Private Law

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Open Access
Die rol van registrasie by die oordrag van eiendomsreg in grond
(University of the Free State, 1976) Jooste, J. F.; Van Schalkwyk, J. H.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die beskerming van kredietwaardigheid in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg
(University of the Free State, 1986-01) Klopper, Hendrik Balsazer; Claasen, J. Y.
Afrikaans: Die probleem wat in hierdie studie hanteer word, is of kredietwaardigheid werklik met die persoonlikheidsregtelike lama van 'n persoon gelykgeskakel kan word en of dit daarmee ooreenstem soos wat tans die siening van die geldende reg is. Leiding moet noodwendig by die kredietgewingspraktyk in die feitelike werklikheid gesoek word omdat dit die taak van die regswetenskap is om verskynsels in die feitelike werklikheid tot regulerende regsreëls te herlei. Die werklikheidsbeskouing van kredietwaardigheid toon merkbare afwyking van die regswerklikheid. Kredietwaardigheid in die feitelike werklikheid word omskryf as die vertroue wat die kredietontvanger (skuldenaar) by die kredietgewer (skuldeiser) verwek in die wil en vermoë om sy finansiële verpligtinge te kan nakom. Die beskouing van die reg van kredietwaardigheid moet dan aan die hand hiervan geskied. Sekere regstelsels verleen direkte erkenning aan kredietwaardigheid en is in pas met die werklikheidsbeskouing van kredietwaardigheid. (Die Duitse, Oostenrykse en tot 'n mate, die Nederlandse reg). Ander regstelsels plooi weer die beginsels van die lasterdelik om beskerming te bewerkstellig terwyl sommiges statutêre beskerming bied (Engeland, Amerika en Kanada). Hierdie wetgewing het ook 'n voorkomende uitwerking. Die Romeinse en Romeins-Hollandse reg erken nie kredietwaardigheid as 'n spesifieke belang nie en ook is daar besliste twyfel of hierdie regstelsels kredietwaardigheid as 'n faset van dié fama geken het. Tog word daar tekste in hierdie regstelsels aangetref wat verwys na die vertrouenselement wat in kredietwaardigheid te vinde is. Die Suid-Afrikaanse reg benader kredietwaardigheid as synde 'n faset van die persoonlikheidsregtelike lama of as sinoniem daarvan en wend die lasteraksie aan om beskerming daarvan te bewerkstellig. Omdat kredietwaardigheid in die werklikheid nie die lama van'rtpersoon is nie, word van die erkende beginsels van die lasteraksie afgewyk om beskerming te bewerkstellig. So word weinig aandag aan die onregmatigheids- en skuldelement gegee en in sommige gevalle word onregmatigheid en skuld (opset) selfs verontagsaam ten einde kredietwaardigheid te beskerm. Kredietwaardigheid verskil in wesensopsigte van fama en hierdie andersheid word beklemtoon deur die feit dat 'n regspersoon wat oor geen persoonlikheidsregtelike fama kan beskik nie, tog kredietwaardig kan wees. Kredietwaardigheid kan nie met die persoonlikheidsregtelike lama gelykgeskakel word nie. So 'n gelykskakeling beteken dat die verlies aan lama ook verlies aan kredietwaardigheid meebring wat nie noodwendig die geval is nie. Hierdie gelykskakeling misken ook een van die grondelemente van kredietwaardigheid, naamlik die vermoë om te kan betaal. Die aantasting van kredietwaardigheid gee in die meeste gevalle aanleiding tot vermoënskade wat 'n aanduiding is van die belang wat betrokke is, naamlik 'n vermoënsbelang. lndien 'n regswetenskaplike nis vir kredietwaardigheid gesoek word, resoneer dit as subjektiewe reg onder die immateriële goedereregte synde 'n geesteskepping van die mens op ekonomiese gebied. Daarby voldoen kredietwaardigheid aan al die vereistes vir 'n subjektiewe reg. Omdat kredietwaardigheid 'n vermoënsreg, te wete 'n immateriële goedereg is, is die beginsels van die actio legis Aquiliae daarop van toepassing wat beteken dat nalatigheid voldoende is om aanspreeklikheid te vestig. Skade weens kredietwaardigheidsaantasting is ook met 'n redelike mate van juistheid berekenbaar. Dit beteken egter nie dat die aantasting van kredietwaardigheid nie tot 'n aksie vir genoegdoening aanleiding kan gee wanneer die benadeelde kan aantoon dat die kredietbenadelende bewering ook sy fama of dignitas aangetas het nie. In so 'n geval moet die sekondêre betekenis van die bewering egter blyk omdat die klassieke inbreukmakingshandeling tegelyk regmatig en onregmatig kan wees. Uit die gelyktydige regmatigheid en onregmatigheid van die inbreukrnakingshandeling ontstaan 'n dilemma omdat die benadeelde nie weet waarom krediet hom geweier word nie. Hierdie verskynsel veroorsaak dat die gemeneregtelike aksies, alhoewel voldoende, nie prakties beskerming kan bied nie. Om hierdie gebrek te verwyder beteken dat wetgewing ter verpligting van die openbaarmaking van inligting met die behoud van die gemeneregtelike aksies en wat terselfdertyd die geldigheid en verspreiding van sulke inligting beheer, noodsaaklik is. Nie alleen sal dit inbreukmakings voorkom en beskerming verhoog nie, maar sal dit ook die geleentheid bied om inbreukmakings op privaatheid weens die versameling en verspreiding van kredietinligting te beheer.
