Automatic disinheritance of ex-spouse by Section 2B of The Wills Act Recent case law has clarified a grey area of ‘The Wills Act of 1953’, namely the position of surviving ex-spouses if a testator passes away less than three months after a divorce. In such a case, an ex-spouse will no longer have any claim on inheritance from the testator if the couple were divorced less than three months before the testator’s death. Let’s back up a moment: Let’s assume you have slaved away your entire life to accumulate wealth, and have spent further time, energy and possibly money on drawing up a will for the purpose of distributing your riches unto those you deem most worthy. In such a case, you will want to ensure that you have a valid will, and that your good intentions are not undone through carelessness or lack of knowledge. The basic requirements for ensuring that you have a valid will are set out in the Wills Act 7 of 1953. This legislation was amended by the Law of Succession Amendment Act 43 of 1992 with the intention of regulating the effect of divorce or annulment on a testator’s will. This 1992 amendment introduced section 2B, which reads as follows: “If any person dies within three months after his marriage was dissolved by a divorce or annulment by a competent court and that person executed a will before the date of such dissolution, that will shall be implemented in the same manner as it would have been implemented if his previous spouse had died before the date of the dissolution concerned, unless it appears from the will that the testator intended to benefit his previous spouse notwithstanding the dissolution of his marriage.” Fortunately, recent case law has finally clarified this grey area of the Wills Act, the matter of surviving ex-spouses. Katherine Timoney, from the Commercial Litigation Department at Gillan and Veldhuizen, explains, “not only does the judgment set the precedent, but more importantly, it serves as a reminder of the …
BON Hotels continues to show phenomenal growth in Nigeria
Sixteen hotels across six cities BON Hotels continues its dominance in the Nigerian hotel space with the recent acquisition of an additional four properties, bringing the total up to sixteen hotels under management agreements within only 18 months. This makes the Company the largest hotel operator in Nigeria, including hotels in Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa and Namibia. Following through on their commitment to Nigeria and the development of its hotel and tourism segment, coupled with the recent economic upswing and official end of the recession, the group is continuing to extend their footprint in the region, showing remarkable growth in a short space of time. They anticipate a further two hotels to be signed before the year is out, and twenty in total by early next year. The four hotels recently acquired will be 4-star graded and of an international standard. BON Hotel Tripod Owerri, will provide a 70-room hotel catering to the corporate and leisure markets which is due to open early next year. BON Hotel Sunshine Enugu, a 4-star, 120-room hotel primed for the business traveller will open its doors to the public in January 2018. BON Hotel Newland Abuja is in Wuse 2 and BON Hotel Airport Enugu are still under construction and due to open in 8 – 12 months. Nigeria 1. BON Hotel Grand Tower, Abuja 2. BON Hotel Lekki, Lagos – under construction 3. BON Hotel Elvis, Abuja- opening within the next 3 months 4. BON Hotel Apo, Abuja- under construction 5. BON Hotel Ekiti – opening within the next 6 months 6. BON Hotel Owerri- under construction 7. BON Hotel Tripod Owerri – opening within the next 4 months 8. BON Hotel Sunshine Enugu- opening within the next 3 months 9. BON Hotel Abuja, in Maitiama 10. BON Hotel Grand Pela, Durumi, Abuja 11. BON Hotel Delta, Warri 12. BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro, Abuja 13. Protea Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, operated by BON Hotels. 14. Protea Hotel Victoria Island, operated by BON Hotels. 15. BON Hotel Airport Enugu, …
Developing local talent
Empower, inspire, nurture Organizations looking to operate successfully have realised that they need to contribute to and invest in infrastructure, training and education within the countries where they operate to facilitate an increase in local talent capable of filling the roles that companies create. Tourism is one of the world’s biggest employers and the hotel industry recognises the benefit of investing in, recruiting and developing local talent in the communities in which they serve, and are rallying to attract, empower, upskill, nurture and retain their homegrown talent. BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has a Learnership Programme that is geared towards school leavers wanting to pursue a career in hospitality. It involves on-the-ground work experience coupled with in-house or external training that has proved to be a successful way to fast-track skills development in the industry. Similarly, other hotel groups have apprenticeship programmes that run on much the same premise whereby apprentices study for a set period at a college, university or hotel school, and then spend time gaining experience and training in the workplace. General Manager of BON Hotels Bloemfontein Central, Pieter van Rooyen, says that it is important for them to invest in local talent, and that by nurturing this talent they are educating and empowering the community at large. In the eighteen years Van Rooyen has worked at the hotel he has seen approximately 46 hospitality management students and 26 professional cookery students who have trained with them, graduate, three of whom still work at the hotel. Suitable candidates under the age of 23 are invited for an interview and if successful will undergo a year of Orientation Training which takes them through each department. Upon successful completion, they are invited for an interview with BON Hotels Head Office to enroll for a three-year in-service training …
The Property Practitioners Bill
