Mams’ residents reminded to write a will
Residents were helped by attorneys to draft their wills free of charge.
Residents of Mamelodi were reminded of the importance of drafting their wills and testaments during National Wills week from September 11 to 16.
The week was commemorated at Mamelodi community hall and was attended by Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola helping residents with their wills.
Community members who were present were helped by attorneys to draft their wills, free of charge.
Lamola told attendees that a will is important regardless of what a person owns, however small, and it is better that they clearly set out in their will what they wish should happen with it after their death.
Officials from Masters of the High Court, Legal Aid South Africa, attorneys as well as different government departments – home affairs, justice and correctional services – talked to the residents about other legal issues including marriage and estates.
“It is better to leave a will that clearly explain what must happen with your assets,” said Lamola.
“The will simplifies everything and no one is supposed to break it.”
The residents also took the opportunity to complain about corruption within Justice and Correctional Services and pleaded with the minister to intervene.
Lamola said he would follow up on the complaints and “whoever is doing it must be arrested because there must be no fraudulent process”.
He further advised the public to give information about corruption so it can be investigated.
Justice Ubisi of Legal Aid South Africa said his organisation helps people with their legal issues for free.
He urged residents to use the services including drafting their wills.
“The legal aid office can be found at the Mamelodi magistrate’s court on Wednesdays from 08:00,” said Ubisi.
Happy Mahlangu (45) said he is so happy that the minister came to Mamelodi to address the issues of wills because many people in Mamelodi don’t have a will.
“We have seen a lot of families fighting over assets, others illegally selling family houses after parents died without a will,” he said.
“Mamelodi has a lot of elderly people who have assets and they have no idea of drafting wills and its importance.”
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