Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers
Legal

Honouring Your Legacy Wills and Heritage 1

Honouring Your Legacy: Wills and Heritage

In South Africa, cultural heritage is a cornerstone of personal identity. As diverse traditions and beliefs shape our lives, preserving this heritage is key to our legacy. Drafting a legally sound Will is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your cultural values and assets are passed down according to your wishes.
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Legal Understanding Womens Legal Rights in South Africa Feature

Understanding Women's Legal Rights in South Africa

South Africa has made significant strides towards gender equality, ensuring women's rights are protected and promoted across various spheres of life.
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In the Media - South Africans Doing Great Things

Darren Cohen, General Manager at Legal&Tax, shares how The Company is contributing to the community and making a difference this Mandela Day
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Avoid funeral scams

Avoid funeral cover scams

Funeral policies are there to help soothe the grief of a final goodbye to a loved one. When policies are not what was advertised, it adds to the pain. This month, we outline how you can check that your funeral policy is not a scam.
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Legal Commemorating June 16th Feature

June 16th: Commemorating the Soweto Uprising and Reflecting on the Right to Education in South Africa

As we commemorate Youth Day and remember the Soweto Uprising we discuss how the law and education intersect
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How tech is influencing the law and vice versa

How tech is influencing the law and vice versa

Learn how social media activity can affect legal decisions, especially in insurance claims.
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Legal Voting allows democracy to win Feature

Voting allows democracy to win

Voting allows democracy to win. Assert your democratic right and make your mark.
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Legal Human rights day Feature

Unity and Justice: Commemorating Human Rights Day

21 March marks a day of profound historical and moral significance in South Africa. Human Rights Day is not just a public holiday but a commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, a pivotal moment that exposed the brutalities of apartheid to the world.
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Legal Raise a Voice Against GBV Feature

Breaking the Silence

As we approach World Social Justice Day, it's crucial to shine a light on one of the most pressing issues facing South Africa: Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
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Law

Anticipating Transformations

The legal landscape in South Africa has always been dynamic, responding to societal shifts, technological advancements, and legislative developments.
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How to accumulate your leave

Balancing Leave Applications and Working Overtime

Are you looking forward to a long break over December, or did you put in for loads of overtime since all your colleagues are going away? Have a look at how this actually works
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Funeral Rising risk of road deaths 2023 Feature

Accidental Death and Road accidents

As many of us are gearing up to go home and away, we need to talk about road safety. We all know that the roads are actually a dangerous place, but we don’t always remember that while we’re walking or driving.
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Legal Anti Scam AI Feature

Anti-Scam AI

We have put together this list of common scams and the best way to use our AI Lawyer to protect yourself against anything that might try to ask for personal details or actual money.
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Funeral Death and Taxes 2023 Feature

Death & Taxes

Understanding Estate Tax in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide and What to Expect as a Beneficiary
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Why My AI Lawyer is changing the face of legal advice

My AI Lawyer is making legal services more accessible and affordable, right here in South Africa where access to justice is still one of our biggest issues.
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Funeral What happens if no one claims your body 2023 Feature

What happens to you if no one claims your body?

The hardest day of your life will be the day that you admit that you cannot afford to say goodbye to the people who mattered most.
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Legal Working loving living in SA Feature

Working, loving & living in SA

The 24th of September is a special day to us all. After Freedom Day, it’s our most widely appreciated and celebrated public holiday because it represents what was once used to divide us, and how we have turned it around into what makes us stronger, together. In all our races, cultures, beliefs and traditions, we can kick back and celebrate our heritage.
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Legal Divorce The fork in the road to freedom Feature

Divorce & the Fork in the Road to Your Futures

You’ve tried your best. You’ve done what you can. Sometimes, it is just not going to work. It’s time to get divorced and choose a new path and a new life.
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Legal Rules and Regulations of Winter Feature