Open Access
Is 'n prokureur geregtig op die koste van geregtelike stappe teen 'n voormalige kliënt?: kronieke
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2001) Bobbert, M. C. J.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Calvyn die juris: kroniek
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2001) Wessels, H. A.; De Bruin, J. H.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Wat is die betekenis van boerdery vir inkomstebelastingdoeleindes?
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2001) Bobbert, M. C. J.
English: The question is frequently asked whether certain activities by a taxpayer may be regarded as farming for income tax purposes. If so, certain farming expenses will be allowed as deductions in terms of the First Schedule to the Act which otherwise would not have been the case. Having indicated how the taxable income of a taxpayer is calculated, the definition of a trade is referred to. The meaning of farming is not defined, but in s 26 reference is made to pastoral, agricultural and other farming operations. There are certain sections in the Act, paragraphs in the First Schedule to the Act and practice notes which refer to certain types of farming activities. Reference is also made to the interpretation of farming by our courts (High and Special Courts) and the findings of the Special Boards. The viewpoints of several authors are also discussed. Additional examples of farming activities are given and the standard bona fide farming questionnaire by the SAIS is examined. The exigency of a feasibility study is emphasised to determine the viability of a proposed farming project. The following two-pronged test is advocated (i) did the taxpayer genuinely intend to farm and (ii) did he have a reasonable prospect of making a profit from the farming activities in the foreseeable future?
Open Access
Die verhouding tussen 'n klient, sy regsverteenwoordigers en derde partye
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2001) Bobbert, M. C. J.
English: The development of the contract of mandate (mandatum) between a client and his attorney as well as his advocate is discussed. Reference is also made to representation. The core of the client’s privity of contract with other parties consists of mandate and representation. Customs and usages are not referred to in this article. Other key concepts are also discussed. Delegation of authority is however the focus point and is based on consensual relations. There are two agreements which must show the intention to create privity of contract (a) the mandate between client and attorney and (b) the mandate between the attorney and other parties. A case study is given the facts of which are used to analyse the legal relationship between the following parties: the client, his country and city attorneys, his advocate and also a third party who is a debtor of the client.
Open Access
The recognition of Customary Marriages Act: many women still left out in the cold
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2002-12) Jansen, R-M.
English: This paper focuses on the position of women in monogamous customary marriages concluded before the commencement of The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 120 of 1998. This Act alleviated (on appearances) the subordination and inferior status of women in cutomary law. Sec 6 specifically stipulates that a wife in a customary marriage has, on the basis of equality with her husband and subject to the matrimonial system governing the marriage, full status and capacity. According to sec 7 the proprietary consequences of marriages entered into before the commencement of the Act continue to be governed by customary law. However, the question arises - what is the point of sec 6 granting a wife equality with her husband and the capacity to acquire assets, but still subject to the customary law which places the marital property under the control and almost complete discretion of her husband? Many of the sections of the Divorce Act and the Matrimonial Property Act (which was introduced mainly to improve the postion of women) are also only applicable to customary marriages entered into after the commencement of the Act. It is submitted that arguments which supported a retrospective change to proprietary regimes, should have been adopted in the legislation. Sec 7(1) of the Act should be amended to provide that a monogamous customary marriage entered into before the commencement of the Act, is a marriage in community of property and of profit and loss.
Open Access
Multiple marriages, burial rights and the role of lobolo at the dissolution of the marriage
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2003) Jansen, R-M.
