On 27 October 2026, SERI and CAOSA hosted a virtual workshop with paralegals from advice offices in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State.
The workshop covered the “family home” topic and the challenges that arise when formal property law fails to reflect how families understand, occupy, and manage their homes. SERI’s research on the family home identifies these properties as a form of tenure that can combine collective and intergenerational understandings of property with formal ownership.
The programme was divided into two sessions that explored the concept of the family home and the social and legal challenges that arise around succession, occupation, and ownership. Both sessions focused on “When the Homeowner Dies: Who Takes Over the Family Home?”, “When Family Members Disagree: Family Home Disputes & Legal Options”, and “The Costs and Risks Around the Family Home.” The sessions offered an opportunity to examine the challenges that arise when a title holder dies, when family members disagree over ownership or occupation, and when the costs and risks of maintaining or protecting a family home create further insecurity.
The workshop strengthened the paralegals’ understanding of the legal and systemic issues affecting family homes and reflected on challenges encountered in communities. It also reinforced the importance of raising awareness and knowledge around tenure rights, deceased estates and the administration of family property.
Learn more about the family home in South Africa here.
This workshop forms part of the Women’s Spaces project at SERI, which focuses on women’s rights to land and housing in sub-Saharan Africa. The project is supported by Rooftops Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
