POLOWKANE – The then township of Seshego was historically demarcated by the pre-democratic government under the Group Areas Act for residential purposes.
Those who eventually went to dwell in the area were mostly labourers who needed to stay in close proximity to the then Pietersburg, present-day Polokwane City.
With years having passed since the initial dwellers of the township first arrived, many title deed holders are passing on.
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Local attorney Isaac Moselana says it is concerning that many who are left behind, disregard the importance of the deceased estates especially relating to home ownership.
“There are many properties in Seshego of which the current occupants are second-generation descendants, yet the houses are still in the names of their late grandparents. Many families do not know, or don’t have the finances to transfer these properties to the correct beneficiaries.”
He said what also typically happens, is that many people do not report the death of their loved ones to the Master of the High Court or Estate office at their nearest magistrate’s court, unless they have an interest in accessing funds belonging to the deceased.
“In the former instance, this leads to a situation where families years later fight for the ownership of the house which eventually results in unlawful evictions. A situation such as this can be avoided and needs to be deemed urgent by those affected.”
Some residents who spoke to BONUS on condition of anonymity, said they have never bothered to change ownership of property as they don’t have the need to sell the property.
“The house belongs to my grandmother who is still alive. No one ever talks about ownership of our home. It is just our family home,” said one resident.
“Our house still uses the initials of our grandfather and he passed some time in 2000 but the house still belongs to him. We never thought of that. Right now in our neighborhood, there is a house where one lady sold the house of her late mother, leaving the children of departed siblings out on the street. Their grandmother didn’t have a will. It’s very sad”.
Moselana says those who are affected should not wait before it is too late before finding themselves in situations where they can be exploited.
“Death can create confusion, desperation and an opportunity for exploitation and theft. To avoid taking shortcuts, seek legal advice at any legal practitioner near you or approach the Legal Aid offices, or even the master of the high court or estate office at the nearest magistrate’s court before applying for either a letter of authority or executorship,” he advised.
