Planning is important for everyone

West Coast members enjoying an outing to Cape Garden

The importance of planning for your future cannot be underestimated; this is particularly true of estate planning. Wills and estates are an essential part of forward planning, and the appointment of an Executor for your Will is crucial for implementing your wishes to dissolve your estate.

Most people have particular items they wish to pass on to a family member or special friend, and there is also a financial aspect to be taken into account when your estate is to be wound up.

Planning ahead is a gift for your family and whoever you choose to remember in your Will. An experienced Executor will spare your loved ones of additional stress when facing the loss of a loved one. We should all think carefully when considering who we would like to appoint as Executor to ensure that our wishes are honoured and that all the affairs regarding our estates are handled with care to ensure that the estate is wound up as soon as possible. It is common to appoint a close family member as one of the Executors, but it is always a good idea to appoint a neutral third party who has had previous experience with estates. This includes identifying tax-saving mechanisms to ensure maximum benefit to heirs; dealing with disputes; obtaining the necessary documentation; and ensuring the correct distribution of what is due to the heirs. Ensure that the person you choose is trustworthy, responsible and experienced who can give you peace of mind when you make the decision.

If you pass away without a valid Will in place, your estate will devolve according to the laws of the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987. Your closest relatives will have to nominate an Executor, who will have to be accepted by the Master. A bond of security may be required by the Master’s Office before the Letter of Executorship is issued.

Furthermore, your estate will devolve according to a set formula laid out in the Act, and this may not reflect your wishes on how you wanted your estate to be distributed.

As social workers we encourage all our members to ensure that their important documents, passwords, and other important information are in a safe place that someone trustworthy can access. So often, we deal with families who are having a stressful time because important information is not at hand. We cannot stress the importance of each one of us taking the important step of getting our papers in place!

Spring is in the air, just in time for all the High Holy Day Celebrations. Members enjoy the great programmes we offer and the wonderful outings where they see the beauty of Spring all around. If you are interested in joining CJSA, enhancing your life and increasing your circle of friends, contact a branch nearest to you.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and joyous New Year and an easy and meaningful Fast as you share this time with those closest and dearest to you.

Diana Sochen
Executive Director

Social and Personal

We congratulate our members who have had joyous occasions during the last month.
Births: Barbara Kahn – Grandson
Special Birthdays:
Rosemary Magid – 100 
Wilfred Back – 90
Engagement: 
Sam and Reeva Chait – Granddaughter

Welcome to new members: 
Shirley Behrman, Ruth Goldberg 

Well wishes extended to those who have been under the weather:
Gill Markowitz, Shoshana Baer, Esther Mair 
You have all been in our thoughts.

Wishes of strength and Long Life for all those who have lost loved ones:
Ruth Katzenberg on the passing of her husband Bennie;
Family of  Sylvia Walters;
Family of Natalie Goodman;
Harriet Baitz – passing of sister


Cape Jewish Seniors Association
Director: Diana Sochen, 021 434 9691, director@cjsa.org.za
Admin: Amanda, 021 434 9691, admin@cjsa.org.za
CJSA on Facebook


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