Your Last Will and Testament


Planning ahead can reduce stress for your family. Having documents organized — like your Will, policies, and personal details — makes this difficult time a little easier.

How to Write a Will in South Africa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a will may feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected after your passing. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a valid will in South Africa.

Step 1: Decide What to Include in Your Will

  • List your assets: Property, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, insurance policies, etc.
  • Choose your beneficiaries: Family, friends, charities, or others you want to inherit your estate.
  • Appoint an executor: The person who will manage your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out.
  • Name guardians for minor children: If applicable, appoint someone you trust to care for your children.

Step 2: Find a Qualified Legal Professional

  • Although you can write your own will, it’s highly recommended to use a lawyer experienced in estate planning to ensure it is valid and comprehensive.
  • They can help avoid common pitfalls and make sure your will complies with South African law.

Step 3: Draft the Will Clearly and Precisely

  • Your will should be in writing and state clearly how your assets are to be distributed.
  • Avoid vague language or contradictory instructions.
  • Include your full name and identity number to avoid confusion.

Step 4: Sign Your Will Correctly

  • You must sign your will in the presence of two competent witnesses who are not beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries.
  • The witnesses must also sign the will in your presence and in the presence of each other.
  • Ensure the signing date is on the will.

Step 5: Store Your Will Safely

  • Keep your will in a secure place such as a safe or with your attorney.
  • Inform your executor or a trusted family member where it is located.
  • Avoid keeping your will in a safe deposit box without a plan to grant access after death.

Step 6: Review and Update Your Will Regularly

  • Life changes like marriage, divorce, births, or changes in your financial situation may require updates to your will.
  • Review your will every few years or after significant events.

Additional Tips:

  • Don’t make handwritten (holographic) wills unless you are certain they meet legal requirements.
  • Avoid relying on verbal wishes; they are not legally binding.
  • Consider including a “residuary clause” to cover assets not specifically mentioned.

Summary:

Writing a will is an essential part of your financial and personal planning. Following these steps ensures your will is valid and your estate is distributed as you wish, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

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By suletta - Get Financial Savvy

Welcome to Get Financial Savvy Little did I know when I enrolled for my postgraduate qualification in Financial Planning that, within a year, I would be diagnosed with a dread disease. I almost gave up on the idea of completing the course, fearing that the added stress might worsen my multiple sclerosis. But a wise client — a professor at Groote Schuur Hospital — encouraged me to put my shoulder to the wheel and just do it. Two years later, after many relapses, I had no choice but to stop working. My neurologist was concerned about the frequency of these relapses, and as with most autoimmune conditions, stress played a major role. I stopped working at the same time the world was hit by COVID-19. At first, I didn’t feel “left out,” since everyone else was confined too. But now, five years later, I’m grateful to be in a remission phase — and ready to start a new chapter. Encouraged by my friends and family, I’ve decided to share my knowledge of financial planning and help demystify the legal and technical terms that can feel so overwhelming. My journey into the world of finance began decades ago, translating a rate book from English to Afrikaans for National Mutual — long before computers were introduced in South Africa. That experience gave me a strong foundation, teaching me the basics of every financial product word by word. Over the next 40 years, I built a career as a financial advisor, received numerous awards from various insurers, and had the privilege of working with incredible clients and dedicated administrative staff. I hope you’ll enjoy the building blocks and bits of wisdom I’ll be sharing — real-life lessons, stories, and insights gathered from a lifetime in the world of finance.

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