Government subsidised housing beneficiaries have been urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills week.
During National Wills week, which will take place from 12 to 16 September 2022, legal practitioners will be available to draft and offer legal advice for free to the housing beneficiaries.
While nobody enjoys thinking about or planning for their death, having a Will in place will minimise stress, financial issues, and disputes among your loved ones when you are no more.
A valid and up-to-date Will ensures that your money in bank accounts, your home and personal property are distributed according to your wishes in the event of death. A valid Will also ensures your loved ones do not experience delays and conflict regarding your wishes, which often is the case in the absence of a vital document.
Nathan Adriaanse, the Western Cape Human Settlements Director of Communication and Stakeholder Relation, said the beneficiaries often have a misconception that since the department hands over Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses, the department can be involved when there are disputes in the family in terms of who inherits the house when the beneficiary has passes away and there is no Will.
“Unfortunately, the department cannot be involved or make decisions in such instances. The department would like to make it clear that once a government subsidies house and title deed has been handed over, it is the beneficiary’s responsibility to ensure that they have a Will in place which stipulates who gets to inherit their house,” Adriaanse said.
“Some of the consequences of not having a Will include you not having control over who inherits your home and your partner may be left with nothing if you are not married. Family members may argue or disagree regarding your final wishes, and it can take years to wind-up your Estate.
“The department reminds all government subsidies housing beneficiaries that their house is a big and important investment, not only for the current families but also for generations that follow. Beneficiaries must ensure that they protect their homes and loved ones, in the form of a legally valid Will,” Adriaanse said.
Source: SA News, South African Government, image from SA News