Home owners in the Western Cape are being urged to make use of this week to get a free Will drafted.

National Wills Week – from Monday, 11 September – Friday, 15 September – is traditionally held in September each year where participating attorneys offer basic Will drafting services for free. The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure is thus calling on all its housing beneficiaries to have their wills drafted.

The department explains that the transition of property ownership, following the passing of a housing beneficiary, can be a complex and emotional process, often leading to disputes among family members. A valid Will is said to provide peace of mind and ensures that assets are handled according to the intention and desires of housing recipients.

Infrastructure MEC Tertius Simmers has more on the process: “The security of tenure remains a priority of the Western Cape Government. Thus educating our citizens on the significance of a Will is an absolute necessity. The well-being of households who don’t possess a Will remains at risk of losing their accumulated assets. I therefore encourage our citizens to take advantage of this opportunity presented by the Law Society of South Africa.”

While it is possible to draft your own Will, it is advisable to get assistance from an attorney or financial advisor. Citizens can contact the Law Society of South Africa on 012 366 8800 or email lssa@lssa.org.za for a list of Western Cape Attorneys participating in National Wills Week 2023. Alternatively, please visit https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/western-cape-attorneys-participating-in-the-lssa-national-wills-week-2023/

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