A day in the life of a church in Rondebosch East

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Early Morning

• The church building and staff begin preparing for the day. Sometimes volunteers arrive early to open the doors, turn on lights, check sound systems, tidy up, prepare for services, etc.
• For churches that have daily prayer or worship (or Mass), morning prayers or a Eucharist / communion service may be held. If not daily, then morning devotions or a prayer meeting.
• Staff or volunteers might be involved in pastoral tasks: checking in on elderly congregants, arranging transport for those who need it, or preparing outreach or community care for the day.

Mid-morning

• Sunday services are a key part of the week: gathering for worship, singing, preaching/sermon, prayer, offering, possibly children’s ministry. Many people in the neighbourhood will attend, some walking, others driving.
• Choir or music teams may rehearse beforehand. People greeting each other, handshake / hugs, catch up.
• For younger children: Sunday School or a kids’ program during service. Some churches offer creche or toddler care.

After the Main Service

• Fellowship: people stay behind to chat, have tea or coffee, sometimes snacks. Good opportunity to connect, share news, prayer requests.
• Ministries meet: small groups, Bible study groups, youth or children’s ministry meetings. Sometimes outreach initiatives (food parcels, visiting sick or elderly).
• Church leadership / staff might hold meetings: deacons, elders, ministry coordinators. Planning, financial reports, scheduling, follow-up on previous initiatives.

Afternoon

• In many cases, the church building may be used by community groups: meetings, support groups, possibly hall rentals.
• Pastoral visits: ministers or lay visitors might go to homes, hospitals, retirement homes.
• Administrative work: answering phone calls, emails, coordinating schedules, fundraising, maintenance of the building, cleaning.

Evening

• Evening service: many churches host an evening service, perhaps more informal or oriented toward youth or young adults. Might include worship, prayer, teaching.
• Some churches run mid-week programs (e.g. Bible Study, Life Groups, Choir practice, Prayer Meetings). These might be on a weekday evening.

Community Engagement

• Outreach to the broader community: maybe a feeding scheme, youth mentorship, visiting or helping neighbours, offering educational or skills classes.
• Social justice / care work: helping in times of crisis (illness, deaths, social issues), offering counselling.
• Partnering with local schools, NGOs, or other churches for joint events or needs.

Night / Close of Day

• The church facility is cleaned and locked up. Lights, sound, utilities shut down.
• Staff and volunteers reflect: debrief meetings, prayer, planning for upcoming days / Sunday.
• Some people may hold prayer vigils or late‐night prayer meetings, depending on tradition.

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If we use Masjied Ghiedmatiel Islamia (in Rondebosch East) as a case study, there are some specific features:

• The mosque offers five daily prayers; so there will be prayers at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and night.
• There are educational classes (madressa) for youth.
• The facility is used for community gatherings, lectures, programmes especially during Ramadan (Iʿtikāf, Tarāwīḥ), iftār, etc.
• They have ablution / washing facilities (“ghusl khana”) and handle burial society support.

If you know of anyone who is thinking of selling or buying property,please call me 

Russell Heynes 

Lake Properties 

www.lakeproperties.co.za 

info@lakeproperties.co.za 

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What is the process of lodging a claim against a deceased estate in South Africa

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Here's a more detailed explanation of the process of lodging a claim against a deceased estate in South Africa:

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1. Notice of Estate and Opportunity to Lodge a Claim

After a person dies:

• The Master of the High Court appoints an executor of the estate (often named in the will).
• The executor is legally required to publish a notice in a local newspaper and in the Government Gazette.
• This notice calls on all persons with claims against the estate to submit them in writing within a period of 30 days from the date of the notice.

This step is crucial because if you fail to lodge your claim within the prescribed period, your claim may be excluded from the estate distribution.

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2. Drafting the Claim

Your claim must be clearly documented and contain the following:

• Your full name, contact details, and ID number
• Deceased's details (name, date of death, estate number)
• Detailed description of the debt or obligation, e.g.:
  • A loan you gave to the deceased
  • An unpaid invoice
  • A lease agreement or damages
• Amount claimed, clearly stated in rands
• Supporting documentation, such as:
  • Signed agreements
  • Invoices or receipts
  • Bank records
  • Correspondence acknowledging the debt
• Your banking details for repayment

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3. Submission of the Claim

You must submit your claim directly to the executor handling the estate. The estate notice will specify the name and contact details of the executor or their attorney. Submission methods may include:

• Hand delivery
• Email or post (only if allowed by the executor)

It's best to confirm receipt of your claim.