English: This paper highlights three aspects which have an impact on both customary and common law that came to the fore in the Thembisile case. An evaluation of the way in which the court dealt with the different aspects is made. Regarding multiple marriages, where a civil marriage is also involved, it is suggested that the courts should be hesitant to simply declare either the civil or the customary marriage a nullity and should consider the different options available first. Where a funeral is marred by feuds about burial rights, it is suggested that a flexible approach should be followed. Strict adherence to common law principles could lead to unreasonable and inequitable results, especially in traditional communities. Lastly, there seems to be conflict between the official customary law and the living law regarding the return of the lobolo at the dissolution of a customary marriage. Empirical research should be undertaken to determine whether lobolo is in fact still returned
Open Access
Hospital disclaimers: Afrox Health Care v Strydom: chronicle
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2003) Jansen, R-M.; Smith, B. S.
Abstract not available
Open Access
The legal consequences of internet contracts
(University of the Free State, 2003-11) Johnson, J. M. C.; Grobler, N.; Jansen, R. M.
Prior to the enactment of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act in July 2002, the position in South African law regarding contracts concluded via electronic means was very uncertain. In the absence of applicable legislative guidance, South Africa relied almost exclusively on the flexibility of its Roman Dutch Common Law principles to accommodate the new challenges created by technological advances. While the Common Law succeeded commendably in being able to address the majority of issues raised by the new technology, it became increasingly clear that some of the questions fell beyond the scope of principles designed long before the idea of a computer was ever contemplated. In July 2002, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act came into operation. The thesis begins by examining the Common Law requirements for the conclusion of a legally valid and binding contract and investigates the provisions of the Act in order to shed light on the requirements of “writing” and “signature” in relation to online agreements. Questions regarding the contractual capacity of parties in relation to electronically concluded contracts are investigated with specific reference to the position in the event of a minor or other person with limited capacity entering into an electronic agreement. The requirement of consensus enjoys detailed attention. The different types of online agreements, including click-wrap and browse-wrap agreements are examined to ascertain the circumstances under which effective acceptance of an offer will have occurred. The position regarding the acceptance of unread terms is also considered as well as the validity of agreeing to terms referred to by means of a hyperlink, but not displayed. The various theories relating to when and where a contract is concluded are also examined with a view to determining the correct theory applicable to electronic contracts. Once the requirements for a valid and binding electronic contract have been determined, the consequences thereof are discussed. The rights and duties afforded by and placed upon parties in 161 accordance with the Act are investigated, with particular reference to the rights of consumers in commercial transactions. The enforcement of rights flowing from agreements concluded via electronic means is examined and some of the potential pitfalls facing litigants, ranging from the viability of litigation to high legal costs, are discussed. In particular, the problem of conflicting legal systems in relation to international agreements is addressed and the methods by which the appropriate system can be identified, are investigated. The question of attribution is examined in addition to the various presumptions applicable in terms of international law as well as the Act, so as to determine upon whom the responsibility for electronically performed acts should be visited. The limitations of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act are discussed and particular attention is paid to certain types of transactions and agreements that are prohibited from being concluded in terms of the Act and its Schedules. In conclusion, a brief overview of the influence of the Internet on other branches of the South African law is included as a reminder of the vast and wide-ranging influence that recent technological advances have had on our society.
Open Access
Professionele aanspreeklikheid van ouditeure teenoor derdes op grond van nalatigheid
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2004) Strauss, P. M. S.; Jansen, R-M.; Lubbe, D. S.
English: People in the professional occupations such as auditors, lawyers, architects and engineers have a duty to treat their clients with solicitude. This duty arises from the nature of their calling and from the professional service that they offer their clients. This has led to the situation where members of the professions have increasingly been held responsible for damage suffered by third parties as a result of the neglect of their professionally inherent obligation of solicitude. Fraud scandals, such as those of Enron in the USA and Masterbond, PSC Guaranteed Growth and Tigon locally, have once again caused the focus to fall upon the professional responsibility of auditors.The question that is increasingly being asked is: when and under what circumstances will an auditor be held responsible towards a third party in his professional capacity for the negligent performance of his duties? For the purposes of this article, the focus will only be placed on the responsibility of the auditor on the grounds of his duty to report in terms of section 300 of the Companies Act. The distinctive rules and also the specific application of the general principles of delict in such cases are discussed in this article.
Open Access
Seksuele teistering in die werkplek: 'n Suid-Afrikaanse perspektief
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2004) Snyman-Van Deventer, E.; Du Plessis, J. V.; De Bruin, J. H.
