When it comes to sectional title, unfortunately, many owners or trustees do not understand some of the most basic concepts such as median line, sections, units, rules, meetings, quorum’s, participation quota, levies, exclusive use areas, etc. We find that even though some of the residents have been living in their units for years, they still do not have a grasp of the most basic terms used so commonly in sectional title vernacular.
Some trustees just don’t see the reason to obtain such knowledge as this is the very reason they employ a managing agent, whereas some smaller or self-managed schemes feel that the rules – or the Act – simply do not apply to them.
Is training necessary?
Our answer to this question is a resounding ‘yes’! Even after almost 21 years in the business, my staff and I still attend as many training sessions, workshops, seminars and courses as we can. We always return with more knowledge and a better understanding than before.
In a complicated industry where its regulations and legislation are constantly being amended and adjusted, keeping updated is critical for anyone who works in this industry or who has invested in a sectional title scheme. Some changes we are experiencing at this time includes POPI (Protection of Personal Information), PAIA (Promotion of Access to Information Act), disclaimer boards, the effect of Covid-19 on the rules for complexes, as well as its direct impact on management and conduct rules to accommodate all the changes.
Knowledge is power
I believe that training is absolutely essential and non-negotiable because education lies at the very core of a well-run scheme.
The Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act is a set document and anyone offering training should always adhere to the Act, instead of just offering their opinion or interpretation. Ideally, CSOS should supply a directive on how each item should be interpreted to help remove the element of confusion that seem to be so rife in the industry.
Books
There are a few excellent books that we can recommend. I believe all trustees should obtain a copy of the book “Demystifying Sectional Title”, written by Marina Constas and Karen Bleijs, which will help to give you a much better understanding of how sectional title works.
Another book that I can recommend is Shirley Baillie’s “Key-word Access” which provides excellent references on any part of the Sectional Titles Act, Community Schemes Ombud Services Act (CSOS) and the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act.
Mike Addison from Addsure offers excellent training and a great booklet on sectional title insurance issues like who is responsible for a geyser claim, a burst pipe, broken window, damage to one’s car on common property or when a visitor damages the gate with their car.
A threat?
Ironically, some managing agents see trustee training as a threat as the more an owner or trustee knows, the more likely they are to challenge the managing agent. Our view is that this is better than a trustee that doesn’t know or show any interest in learning. We can all grow together when we keep learning and improving our knowledge.
Author: Annette Laing – Annette Laing Property Consultants.