News & Views

News and relevant legal opinion pieces from MP|W and publishing partners

Latest Articles

Can a minor inherit a house or farm?
03 June 2025

Parents and other family members often bequeath immovable property to their children or grandchildren. But what is the position when... the testator dies and the person standing to inherit is still a minor? Can they inherit? In this article, we look at how this position is dealt with in our law.

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11
Article
“Running” into trouble: pedestrian rights matter
03 June 2025

Think you're safe sprinting through a public race? A recent court ruling says otherwise. Find out how one runner's collision... turned into a costly legal lesson—and what it means for every athlete on public routes.

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14
Article
Bypassing the National Credit Act may come back to bite you
02 June 2025

Think you can sidestep credit laws with ‘friendly’ loans or sneaky deals? Think again. Discover why trying to outsmart the... National Credit Act could lead to costly surprises you never saw coming.

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13
Article
Cybercrime on the rise in property transactions
02 June 2025

As property transactions increasingly rely on electronic communication, buyers and sellers are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. This article outlines... simple, effective steps to help protect against digital threats during the buying and selling process.

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13
Article
Competition Commission guidelines on internal restructuring
30 May 2025

Thinking of reshuffling your company’s structure? The Competition Commission has just released clear guidelines on when internal changes could count... as mergers, and when you need to notify them. Don’t get caught off guard; find out what the new rules mean for your business.

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17
Article
No foot to stand on: “Voetstoots” and the cost of concealing defects
30 May 2025

Think ‘voetstoots’ means you're off the hook as a seller? Think again. A recent court ruling draws the line between... misrepresentation and legal immunity.

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18
Article
New Housing Act: What homeowners and builders must know
30 May 2025

Planning to build, renovate, or buy a home? This new Act could impact your plans—and your rights. Here's what you... need to know.

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19
Article
Resolving Property Disputes in South African Construction Law
26 May 2025

In South Africa, property-related disputes are common and can disrupt construction projects and affect property ownership. Fortunately, South African law... provides clear frameworks to address these issues efficiently.

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43
Article
What You Need to Know About New Consumer Protection Rules in South African Property Deals
19 May 2025

Recent changes in South African property law have introduced stronger consumer protection measures for property buyers. These new regulations focus... on clear disclosure and accountability, ensuring that potential homeowners are well-informed at every step. 

READ MORE
46
Article
Practical Legal Solutions to Support Your Business
12 May 2025

At MP|W, we understand that every contract, partnership, or business decision comes with its own challenges. That’s why we offer... tailored legal solutions that evolve with your business. No confusing legal jargon, no one-size-fits-all advice—just practical, actionable strategies that help you overcome obstacles and stay focused on growing your business.

READ MORE
66
Article
Mortgage Bond Arrears: Can You Challenge a Certificate of Balance?
12 May 2025

A recent High Court ruling tackled the important question of whether or not a Certificate of Balance issued by a... creditor provides definitive proof of the debt owed. The case involved a couple who contested the accuracy of a bank’s R2.1m claim against them. At stake? Two of their properties which were bonded to the bank.

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54
Article
Verify Banking Details Before Paying Any Invoice – You’re at Risk, Not the Creditor
12 May 2025

As Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud surges, recent High Court decisions have been clear – it is you as debtor... who must “seek out your creditor,” or carry the loss if a scammer strikes.

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61
Article

Can a minor inherit a house or farm?

03 June 2025

Parents and other family members often bequeath immovable property to their children or grandchildren. But what is the position when... the testator dies and the person standing to inherit is still a minor? Can they inherit? In this article, we look at how this position is dealt with in our law.

READ MORE
11
Article

“Running” into trouble: pedestrian rights matter

03 June 2025

Think you're safe sprinting through a public race? A recent court ruling says otherwise. Find out how one runner's collision... turned into a costly legal lesson—and what it means for every athlete on public routes.

READ MORE
14
Article

Bypassing the National Credit Act may come back to bite you

02 June 2025

Think you can sidestep credit laws with ‘friendly’ loans or sneaky deals? Think again. Discover why trying to outsmart the... National Credit Act could lead to costly surprises you never saw coming.

READ MORE
13
Article

Cybercrime on the rise in property transactions

02 June 2025

As property transactions increasingly rely on electronic communication, buyers and sellers are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. This article outlines... simple, effective steps to help protect against digital threats during the buying and selling process.

READ MORE
13
Article

Competition Commission guidelines on internal restructuring

30 May 2025

Thinking of reshuffling your company’s structure? The Competition Commission has just released clear guidelines on when internal changes could count... as mergers, and when you need to notify them. Don’t get caught off guard; find out what the new rules mean for your business.

READ MORE
17
Article

No foot to stand on: “Voetstoots” and the cost of concealing defects

30 May 2025

Think ‘voetstoots’ means you're off the hook as a seller? Think again. A recent court ruling draws the line between... misrepresentation and legal immunity.

READ MORE
18
Article

New Housing Act: What homeowners and builders must know

30 May 2025

Planning to build, renovate, or buy a home? This new Act could impact your plans—and your rights. Here's what you... need to know.

READ MORE
19
Article

Resolving Property Disputes in South African Construction Law

26 May 2025

In South Africa, property-related disputes are common and can disrupt construction projects and affect property ownership. Fortunately, South African law... provides clear frameworks to address these issues efficiently.