Winter Safety Guidelines: Ensuring Your Safety and Comfort

As Winter arrives in South Africa, it's crucial to prioritize safety and comfort. This article provides important guidelines for choosing the right heating options, such as paraffin and LPG, while emphasising the need to adhere to safety regulations. It also offers tips for safely using paraffin and handling LPG cylinders. Additionally, the article discusses responsible practices for open fires, including selecting appropriate materials and maintaining a safe distance from flammable objects. By following these guidelines, readers can ensure their well-being during the colder months.
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Funeral Youre never too Feature

Why you are never too young or too old to plan ahead

In South Africa’s bustling streets, where vibrant cultures intersect, there lies a profound truth that transcends the bounds of time and tradition: the inevitability of death. While the topic may seem morbid or uncomfortable, forward-thinking individuals are increasingly recognizing the importance of early funeral planning as a means to embrace their mortality and experience a newfound sense of vitality.
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Legal The quest for employment Feature

Good news! The quest for employment continues.

You would be forgiven for thinking that might be a bleak intro to an article on employment, but bear with us. The road goes up and down, and we cannot lose faith in tomorrow.
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VAS Life long learning comes with lifelong testing Feature

Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Testing

The greatest lesson we never learnt at school was how much we will have to learn on our own. From Grade One to Matric, we can’t wait “to be done with school”. Ha. Tell us another one.
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Legal The Future of Work Feature

The Future of Work

This article discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the future of work in South Africa on Workers Day, including high unemployment rates and the impact of automation on the labour market. It emphasises the importance of investing in upskilling programs to prepare the workforce for the demands of the 21st century.
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Legal expense insurance provider launches AI lawyer in South Africa

Legal&Tax and Legal Interact have launched an amazing AI lawyer in South Africa! With expert legal advice from Legal&Tax, this revolutionary technology uses the Open AI/ChatGPT framework and the South African legal system to provide accurate insights. You can access this incredible AI lawyer through WhatsApp. Although the AI lawyer isn't a fully-fledged lawyer, it's a massive leap forward in finding answers to legal questions.
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The perks of quick legal advice, and how you can get it instantly

This article explores the benefits of on-demand legal advice and how it is transforming the way South Africans access legal services. With the AI Lawyer on WhatsApp, users can receive quick and accurate legal answers to their queries, anytime and anywhere, without the need to schedule appointments or wait in long queues.
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How AI-powered legal assistance is changing the game

AI-powered legal assistance is rapidly transforming the legal industry and making legal services more accessible and affordable. This article will highlight the benefits of AI technology in the legal industry and how your legal AI bot on WhatsApp is making a difference.
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March 2023 Budget banners feature

Human Rights: The How & Why

Ever wondered how your human rights work? Ever thought about whether or not your rights can be taken away from you? Or how we are going to workout the rights and responsibilities around AI? Answers to all of these fascinating questions are right here!
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Funeral Freedom to Choose Burials cremations or get turned into bling Feature

Burial or Bling?

From mushrooms to diamonds, here are five weird and wonderful ways to spend eternity.
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Legal Oh SA Feature

Oh SA, fairest of them all

Tired of all the negativity? Five reasons why the South African Constitution is an international champion.
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Funeral Dead right Feature

Last Rights

Not a lot really. While legally your own rights will no longer exist, there are the rights of those left behind, and the courtesies that we extend to them during their grief.
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Legal Rights are only half of it 2023 Feature

The Bill of Responsibilities

“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it” ~ Pirke Avot
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VAS A human right and the greatest gift of all 2023 Feature

Learning to love learning

Our constitution enshrines our right to education as one of the basic human rights. Internationally, it is protected under the Convention of rights of the child, because it is the most precious gift we can give. Not only does it keep on giving, but it can never be taken from you.
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Health The way of the future 2023 Feature

Are we doing justice to our health?

