Pulse Archives

Pulse | September 2026

Can a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim override a property inheritance? Recently, the Supreme Court of Appeal considered whether a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim could effectively exhaust a deceased estate, leaving nothing for an heir who had been bequeathed immovable property.

Pulse | Can a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim override a property inheritance?

In De Bruyn v The Master of the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) recently upheld the Master’s refusal to prohibit a surviving spouse’s maintenance claim which effectively exhausted the estate available for distribution. Although the deceased

Pulse | Preparing for the unexpected: Why your animal companion belongs in your will

Your will may explain precisely who should inherit your home, investments, and possessions. But does it stipulate who will care for your dog, administer your elderly rabbit’s medication, take your cat to the vet, or provide a safe place for

Pulse | When commercial law and property collide: Is transfer duty payable on the acquisition of shares in a residential property company?

In commercial transactions involving the acquisition of shares in a property-owning company, the tax consequences are not always immediately apparent. Although the underlying immovable property remains registered in the company’s name, the Transfer Duty Act (‘the Act’) treats certain shares

Pulse | Inside the Regulation of Trusts Bill: A new dawn for trust administration in South Africa

Earlier this month, government published the Regulation of Trusts Bill (‘the Bill’) for public comment. Intended to repeal and replace the Trust Property Control Act (‘the Act’), the Bill provides for, inter alia, the creation and administration of trusts, the

Pulse | August 2026

In this edition of Pulse, we look inside the Regulation of Trusts Bill, explore why menstrual dignity is a human rights issue, examine the impact of the ‘husband’s domicile’ rule, and explain when transfer duty is payable on the acquisition

Pulse | Period poverty, policy, and the law: Why access to menstrual products is a human rights issue

For girls and women who lack access to menstrual products and adequate sanitation, menstruation is a monthly reminder that a normal biological process can become a barrier to education, human dignity, and the pursuit of future opportunities. For Founder and

Pulse | Limiting RAF’s liability: Can a dependant claim loss of support when a motorcyclist dies by suicide?

Recently, the Supreme Court of Appeal (‘the SCA’) delivered an important judgment on the limits of liability in claims instituted against the Road Accident Fund (‘RAF’). In Road Accident Fund v L M, the Court considered whether RAF could be

Pulse | July 2026

Limiting RAF’s liability: Can a dependent claim loss of support when a motorcyclist dies by suicide? Recently, the Supreme Court of Appeal delivered an important judgment on the limits of liability in loss of support claims against the Road Accident

Pulse | When is a seller liable for damp, leaks, and other hidden defects?

In property transactions, discovering hidden damp, leaks, or other defects post-signature is commonplace. Often, purchasers may assume the seller is liable for effecting repairs, while sellers frequently believe that once the property has been sold, responsibility shifts entirely to the