Securing Your Legacy in 2025: Why Estate Planning Remains Essential in South Africa

As we step into the final month of 2025, many South Africans are reflecting on the year gone by and setting intentions for the future. Amid festive celebrations and family gatherings, it’s the perfect time to consider one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones: peace of mind through proper estate planning.

At Ninety Seven Legacy, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-drafted will and thoughtful estate plan can protect families during life’s most challenging moments. Founded on a powerful collaboration between C2M Chartered Accountants and TVC Wealth and Health Managers, we combine decades of expertise in accounting, financial planning, and fiduciary services to deliver compassionate, professional solutions tailored to South African families.

Estate Duty in 2025: No Major Changes, But Planning is Still Critical

The good news? The 2025 National Budget left estate duty rates unchanged:

• Abatement: R3.5 million (potentially R7 million for surviving spouses through rollover)
• Rate: 20% on the first R30 million of the dutiable estate
• Rate: 25% on amounts exceeding R30 million

While these thresholds provide some relief, estate duty — combined with executor’s fees, capital gains tax on deemed disposals, and administration costs — can still significantly erode the wealth you’ve worked hard to build. Without strategic planning, your heirs could face unnecessary taxes and delays.

Key Trends We’re Seeing in 2025

This year has highlighted several important developments in South African estate planning:

1. Rising Awareness Among Younger Families More parents in their 30s and 40s are prioritising wills and testamentary trusts to protect minor children. With complex family structures on the rise, clear guardianship nominations and trusts prevent assets from falling into the Government’s Guardian’s Fund.
2. Digital Assets and Electronic Wills Courts continue to apply Section 2(3) of the Wills Act flexibly — as seen in recent 2025 judgments where unsigned or electronic drafts were accepted if the testator’s intent was clear. However, formal signed wills remain the safest option to avoid costly court applications.
3. Life Partners and Permanent Relationships Unmarried life partners may qualify for spousal rollover benefits if they can prove a permanent relationship with reciprocal duties of support — but this is assessed by SARS on a case-by-case basis.
4. Offshore Assets South Africans with international investments are increasingly seeking integrated planning to navigate double taxation agreements and foreign succession laws.

How Ninety Seven Legacy Can Help You Close Out 2025 Strong

Our comprehensive services are designed to give you confidence that your wishes will be honoured:

• Will Drafting – Clear, compliant wills tailored to your family dynamics
• Estate Planning – Strategies to preserve wealth and ensure smooth succession
• Estate Administration – Efficient, empathetic handling of deceased estates
• Beneficiary Support – Compassionate guidance for your loved ones during difficult times
• Legal Compliance – Full alignment with South African laws and SARS requirements

Backed by the technical expertise of C2M Chartered Accountants and TVC Wealth and Health Managers, we handle every detail with precision and care.

Take Action Before Year-End

The end of the year is an ideal time to review or create your estate plan — especially after life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or changes in your financial position.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. A simple consultation today can prevent complications tomorrow.

Contact Ninety Seven Legacy now for a confidential discussion. Let us help you preserve your wishes and protect the people you love most.

Ninety Seven Legacy – Where your wishes become your legacy.