by VDT Attorneys | May 28, 2026 | Charitable trust, Estate Planning, Estate planning South Africa, Philanthropic trust
A philanthropic trust is a legal arrangement designed to hold and administer assets for charitable or public benefit purposes. When created through a will, the trust comes into effect upon the death of the testator and is funded from the estate in accordance with the...
by VDT Attorneys | May 20, 2026 | Estate Planning
This distinction is often overlooked. Individuals frequently select a form of trust without properly considering timing and control, which ultimately determine whether the trust is appropriate for its intended purpose. Both types of trusts can play a valuable role in...
by VDT Attorneys | Apr 20, 2026 | Estate Planning, Fiscal drag, Offshore assets, The hidden cost of fiscal drag in Estate Planning
In 2007, a net estate of R3.5 million represented a substantial accumulation of wealth. Today, following nearly two decades of inflationary pressure, the purchasing power of that threshold has significantly diminished.Under the Estate Duty Act 45 of 1955, the primary...
by VDT Attorneys | Apr 20, 2026 | Donations Tax, Estate Planning, Making the most of the new donations tax threshold
Why donations tax matters in Estate Planning Under South African tax law, donations tax applies to gratuitous transfers of value made during a person’s lifetime. Before the 2026 Budget, individuals could donate up to R100 000 per year tax‑free. From 2026, the...
by VDT Attorneys | Feb 4, 2026 | Can a South African trust hold offshore assets?, Estate administration, Estate Planning, Offshore assets
Can a South African trust hold offshore assets?The first consideration is whether a South African trust can hold offshore assets By law, South African trusts are generally prohibited from directly owning offshore assets due to exchange control regulations. The...
by VDT Attorneys | Feb 4, 2026 | Asset protection, Estate administration, Estate Planning, Trust
Why trusts matter in Estate PlanningEstate planning is aimed at protecting and preserving assets not only during one’s lifetime, but also thereafter. Trusts are particularly effective in this regard because they allow for the separation of ownership and...