We look at the state of health care post pandemic, and how we manage the impossible choices many of make to afford health care.
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Legal POA 2023 Feature

ANCs, POAs, and the other acronyms of true love

Whether it’s ANCs, POAs, CAs, your LWT, or yet another string of letters you’ve never heard of, there can be a pile of paperwork that goes into joining your life with someone else’s. Whether you are thinking marriage and all its available forms in SA, or if you would prefer to live together without getting the government involved, or even if you are already married and looking at the ultimate bond, we are here to help you find the right agreement for you.
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Funeral the admin of deathg Feature

The Admin of Death

Losing loved ones can be debilitating, but you can find the strength to step up and make their last wishes a reality. If your loss has you quite lost with no idea of what to do, you can use this list to help you focus.
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Legal Go legit Feature

5 ways to get legit

These are the top five ways that you can make the law work for you and your future.
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Legal Travel safe Feature

Nihambe kakuhle, veilig ry and travel safe

December is usually a slightly scary time on our roads, but there are a few extra things that we should consider before we embark, whether on private or public transport.
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Funeral The Digital Dead Feature

The Digital Dead

We all know that your social media profiles remain active after you're gone. Do you want them to be available for your family and friends to remember you? Or do you want them, and all your data, deleted? These are latest additions to the questions we have to ask when planning our estates.
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Legal Social Media law Feature

When Sharing isn't Caring

There was a time when it seemed like there were no consequences on the internet and that what happened online, stayed online. Not anymore. South Africa has joined the growing list of countries who are taking a stand on what their citizens get up to in cyberspace.
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Purchase of Immovable property feature

Purchase of Immovable Property Agreement Template

Use this downloadable template to ensure that you have a recognised, enforceable agreement to protect the transfer of your immovable property.
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Legal Cyber scams Feature

10 Tips to protect yourself from Cyber Scammers

Buying second-hand cars, clothes and gadgets online can be a great way to save some cash, but a growing number of clients are coming to us with heart-breaking stories of being scammed and left with nothing. These scams are everywhere and as consumers, we need to protect ourselves. Use this checklist from start to finish every time you want to buy online, and save yourself from the dodgy deals and fake offers that pop up at every turn.
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Trad ever after Feature

Customary Marriages Webinar: Traditionally Ever After

Are you thinking of marrying under customary law? Or do you still need to register your customary marriage with Home Affairs? Are you thinking of ending your customary marriage? Our admitted attorneys Paula Thekiso-Mahlangu and Vuyokazi Mpela answer all these questions and more in Part 1 of our Heritage & Culture webinar series.
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Funeral Feature

The Beneficiary Blues

South Africa is a country of diverse heritage, as well as lifestyles and cultures. At the same time, we use many different products and services, so the question arises: How do we make them work within our cultures?
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Trad ever after Feature

Traditionally ever after

Many of us think long and hard about getting married, but not everyone thinks as carefully about what kind of marriage we are going choose. We look at some of the complexities facing young couples when they choose to get married today, both from a legal and a customary perspective.
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POWA web feature

The POWA Care Pack

People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) works to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and thereby improve women’s quality of life. POWA offer a safe haven for women and children who have escaped abuse and gender-based violence, and provide counselling and rehabilitation services to help make a lasting change in these women's lives. This downloadable resource guide is a portable companion that we have developed for POWA and everyone that needs a helping hand.
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Rights to reality Feature

Making your rights a reality

We are deeply proud of the South African Constitution and everything it has achieved, and will continue to achieve as long as we are diligent in protecting our rights. We look at the different ways that every South African can protect themselves and their rights, with the correct guidance and support.
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Last will and testament

Joint Will and Last Testament Template

A joint will is the will of two people contained in a single document. Typically, a husband and a wife will execute a joint will. Joint wills have various advantages and benefits depending on the aims and goals of the parties involved.
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Dom workers Feature

Domestic workers, our nation’s companions.

The last few years have seen improvements made to the conditions of employment for South Africa's domestic workers. Our July article details everything a domestic worker's employment should include, to make sure that you are up to date and compliant.
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Employee contracts Feature Image 2

What should be in your employment contract?

