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Transfer Duty in South Africa: Key Facts for Property Buyers

13 April 2026,  Maritza du Preez

Transfer duty is the tax you pay when buying property in South Africa, governed by Section 2 of the Transfer... Duty Act 40 of 1949 (TDA). It applies to immovable property and certain real rights, like long-term leases. As the buyer (transferee), you're responsible for paying it within six months of signing the offer to purchase. A clear understanding of how transfer duty is calculated, when exemptions apply, and how it interacts with VAT is essential to ensure a smooth and compliant transfer process.

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Legal Distinction Between Private and Public Roads

13 April 2026,  Meerushini Govender

A private road is defined as one that is not open to the public and is intended for the use... of specific individuals, such as the owners or occupiers of the properties it serves. The term "private" inherently excludes public access, as established in Berdur Properties (Pty) Ltd v 76 Commercial Road (Pty) Ltd, where the court held that a private road is "not open to the public" and is restricted to the use of particular and privileged persons. This interpretation aligns with the ordinary meaning of "private" as found in authoritative dictionaries and legal precedents.

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The Unwritten Rules of War: Nuclear Weapons and International Customary Law

13 April 2026,  Hlubi Hadebe

The prohibition of nuclear weapons remains one of the most contentious issues in international customary law. Events such as the... atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki prompted global efforts to limit their use, yet the legal framework governing their use remains deeply contested. Nations in possession of nuclear weapons resist disarmament due to security and sovereignty concerns. To determine whether a binding norm exists, it's important to assess whether a prohibition on nuclear weapons has developed under international customary law. This requires an analysis of the law’s core elements, relevant legal instruments, judicial opinions, and regional treaties. 

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Cameras at the Gym: Where Does the Law Draw the Line?

13 April 2026,  Alexi Hugo

You walk into the gym and head toward your workout, while somewhere above you, a small camera quietly records. Most... people hardly notice it, but the presence of surveillance in gyms raises an important legal question: Is this actually allowed, and if so, to what extent?

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Article
Phrase itâ„¢. Own itâ„¢.

25 March 2026

Can influencers own their signature sayings? As AI makes imitation easier, we explore how South African law protects catchphrases.

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Your will may need a passport!

25 March 2026

Own assets abroad? A South African will alone may not protect them. Find out how to avoid delays, taxes, and... legal headaches.

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