15-19 September 2025 is National Wills Week. During this important week, South Africans are reminded of the importance of leaving a Will.
While statistics vary, most sources indicate that fewer than 30% of South Africans have a valid will, with some estimates suggesting the number is as low as 15% or even lower. This leaves most estates in a default framework for dividing assets among legal heirs like a surviving spouse, children, and other relatives, rather than the individual’s wishes. Without a Will, the deceased’s wishes are not considered, instead, the legislature provides a standard distribution plan.
When one makes a Will, they express their wishes for what will happen to the people they care about after they are gone. While immediate beneficiaries are the first consideration, one does not need to leave their entire legacy to family and friends, one can also choose a charity beneficiary.
SOS Children’s Villages has a bequest programme where people can include SOS Children’s Villages as a beneficiary in their Will, for the benefit of all the children in the organisation. This thoughtfulness today will ensure a brighter future for the children and young people at SOS Children’s Villages. The organisation offers loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing the care of their families. Instead of growing up on the streets, a child would be given a mother of his/ her own, a family and a comfortable home at an SOS Children’s Village.
A Will could make a wish come true for a child who has never had the kind of care that ordinary South Africans provide to their own loved ones. SOS Children’s Villages encourages people to consider drawing up a Will and including a bequest for SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa.
During this week, some institutions and attorneys across the country are offering their services to members of the public to put in place a basic Will drafted by them, free of charge. This is an opportunity that all South Africans should take advantage of.
After providing for loved ones, there are several ways South Africans can leave a gift to charity in their Will:
Residual Gift
After all loved ones have been looked after and debts paid, one can leave a percentage of the remaining estate.
Specific Gift
Leave a fixed sum of money, household contents or pieces of furniture.
SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS Children’s Villages has eight programmes and three Social Centres across eight provinces.
Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to children and families across the country.
The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).
Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families to grow within a safe family environment. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.