Employment contract. #IWishILearntThatInSchool – Part of our series supporting the youth. When reading your employment contract, these are things you should look for. Access other #IWishILearntThatInSchool articles and videos https://bit.ly/3x2zICR With Legal&Tax you’re not alone. Auth FSP
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Why it’s important to read your employment contract

#IWishILearntThatInSchool - Part of our series supporting the youth. We explain the impact of not reading or understanding your employment contract in 39 seconds
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Protecting your Right to Parent your children

Protecting your Right to Parent

Every parent wants to make sure that their children are safe, nurtured and secure. Even if you are unmarried or divorced, the law is on your side when it comes to your rights as a parent. Let’s take a closer look at how the law helps protect your parenting rights
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How to accumulate your leave

How to accumulate leave and when you can apply

In this article, we will be exploring all the different types of leave and when you have the right to apply
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What is gross misconduct

What is Gross Misconduct, and could it cost you your job?

There are varying degrees of issues you may face in the workplace that could lead to a difficult work environment, from incapacity to negligence and misconduct. This article will help you understand the differences between these infringements and how to approach disciplinary matters with our assistance.
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The rights and costs of purchaing property

Your rights when purchasing a property - interest rates and insurance costs

Most of us dream of owning our own property, however, this is a costly endeavour and we may need to obtain a loan from a bank. We explain in this article your rights as a property owner and the two types of interest rates for such a loan as well as the various insurances involved in owning property.
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constitution of south africa

The constitution of the Republic of South Africa and how it protects the human rights of the individual

Constitutional Supremacy is of the utmost importance. This in essence means that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. This article will specifically deal with how the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa safeguards our human rights.
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Love and the law

Love & the law webinar

We discuss cohabitation, common law marriage, marriage types, agreements and divorce.
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Children's rights

Children's Rights

View our infographic for a breakdown of basic children's rights
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Article Themes website November 20212 gender based violence

The shadow pandemic – Don’t be a victim, break the silence!

As the COVID-19 pandemic ran rampant in our society, a second pandemic of domestic violence filled the homes of innocent women. Learn more about gender-based violence cases during lockdown in South Africa and the proactive steps you can take to ensure your and your loved one’s safety.
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Criminal law

Criminal law webinar

We discuss the various laws around drinking and driving, paying an admission of guilt fine, COVID-19 violations as well as police conduct.
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Last will and testament1

Who can be a witness to a will?

Watch this video to find out who is competent to witness a will
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Last will and testament2

Can you write your own will?

All you need to know about drafting your own will
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What makes a will valid?

Here are the requirements for a valid will
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What is an Executor of an estate?

Watch this video to learn more
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Last will and testament5

Who should have a will?

Watch this video to see if you need a will
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Last will and testament pic

What is a will and testament?

Our Head of Legal Helpline, Michael Visser explains this estate planning document
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Last will and testament

Wills & Estates

Watch our webinar where Head of Legal Helpline, Michael Visser answers your frequently asked questions about wills and estates.
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landlord and tenant

Landlord and tenant – A rocky Relationship?

Learn about the legislature and regulations that govern this relationship
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August Feature LTS Website banners 2021 08 182

Child maintenance – the facts!

Every child is entitled to receive maintenance for their basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, education and health care.
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Women and the law

The law protects and promotes the rights of women and gender equality. The law is a tool to end gender based violence, sexual harassment and discrimination against women. The law also offers women access to justice following victimisation.
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Crime stats and being a companion article

Your Companion, through the good and the bad

In this article, we give a brief overview of the latest crime stats, give guidance on reporting a crime, and obtaining a protection order. We also provide you with information on our services to assist you in dealing with emotional trauma and seeking medical advice and emergency medical response.
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Dealing with fraud as a result of identity theft

We help you safeguard your personal information to prevent this criminal offence against you.
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wrongful death

Wrongful death

Losing a family member due to misconduct or negligence is painful. We discuss how you can seek justice on behalf of your loved one for a wrongful death action.
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Avoid going to court

Steps to take to avoid going to court

Going to court is costly, time-consuming and should be the last resort. We show you ways to resolve disputes without having to go to court.
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small claims court

Small claims court

We show you a quick and easy way to resolve financial disputes.
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Frozen assets after death

Your estate and bank accounts can be frozen for a long time after your death. Here's how you can help your family pick up the pieces and have enough funds to live on.
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Contracts and contractual disputes

