-tied solar users a flat rate of R938 per month has caused quite a furore. According to the article, this rate would be charged regardless of the amount of electricity consumed from the national grid.

30 June 2022 Solar and Efficient, Update

Getting solar installed in your community scheme

South African households are plagued by unpredictable power outages that last for hours, sometimes days. They also endure scheduled electricity cuts, known as load shedding or load reduction, where power is rationed to relieve pressure on the system and prevent complete collapse.

30 June 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update, Vlog

Executive Managing Agents for community schemes

When the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act came into effect in October 2016, it introduced and made provision for a new role; the Executive Managing Agent (EMA).

Group of people around a table and two men shaking hands

30 June 2022 Funding and Treasury, Update

Navigating the community scheme lending space - practical considerations

When you buy a unit in a sectional title scheme, you are also buying into the assets and liabilities of the whole scheme. Sometimes, that scheme has arrear levy debt or needs urgent funds to pay for maintenance-related issues.

30 June 2022 Smart Technology, Update

A smarter way to evaluate an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A reliable internet connection is crucial to smarter living. It carries with it the benefits of home automation, access to online entertainment including music and movie streaming, online gaming, and the ability to host video chats with work colleagues, family and friends.

26 May 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update

Ratifying community scheme resolutions — who has the power?

The full bench decision (three judges) of the Pietermaritzburg High Court, in the case of Derby Downs Management Association v Assegaai River Properties (Pty) Ltd and Another (the Derby Downs case)[1], is interesting for a quite a few reasons.

A group of people meeting around a boardroom table

26 May 2022 Legal and Advisory, Update, Vlog

Demystifying the various types of resolutions in community schemes

Let's face it, complying with all the relevant legislation and community scheme governance documentation is anything but child's play. For example, the different types of resolutions and requirements in the sectional title industry can be downright mystifying! In this video Maryna Wiesner, STS Group Company Secretary and former Legal and Education Specialist, unpacks the various types of body corporate resolutions in detail.