, VL2602 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Unique Number: 279194) - Due 23
ASSESSMENT 1 – COMPLETE ANSWERS
PVL2602 – Assessment 1
QUESTION 1: INTESTATE SUCCESSION
[15 marks]
Applicable law
The estate devolves according to the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987, in conjunction with
the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998.
Key principles:
Customary wives are recognised as spouses for intestate succession.
The doctrine of unworthiness to inherit excludes heirs who have unlawfully caused the
death of the deceased.
Representation allows descendants of a predeceased child to inherit that child’s share.
Step 1: Identify the heirs
Spouses
Anna (customary wife) – alive
Basetsana (customary wife) – alive
Dinah – predeceased (cannot inherit)
Children and descendants
Cyril (Anna) – alive
Ernest – predeceased; children: Selo and Yvette (inherit per stirpes)
Malefu (Basetsana) – alive
Kabelo – predeceased; murdered by Cyril (unworthy)
Lerato and Neo (Dinah) – alive