In the 15 January 2026 newsletter, the following interim guidance was provided to practitioners.
Interim guidance for practitioners
Until the directives are published, practitioners who wish to review a decision of the Master should:
(a) Follow the procedure set out in section 95(2)(a)–(d) and (b) confirm with the Office of the Chief Master whether documentation must be submitted via email or delivered in person. The prescribed method of submission is expected to be clarified in the forthcoming directives.
- further regulate the making of regulations:
- Practitioners should be aware that section 103 empowers the Minister to make regulations on a wide range of matters. Of particular relevance to FISA members is the Minister’s authority to prescribe which persons, including juristic persons, may be prohibited from liquidating or distributing deceased estates, and to grant exemptions to such prohibitions. See section 103(eA) and (eB).
- This regulatory power is especially important in light of the current uncertainty surrounding the applicability of Regulation 910. FISA will continue to actively engage in the regulatory process to ensure that members’ views are heard when draft regulations are published.
The Office of the Chief Master confirmed that no directives have been published yet, but that any review application can be submitted to Ms. Hester Venter. Her e-mail address is as follows: HVenter@justice.gov.za