Kwa-Thema – A High Tea event hosted by eNokuthula Memorial Park, in partnership with Makaula Elegant Funerals, provided a wealth of valuable information to the Kwatsaduza community on September 16.

The event was in honour of Wills Month, serving as an annual awareness initiative highlighting the importance of having a valid Will.

Nokuthula Memorial Park salesperson, Luhle Ncapayi said apart from being business people, they strive to equip the community with knowledge.

”Many living within the community do not know where to go in order to get their Wills drafted. We decided to invite someone with knowledge in the field to provide knowledge, information centered around Wills.

“Having a Will is an act of love and responsibility. It ensures that everything you have worked for is preserved for the right people and that your wishes are honoured when you are no more,” Ncapayi mentioned.

Guest speaker, attorney and conveyancer lawyer Jennifer Rankeng shared her knowledge and advice with the community.

She mentioned that over the years she has seen too many families suffer unnecessary conflict and financial loss because their loved ones passed away without leaving a valid Will.

“September is Wills Month in South Africa, and it is the perfect time to talk about estate planning and why every adult should make a Will.

“A Will is more than just a legal document. It is a statement of your wishes, a way to say how you want your assets, property and personal belongings to be shared after your death.

“Without one, the law, specifically the Intestate Succession Act, decides how your estate is divided. That may not reflect what you would have wanted and it can lead to disputes, delays and even hardship for your dependents.

“A valid Will protects your loved ones, ensures that minor children are properly cared for and allows you to choose a trustworthy executor to administer your estate,” she explained.

She cited that having a Will also helps to avoid misunderstandings and discrimination, especially in extended families where emotions can run high.

Rankeng urged individuals to seek advice when they are ready to write their Will, saying it is wise to get advice from an attorney or conveyancer.

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She highlighted that an attorney or conveyancer will ensure that the individual’s documents meet all legal requirements and clearly expresses their wishes.

“Your Will must be in writing, signed by you on every page and at the end, and witnessed by two competent people who sign in your presence and in each other’s presence.

“It should always be dated so there is no confusion about which version is the most recent. Choosing an executor is an important step. Pick someone trustworthy and impartial who is capable of handling paperwork and finances,” she added.

She advised those with young children to create a trust in their Will to safeguard their inheritance until they are adults. She further expressed the importance of keeping the original Will safe, ideally with an attorney or bank.

“Update it whenever there are big life changes such as marriage, divorce, new children or significant property purchases.

“Once a person dies, the Master of the High Court oversees the administration of the estate. The executor gathers all assets, settles debts and distributes what remains according to the Will.

“If there is no Will, the estate is handled under intestate succession laws. Family members may lodge claims, but they are bound by a fixed order of inheritance, which often leaves out people the deceased may have wanted to provide for, like stepchildren or long-term partners,” clarified Rankeng

She also mentioned that many individuals do not own enough to see the need to draft a Will and therefore rely on store-bought templates without proper advice.

“Unfortunately, such documents are often rejected by the Master’s Office. They do not meet the legal requirements. Another challenge is choosing banks as executors without understanding the costs involved,” she said.

Rankeng explained that banks may charge a percentage of the estate, citing that this may create problems should there be insufficient funds within the bank.

She further expressed the need to involve an attorney, saying an attorney can help you weigh your options carefully.

Community member Joyce Mapepeza expressed gratitude towards the event saying it served as an eye-opener to many who needed the knowledge.

“We are truly grateful for today’s session. It has opened our eyes to the importance of drafting proper Wills and following the right procedures.

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“This will help us pass on our belongings to our children and families in a dignified and protected manner without conflict.

“With this knowledge, we can guide our homes, churches, and communities to plan ahead and live in peace,” she said.

Head of sales at Makaula Elegant Funerals, Teboho Moema said as a business, they do not only strive to run successfully.

“We are not only there for burials; we also aim to uplift our communities in all spheres of their lives. Very soon, we will be doing another event that will also provide informative knowledge and information to the community.

“This will enable community members to easily have access to different types of knowledgeable information,” Moema said.