English: Sexual harassment in the workplace is a grave problem and it significantly impedes on a person's entrance into many sectors of the wage labour market. The number of sexual harassment complaints increases dramatically every year, although researchers estimate that 80 to 90% of sexual harassment cases go unreported. Despite the high figures, few South African court cases and legal literature deal with sexual harassment. The reason for this is that few persons who are harassed report a case for fear that they will lose their jobs or that they will become sources of ridicule. Sexual harassment is an infringement upon a person's personality and thus an iniurandi. The South African Constitution determines that there shall not be discriminated against any person and that includes a person's right to work without harassment and discrimination. It is therefore necessary that all employers ensure a safe environment without discrimination for all employees. Employers must adopt a policy on sexual harassment, communicate it to all employees and ensure that the policy be adhered to. If harassment does take place, the procedure and disciplinary process prescribed in the policy must be enforced.
Open Access
A note on the history of the Faculty of Law of the University of the Free State
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2004) Henning, J. J.; De Bruin, J. H.; Wessels, H. A.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Die behoefte aan ’n wyer artikel 2(3) van die Wet op Testamente 7 van 1953 (soos gewysig): ’n Kritiese beskouing
(University of the Free State, 2004) Faber, J. T.; Rabie, P. J.
Die Hoogste Hof van Appél se uitspraak in 𝘉𝘦𝘬𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘷 𝘕𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦 2003(5) SA 173 (HHA) het die posisie aangaande die toepassing van artikel 2(3)van die 𝘞𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘱 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦 7 van 1953 (soos gewysig)¹ duidelik uiteengesit enalle onsekerheid uit die weg geruim. Voor hierdie uitspraak het die interpretasie van artikel 2(3) totregsonsekerheid gelei.Die howe het twee benaderings ‘ontwikkel’, naamlikdie ‘eng’ en ‘liberale’ (‘soepel’) benaderings.² In die 𝘉𝘦𝘬𝘬𝘦𝘳-𝘴𝘢𝘢𝘬 het appélregterOlivier beslis dat slegs die kondonasie van testamente wat persoonlik deurdie oorledene³ opgestel, geskryf, getik, tot stand gebring of verly is, toegelaatsal word. Alhoewel daar saamgestem word met regter Oliver se interpretasievan artikel 2(3) sal daar in hierdie skrywe gepoog word om die deur vir ’n‘wyer’ of ‘liberale’ artikel 2(3) oop te maak.
Open Access
Wapenbeheer: die posisie van die wapeneienaar in Suid-Afrika
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2005) De Klerk, H. M.; Jansen, R-M.
English: The position of the gun-owner was changed drastically when the Firearms Control Act60 of 2000 took effect on 1 July 2004. This Act repealed the Arms and Ammunition Act75 of 1969; the latter Act had regulated the possession of arms and ammunition since 1972. The Firearms Control Actis strict and detailed, and was amended a number of times by ministerial regulations before it came into force. It is obvious that an arms license is not easily obtainable, and gun-owners are concerned about these strict provisions. This article deals, first, with the position of the gun-owner in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Actand possible reasons for repealing this Act are indicated; secondly, the position of the gun-owner under the Firearms Control Actis scrutinised. Both the benefits and disadvantages of the new legislation are examined and recommendations are made.
Open Access
The authorization of trustees in the South African law of trusts
(University of the Free State, 2006-11) Smith, Bradley Shaun; Van der Westhuizen, W. M.; Van Schalkwyk, J. H.
English: An analysis of the historical development of the trust in South Africa indicates that the trust has formed a part of South African jurisprudence for almost two centuries and, as such, has become a vibrant, dynamic and highly versatile institution in both commercial and legal practice. Initial recognition of the trust was occasioned chiefly by piecemeal (and fragmented) pre-Union legislation and case law. After 1910 the existence of the trust was confirmed by the Appellate Division – at that time the highest court in South Africa – and uniform legislation become applicable throughout the four provinces of the newly-established Union. The 1913 Administration of Estates Act was the first post-Union Act to apply to the law of trusts. This Act however only applied to the testamentary trust, but other legislation (such as the Trust Moneys Protection Act of 1934) eventually followed which applied to both testamentary and inter vivos trusts. The promulgation of the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988 is, however, widely regarded as being the most important contribution by the Legislature to the South African law of trusts. Section 6(1) of the 1988 Act introduced the requirement of written authorization of all trustees before they could act in that capacity. However, despite the seemingly clear and unambiguous wording adopted by the Legislature, the Courts have not interpreted and applied the section in a uniform fashion, leading to great uncertainty especially as far as the effect of non-compliance with section 6(1) is concerned. This dissertation attempts, by way of the legal historical method of research, to analyse the reported cases dealing with section 6(1), to compare the development of the requirement of written authorization with analogous requirements posed by previous legislation, and, as a consequence, to determine the true purpose of and rationale behind the insertion of the section. In order to combat the current uncertain legal position, three possible solutions are suggested, namely common law mechanisms, legislative intervention, and the correct interpretation of section 6(1).
