Change to the age of majority: general impact and some consequences for the interpretation of wills

Abstract

On 1 July 2008, the age at which a person attains majority was lowered from 21 years to 18 years. Section 17 of the Children's Act stipulates that : "A child,whether male or female, becomes a major upon reaching the age of 18 years." This change is consistent with the Constitution, which defines a child as a person under the age of 18 years.