READ MORE
43
Article

What You Need to Know About New Consumer Protection Rules in South African Property Deals

19 May 2025

Recent changes in South African property law have introduced stronger consumer protection measures for property buyers. These new regulations focus... on clear disclosure and accountability, ensuring that potential homeowners are well-informed at every step. 

READ MORE
46
Article

Practical Legal Solutions to Support Your Business

12 May 2025

At MP|W, we understand that every contract, partnership, or business decision comes with its own challenges. That’s why we offer... tailored legal solutions that evolve with your business. No confusing legal jargon, no one-size-fits-all advice—just practical, actionable strategies that help you overcome obstacles and stay focused on growing your business.

READ MORE
66
Article

Mortgage Bond Arrears: Can You Challenge a Certificate of Balance?

12 May 2025

A recent High Court ruling tackled the important question of whether or not a Certificate of Balance issued by a... creditor provides definitive proof of the debt owed. The case involved a couple who contested the accuracy of a bank’s R2.1m claim against them. At stake? Two of their properties which were bonded to the bank.

READ MORE
54
Article

Verify Banking Details Before Paying Any Invoice – You’re at Risk, Not the Creditor

12 May 2025

As Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud surges, recent High Court decisions have been clear – it is you as debtor... who must “seek out your creditor,” or carry the loss if a scammer strikes.

READ MORE
61
Article
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Unsafe grounds: Can schools be held liable for sports injuries?

06 May 2025

What happens when your child gets injured at school? Who is responsible for their safety? In this article, we examine... whether a school can be held liable for injuries sustained by a pupil during school activities. 

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43
Article
Walking the M&A tightrope: Telecom and Energy deals in SA

06 May 2025

The telecommunications and energy sectors are undoubtedly amongst the key drivers of the South African economy at present. However, with... an increasing number of mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) occurring in these sectors, the Competition Commission are imposing stricter approval conditions to promote public interest and balance competition and economic transformation. 

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39
Article
When credit agreements get sticky

06 May 2025

Navigating the ins and outs of credit agreements under the National Credit Act can feel like walking through legal quicksand.... One wrong clause or overlooked procedure, and your entire case could come undone. Before enforcing your rights, make sure you’re not stepping into a sticky situation of your own making.

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45
Article
Unpaid levies? Lights out: Court empowers Body Corporates

06 May 2025

Sectional title owners behind on their levies and utility bills may find themselves in the dark—literally. We unpack the implications... of an illuminating High Court judgment.

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35
Article
Storm warning for accountable institutions without an updated RMCP

06 May 2025

The storm has passed—but the damage may be just beginning. With the deadline for submitting updated RMCPs now behind us,... accountable institutions that failed to comply could be in the FIC’s crosshairs.

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44
Article
Do you need to register as a credit provider? Here's when and how

06 May 2025

Thinking of granting credit, even just once? You might be surprised to learn that doing so—even for as little as... R1—could trigger a legal requirement to register as a credit provider. With recent changes lowering the registration threshold to zero, understanding when and how to register is more important than ever. Whether you're a business or an individual, here's what you need to know before issuing credit in South Africa.

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37
Article
Common Questions About Property Transfers and Conveyancing in South Africa

04 April 2025

For first-time buyers and sellers, property transfers can be a bit tricky. Understanding the process from start to finish can... help make it a lot easier to manage. Here are answers to some common questions we often receive to help clarify the process for you.

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358
Article
A Complex Issue: Beware Late Building Penalties

04 April 2025

You buy a vacant plot in a security estate and happily start drawing up plans for your dream home. Disaster... strikes when out of the blue you are hit by the HOA (Homeowners’ Association) with triple levies – WHAT?!   Turns out the previous owner was in trouble for not building on the plot by the set deadline, and the HOA is unsympathetic to your pleas for an extension. You should, it says, have checked for such issues before buying – and if anyone’s to blame it’s the seller and the agent. Can that be right? A recent High Court decision gives the answers…

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145
Article
Will AI be steering the future of M&A?

31 March 2025

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) will inevitably in some way become part of the day-to-day operations of most businesses.... In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have long been a vital strategy for companies looking to expand their reach, increase market share, or diversify their portfolios. 

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114
Article
Car balloon payments: Pop goes your budget!

31 March 2025

A car balloon payment may not be quite as festive as it sounds. Consumers often don’t consider the down-the-road impact... of a balloon payment. In this article, we look at the balloon payment structure and what consumers can do to manage this or alternatives that can be considered when procuring a vehicle.

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125
Article
When does the Property Transfer clock start in a divorce?

31 March 2025

A recent Chief Registrar’s Circular has shed light on the challenges of determining the correct transaction date for divorce-related property... transfers—especially when settlement agreements are amended after the divorce. 

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81
Article
To vote or not to vote: Post-Commencement business rescue creditors

31 March 2025

The Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled on a critical issue in business rescue proceedings—can post-commencement creditors vote on rescue... plans? The Mashwayi Projects v Wescoal case brings much-needed clarity, shaping the future of business rescue in South Africa. Find out what this means for creditors, financially distressed companies, and the business rescue process.

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116
Article

The information in the news and views section relate to recent legal developments, is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. MP|W will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon the content of this website.

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