Open Access
The need for legislative reform regarding the authorisation of trustees in the South African law of trusts
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2007) Smith, B. S.; Van der Westhuizen, W. M.
English: According to section 6(1) of the Trust Property Control Act 57 of 1988, all trustees to whom the Act applies 'shall act in that capacity only if authorized thereto in writing by the Master' of the High Court. The requirement of written authorisation has, however, not been interpreted and applied by the South African judiciary in a consistent fashion, leading to uncertainty regarding the precise ambit of the section and the consequences of non-compliance therewith. This contribution analyses these inconsistencies and concludes that legislative intervention along the lines of pre-formation contracts as provided for in both company law and the law of close corporations may provide an adequate solution to the problems faced by both the parties to the trust and the outsiders who deal with them.
Open Access
Thomas Aquinas oor die aborsie-debat en die Kerk magesterium
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2007) Swartz, N. P.
English: Thomas of Aquino’s exchange of ideas and the church magesterium present an ex h a ustive overv i ew for the implementation of the dignity of human life.The result of such an exchange of ideas causes the church magesterium to oppose every threat to human life from the moment of conception. The threat to human life is most intense at the point where life begins — at that stage where it is at its most defenceless. It is, for example, pre-natal. It is at this moment when humans are totally dependent on the goodwill and care of others. The church magesterium attempts to have an awareness of a “culture of life” take hold in civil society. By having created the human soul, God clothed humans in godliness. Human life, therefore, has a sacred and inviolable quality. The inviolate quality of human life is guaranteed by the Constitution of South Africa. It guarantees the equality of all in law, also that of the fo e t u s.Should there be any violation of this right, it would have farreaching implications for political civil society. Humankind is obliged to respect life. It expresses humankind’s relationship to fellow-man: and it is valid from the first moment of conception through to adulthood. The foetus also is a fe l l ow human being and his or her rights should be respected just as the case would be with every other human being.
Open Access
The nature and essence of right and duty as the moral-ethical foundation of Rosmini's jural principles fundamental to human rights
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2008) Swartz, N. P.
English: According to Rosmini duty precedes right. Without duty preceding right it would be impossible to form a concept or idea of right. As stated by Rosmini, the concept of right is encapsulated within the idea of duty. Each right thus has a duty that counters it. If a human being loves his fellow man, he will fulfill his obligations towards that person. By carrying out the command of love, a person will not be able to wrong his fellow man. On the grounds hereof the decree of love and social beneficence underwrite, in the context of Rosmini all rights and duties, that of the State and of the individual. With regard to Thomas Aquinas, the rights and duties of the individual would be neglected, while that of the State, under the guise of Salus reipublicae supreme lex, would be stressed. The latter pave the way for human rights infringements, that is in contradistinction with the South African (Bill of Rights) Constitution and the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the American Constitution.
Open Access
Tacit responsibilities assigned to the drafter of a credit agreement by the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 with particular emphasis on contractual consensus: a critical analysis
(Faculty of Law, University of the Free State, 2008-12) Mould, Kenneth
English: The National Credit Act 34 of 2005 came into full operation on 1 June 2007, effectively replacing the Credit Agreements Act 75 of 1980 and the Usury Act 73 of 1968. The main aim of this piece of legislation is to prevent the granting of so-called "reckless credit" to consumers, and in doing so protecting consumers from credit which may be, or may become, unmanageable. However, the act has placed some heavy responsibilities on certain areas of the law, especially the law of contract. The reason for this is that the relationship between the grantor of credit and the recipient thereof is almost entirely governed by contracts. If the recipient of credit enters into a contract, the contents which he or she is oblivious or uncertain of, it would not be too bold to state that consensus would be lacking in such a case, and no valid contract would come into existence. This article aims to identify specific obligations placed upon the drafter of a contract of credit specifically by the National Credit Act, but also exposes some problems that may arise from the Act, as far as consensus as prerequisite for a valid contract is concerned.