Gazetted in March 2017 for comment, the long-awaited Property Practitioners Bill is intended to repeal the Estate Agency Affairs Act 112 of 1976 and transform the entire property market. If passed into law in its present form, it will have far-reaching effects in the real estate industry, but will also provide for improved consumer protection. As we know, the purpose of the bill is to provide for the regulation of property practitioners (estate agents). However, in terms of Section 1 of the new bill, this definition has been expanded to include anyone – who provides or markets bridging finance who is a bond broker / mortgage originator who lets or hires property or manages / negotiates the transaction who collects or receives any monies payable in respect of a lease or a property who assesses property to determine defects as part of the conclusion of an agreement to sell / purchase or hire or let property who sells or markets, promotes or advertises properties including time share / development who manages a property on behalf of another for payment who is employed by a property practitioner The Bill is not applicable to persons who do not attend to property transactions in the ordinary course of their business, individuals selling their own property, attorneys or candidate attorneys and sheriffs of the court. Storme Heath, Director at C&A Friedlander, says, “Of significance, though, in this instance, is that the condition that a person earns some sort of gain for their services has been removed from the definition. This means that even persons performing the above functions without reward may still be thought to be property practitioners, and therefore subject to the regulatory requirements.” The new Bill is also intended to provide for the continuation of the EAAB as the Property Practitioners Regulatory Body and for the appointment of the members of the Board, CEO and staff members of the EAAB; to provide for the …
Matters of the King A look at some Interesting amendments to King IV, 2016
A look at some Interesting amendments to King IV, 2016 In July 1993, retired Supreme Court of South Africa Judge Mervyn E. King was asked by the Institute of Directors in South Africa to chair a committee on corporate governance. The committee’s report, aptly named, was to be the first of its kind in South Africa - an opportunity to educate the newly-democratic South African public on the workings of a free economy. Three reports were issued: in 1994 (King I), 2002 (King II), 2009 (King III), and the fourth revision, the King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2016, prepared by the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa NPC, the custodians of the King Reports, came into effect on 1 April 2017. There are varying opinions on the amendments that were made in King IV at the end of 2016 and their impact on business. PJ Veldhuizen, CEO of local law firm Gillan & Veldhuizen says, “Arguably, the most important shift in King IV relates to the discretion afforded to companies.” Under King III, companies were able to get around a certain principle if they could explain why they should not be required to adhere thereto. However, King IV assumes that the principles set out have been applied and companies are required to state how this was done, rather than using the ‘explain’ mechanism to avoid adherence. Companies would have been able to use defences for not complying with King III by, for example, stating that the company was in the process of establishing compliance, or by using justifications based on company maturity or size. However, under King IV, a company would have to conform and explain how compliance is ensured. The Deloitte Global Trends in Corporate Governance (2015) identified the governance of Information Technology as an emerging issue in Corporate Governance. Although the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) has opened the door for better management of information, providing further guidelines to Directors would amplify …
4th annual Vaal Whiskey Festival at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal adds Gin sideshow to the mix
4th annual Vaal Whiskey Festival at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal adds Gin sideshow to the mix BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal will be hosting the 4th annual Vaal Whiskey Festival, but this year with a twist, adding Gin to the mix. The event will take place on Saturday, 28 October, and will see connoisseurs and the curious pouring in to enjoy a variety of premium whiskey brands and a selection of superb Gin varietals being showcased at the hotel. What : VAAL WHISKEY FESTIVAL & VAAL GIN FESTIVAL When : Saturday, 28 October from 17H30 – 21H30 Where : BON HOTEL RIVIERA ON VAAL, Mario Milani Road, Vereeniging Local events organiser, Melody Barber has partnered with Mercedes Benz and Model Bottle Store to bring you the finest quality whiskey brands and gin varietals offering something for everyone. SHOW TICKETS : R250 person (includes presentation, 20 whiskey or gin tasting tickets and glass, snacks and entertainment) ? VIP TICKETS : R500 per person (boat cruise**, presentation, 20 whiskey or gin tasting tickets and glass, snacks, entertainment and buffet dinner). If you are driving from afar, or don’t feel up to the drive home, then why not take advantage of the overnight specials at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal - book before 31 August and get R100 off your accommodation. SHOW & STAY R1 050 per room, single and R1 250 per room, sharing (including breakfast) Accommodation for two plus tickets = R1 750 Accommodation for two plus 2 VIP tickets = R2 250 A limited number of tickets are available – so book NOW! BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal : rov.reservations@bonhotels.com / 016 420 1300 Model Bottle Store : bedifferent@telkomsa.net / 016 363 1128 Quicket : www.quicket.co.za ** Boat cruises for VIP guests will take place from 15h00 – 16h00 and 16h00 – 17h00 Visit www.vaalwhiskyfestival.co.za or www.vaalginfestival.co.za for more information. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
BONfire Braai Masters 2017