Understanding contracts and dealing with contractual disputes

What makes a contract legally binding? We provide clarity on all the terms and conditions that constitute a legal agreement and offer remedies to resolve contractual disputes.
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Labour Law Image

Making Labour Law work for you

From basic work conditions to dealing with grievances and disputes. Your labour rights are explained in our webinar.
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April 2021 Webinar Legally Binding Email Header3

Legally Binding Webinar

We discuss contractual obligations, the debt collection process and how to avoid being blacklisted.
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New Tax Legislation Tax Article  Feature Story Square Images May 2021

2021 New Tax Legislation

Negligent non-compliance of all taxpayers has been criminalised.
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Cohabitation, engagement and the myth of the common law marriage

We debunk the notion that a couple living together for many years creates automatic legal rights and duties between them.
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Home Repossession

We explain the foreclosure process and give you tips to help you save your home from repossession.
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The A-Z of buying your first home

Buying a new home can be a challenging and complicated process without the correct guidance and expert advice. We've put together a step-by-step guide with all the requirements you should know.
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Sexual harassment in the workplace

We discuss the laws that protect you from sexual harassment at work and the process to follow when reporting this misconduct and lodging a complaint with your employer.
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SASSA

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is a government entity responsible for distributing social grants to more than 16 million South Africans. Who is eligible for social security?
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Funeral And Estate Planning

Is your estate in order?

Making sure you have a funeral plan that provides for a dignified burial may be the first step you take, but there is so much more to consider. These considerations must be stated in your last will and testament.
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Law

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives an individual, called the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to take action on behalf of someone else, called the principal.
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Workplace webinar

Watch our webinar where our legal advisors discuss leave, retrenchment and the CCMA. Know your rights, with Legal&Tax you're not alone.
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The CCMA – How does it work?

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration is an independent dispute resolution body. We look at the purpose of the CCMA and what services it offers.
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Additional December Feature Images Newsletter

The lowdown after lockdown on leave and bonuses

This article discusses an employees entitlement to leave, bonus and the effect of COVID-19 and the lockdown in South Africa.
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clear your criminal record

Clearing your criminal record

You can apply for expungement of your criminal record provided you meet the criteria, allowing you to carry on with life without a criminal record being an obstruction to employment opportunities.
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your rights and duties on the road

Your rights and duties on the road

Everything you need to know about roadblocks and when you are being pulled over on the road by a traffic officer. Your rights and responsibilities as a motorist are explained to you.
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Extra Square Imagery For Q3 Newsletter Feature 3 Will Testament

A self help guide on putting together your last will and testament

Death is inevitable, therefore it's wise to plan ahead by having a will to ensure that your last wishes are carried out and your estate is distributed accordingly.
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Extra Square Imagery For Q3 Newsletter Feature 4 Retrenchment

Retrenchment – You could be next!

The retrenchment process is fully explained. We offer you guidance on how to deal with retrenchment and help you understand your rights.
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Popi Act

Snap, crackle and POPI

We advise you on how to guard your personal information from harmful use.
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Deceased Estate

Deceased estates

Plan your estate now to eliminate any problems upon your death. Protect your loved ones by minimising the chances of family strife and ugly battles.
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Planning the paperwork of your passing

When you're gone, you can alleviate the burden and stress on your loved ones by putting together a "red file" (also known as a death file) which will house all your valuable information needed to carry out your funeral as well as to settle your estate.
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Member Guides Site Banner Ccma

The CCMA – what's it all about?

We help you understand the role of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) as an independent authority aimed at promoting fair practices in the work environment. The CCMA resolves labour disputes and provides advice and training on labour relations.
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Rental housing tribunal

The rental housing tribunal

Are you a landlord or tenant? If so, it is vital to understand the role and function of the rental housing tribunal.
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What to do if you can't pay rent this month

One of the questions posed to our legal advisors during the lockdown period is "What if I can't afford to pay my rent this month?" Chantel explains how to handle this in the legally correct way.
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Man With Debt

What are your legal options when you can't pay your debt?

You may have another option when you are struggling to make loan repayments. Chantel explains how to legally cut your costs in times of financial distress.
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