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4. Evaluation by the Executor

The executor will:

• Review all submitted claims
• Determine the validity and priority of each claim
• Consider whether the estate is solvent (able to cover all debts)
• Prepare a Liquidation and Distribution Account (L&D Account) which includes accepted claims and how they will be paid

The L&D Account is submitted to the Master of the High Court and then advertised again for inspection and objection.

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5. If the Claim is Disputed

If the executor rejects your claim:

• The executor must notify you of the rejection.
• You may attempt to resolve the matter informally.
• If not resolved, you can initiate legal proceedings in court to have your claim recognized and enforced.

This usually involves issuing a summons in the Magistrate’s Court or High Court, depending on the value and nature of the claim.

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6. Payment

If your claim is accepted and the estate has sufficient funds:

• You will be paid in accordance with the ranking of creditors.
• Secured creditors (e.g., bond holders) are paid first.
• Then preferent creditors (e.g., SARS or unpaid wages).
• Unsecured creditors (like personal loans) come last.

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Sample Ranking of Creditors:

1. Executor's fees and administration costs
2. Secured creditors (with a bond over property)
3. Preferent creditors (e.g., taxes owed, employee wages)
4. Unsecured creditors (like personal loans or service providers)

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What should I know before building a house to sell in South Africa?

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Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should know before building a house to sell in South Africa:

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1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Zoning and Title Deeds

• Zoning: Ensure the land is zoned for residential purposes. Some areas have restrictions on density (e.g., one dwelling per stand), height limits, or land use (e.g., agricultural or mixed-use).
• Title Deed Restrictions: Check the title deed for any servitudes or building restrictions (like height limits or shared access).

Building Plan Approval

• Submit your building plans to the local municipal council.
• Plans must comply with the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.
• Approved plans are essential to avoid penalties or demolition orders.

NHBRC Registration

• You must register as a home builder with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) if you intend to sell the home.
• NHBRC provides a warranty for the structure (usually 5 years), and failure to register can lead to legal action.

Occupancy Certificate

• After construction, the local authority must inspect the property and issue a Certificate of Occupancy, proving it's safe to live in.
• You cannot legally sell or occupy the property without this.

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2. Market Research

Understand the Target Market

• Are you building for first-time buyers, middle-income families, retirees, or investors?
• Tailor the design, finishes, and pricing to their preferences.

Location Considerations

• Properties near schools, public transport, hospitals, shopping centers, and job nodes are in higher demand.
• Crime rate, local amenities, and municipal services also affect value.

Competitive Analysis

• Study recent property sales and trends in the area to price your property appropriately.
• Use platforms like Property24, Private Property, and Lightstone for data.

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3. Design and Construction

Cost-Effective Design

• Aim for functional, attractive layouts with popular features (e.g., open-plan kitchens, en-suite bathrooms).
• Use durable, low-maintenance materials to appeal to buyers and keep costs down.

Compliance with Building Standards

• Ensure the structure meets SANS 10400 standards, including energy efficiency (e.g., insulation, solar geysers).

Construction Team

• Use registered, experienced contractors.
• Sign clear contracts covering timelines, payment schedules, penalties for delays, and workmanship guarantees.

Snag List and Inspections

• Conduct thorough inspections during and after construction.
• Fix snags (e.g., poor finishes, plumbing issues) before listing the property.

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4. Financial Planning and Budgeting

Initial Costs

• Land Purchase
• Professional Fees (architect, engineers, conveyancer, QS)
• Municipal Fees (plan approvals, service connections)

Construction Costs

• Labour, materials, project management
• Allow a 10–15% contingency for unexpected overruns.

Sales Costs

• Estate agent commission (typically 5–7% of sale price)
• Legal fees and compliance certificates (electrical, plumbing, gas, beetle, etc.)

Return on Investment (ROI)

• Compare total cost (land + construction + fees) with expected market value.
• Use property development calculators to assess profitability.

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5. Sales and Marketing Strategy

Selling Methods

• Real Estate Agent: Offers expertise in pricing, negotiation, and marketing.
• Private Sale: More control, but requires effort and legal know-how.

Marketing

• Use property websites, social media, and local advertising.
• High-quality photos, virtual tours, and staging can increase buyer interest.

Timing the Market

• Traditionally, spring and early summer see more buyer activity.
• Monitor interest rate trends and economic conditions (e.g., repo rate affects affordability).

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6. Tax and Legal Implications

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

• If the property is not your primary residence, profit from the sale is subject to CGT.
• Calculated based on the base cost (land + building + costs) vs. the selling price.

Transfer Duty vs VAT

• If you're not VAT-registered, the buyer pays transfer duty.
• If you are VAT-registered, you may charge VAT (15%) on the sale, but then the buyer doesn’t pay transfer duty.
• Speak to a tax advisor to determine your best tax structure (individual vs. company/trust).

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