What do you plan to gift your family this Festive Season?

What about giving them the prospect of financial freedom? Of course, we’d all like our legacy to future generations to be about more than just the financial aspects but freeing our heirs from the prospect of money problems is a great starting point.

With that in mind we’ll address the importance of putting your will at the heart of your overall estate plan. We’ll also share some thoughts on how to go about your financial planning so as to maximise the benefits to your spouse, your children and your grandchildren - and hopefully even beyond. 

An elite runner competing in a race along Sea Point’s iconic Promenade collides with a pedestrian out for a Sunday walk with a friend. The pedestrian’s good deed – agreeing to take a group photo for some “Fun Walk” participants – lands her in hospital awaiting a hip replacement operation.

She sues both the runner and the race organiser for R718,000 in damages, claiming they were negligent. There is denial of liability, conflicting evidence and counter claims of contributory negligence. 

It’s the sort of accident that can happen to anyone and at any time. In the blink of an eye it can change a life forever, quite apart from the legal ramifications. The outcome, and the High Court’s reasoning in reaching its decision, hold lessons for us all. 

If you are a “designated” employer (we can help you check whether you are or not), your Employment Equity Act (EEA) Report is due on 15 January 2023.

That’s something to keep in mind before you close for the year, because substantial penalties await anyone missing that deadline. 

On a happier note, we share some good news for SMEs who fall into the “designated” category because of their annual turnover levels – you could be off the hook as far as EEA reporting goes from October next year. That won’t help you now, but it will reduce your red tape burden in the future. We end off with a reminder that the EEA’s strict prohibitions against unfair discrimination apply to all employers, not just to designated ones.

"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights." (Maya Angelou)

December holidays are a time for winding down, recharging your batteries and sharing some quality family time. But it can also be stressful. There’s a reason we often talk about the “Silly Season”.

Don’t let the pressure get to you! Relax, take a deep breath, and read “10 tips to reduce festive season stress” on the Lionesses of Africa website.

Whatever else you do, enjoy your break!