What’s on - BONfire Braai Masters 2017. Time for the 2nd edition of the ultimate urban braai-off at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central Twenty corporate teams will compete against one another in the 2nd edition of the BONfire Braai Masters competition on Saturday, 23 September, to be held on the roof-top at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central in celebration of Heritage Day, on 24 September. This event, one of the many taking place around South Africa, will be all about good food, good people, fun for the kids, entertainment, great music and fantastic prizes with all proceeds going towards local charity, Towers of Hope. Each team of two will be have open access to a pantry of delicious ingredients they can use to create the plate of the day. Teams will be judged on their stand, team spirit, preparation, technique, coal-fire quality, presentation and taste. Pieter Van Rooyen, General Manager at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, says he is excited to be hosting this event for the second time and is looking forward to the day, to giving back to the community, his guests and staff. Friends, family and the public are welcome - there is no charge – come and enjoy a day of food and fun as the sun sets over the City of Roses. For further information or to enter a team, please contact Charlize Badenhorst at sales@bhbloemfonteincentral.co.za and keep an eye on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/BONHotelBloemfonteinCentral/ When Saturday 23 September 2017 from 10h00 Competition starts at 12h00? Judging starts at 14h00? Where BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street Find us on the roof-top parking lot Beneficiary Towers of Hope CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
A mix of marriages
Weddings are one of the most universal traditions on the planet yet they are celebrated differently by everyone. Tying the knot in any culture comes with a list of different rituals and traditions and, family dynamics aside, there are many more things to consider and prepare for, especially here in South Africa - with our eleven official languages, chiefs, dominees and gogos to consider, it can be tough task marrying two cultures without offending Aunty Mabel. Despite the umpteen different cultures or religions you may have to incorporate into your ceremony, it is important not to forget to showcase your own personalities - after all, it is ‘your’ day and it is exactly your differences, and similarities, that brought you together that should now be celebrated - for instance, playing your favourite song and teaching Chief Nkomu how to do the shuffle, or giving personalized chocolates as wedding favours instead of the traditional bag of sugar-coated almonds. And you don’t have to do it all at the ceremony and reception – after an open, honest chat with the family, consider spreading the different traditions. You could plan the ceremony around the bride's heritage and turn the reception into a celebration of the groom's. Or, host the bachelor or bachelorette party incorporating an element from each other’s customs. It’s the perfect occasion to try umqombothi (beer), used to celebrate the home-coming of young men in Xhosa culture, or the Lebanese tradition of zaffe, a rowdy escort of music, dancing and shouting by the groom’s friends and family. For the bride there is the Japanese ritual of pouring saki to reaffirm friendships or the time-honoured tradition of giving “something borrowed, something blue”. Catering: A little more challenging is serving a traditional meal, because in many cases the menu is limited by the venue, so if a customized menu is not possible try incorporating signature drinks like saki for a Japanese reception or chai instead of coffee …
BON Hotels sign 12th hotel in Nigeria
BON Hotels announced the signing of its 12th hotel in Nigeria, further increasing the company’s presence and footprint in West Africa and making the group the largest hotel management company in Nigeria, with additional opportunities still in play. Together with acquisitions in East Africa – in Uganda and Ethiopia - and continued growth prospects throughout the continent to add to their South African and Namibian portfolio, including the doubling in size of the 5-star boutique hotel BON Hotel Abuja to 60 bedrooms, which is about to commence, and the current upgrades and refurbishments under way at their existing hotels, Director of BON Hotels International West Africa (BHIWA) Bernard Cassar says the group remains committed to moving onwards and upwards and continuing its growth trajectory in the region. The two new hotels currently under construction are being built to international standards and specifications with the latest technology and facilities. BON Hotel Lekki, situated on the Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island, is due to open in June 2018 and will provide a 4-star, international, 45-room hotel catering to the corporate and business market. The second acquisition is BON Hotel Elvis Wuse2, a 4-star, 85-roomed, luxury hotel located in the heart of Abuja, primed for the business traveller, due to open later this year. CEO of BON Hotels Guy Stehlik says that within a short space of time the group has become a number one player in Nigeria, which just reiterates their belief in and commitment to the region. He adds that BON Hotels’ success has been made possible largely by the experienced staff in place and the considerable time and energy the group has engaged in skills development and transformation in Nigeria. “The reality is that we have gone from having no presence in the area to becoming the largest operator, based on hotels, in less than 12 months, which demonstrates our primary strength at identifying and managing hotels under difficult …
Is your passport travel-ready?
Is your passport travel-ready? If you’re planning on jetting off into the sunset over the coming school holidays, make sure your passport is in order. That’s the advice of Konrad Laker, CEO of Gold Travel, a Cape Town-based corporate travel service specialist. According to Konrad, many travellers are not aware of passport requirements that could turn a dream overseas holiday into a nightmare. In order to avoid complications at international destinations, refusal of entry into a country or, in some cases, deportation, it is essential that: Passports must be valid for six months after your return date At least four blank pages must be available for passport control and customs Your passport name must correlate with your travel documents – in some cases a married woman’s name change from maiden to married surname can cause complications Passports of minors must be updated and recognizable with a recent photograph Konrad notes that certain countries such as The USA, United Kingdom and The Middle East are more stringent than others and travellers should make certain that all of their travel documents comply. “With many immigration offices on high alert following terror attacks across Europe, better to be safe than sorry,” advises Konrad. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …