National Wills Week takes place from 26 to 30 October 2020 – a reminder to South Africans of the importance of having a valid and up-to-date will. It’s an opportunity to have your will drafted for free – and to leave a lasting legacy that saves lives long into the future.Your will is an important legal document, but it’s also a reflection of your unique life story – the people, places and causes that matter most to you. By leaving a gift in your will to the NSRI – no matter how big or small – you can ensure your legacy is one that saves lives for years to come.Because the NSRI is totally reliant on donations and sponsorships, each and every bequest made to the NSRI is actively used to save lives.
What is South African National Wills Week?National Wills Week is an annual reminder of the importance of having an up-to-date will to ensure your wishes are carried out after your death. From 26 to 30 October 2020, participating attorneys across the country will be drafting wills for free, making it the perfect time to review and update your will – or to draw up a will if you don’t yet have one.Remember that your will needs to be reviewed when your family or financial circumstances change (for example, if you buy or sell a property or make an investment), if a beneficiary dies, you have children or grandchildren, or your executor dies or becomes unfit to act on your behalf. Even if none of these changes take place, it is still advised that your
check your Will is valid.The
Law Society of South Africa lists the attorneys participating in National Wills Week by province.
How can I leave a bequest to the NSRI?In your will, you can bequeath an amount in cash – either a fixed amount or calculated as a percentage of your residual estate – or a specific asset, such as a piece of land or valuable collectors’ items, or even a combination of these. This is entirely your choice, and you are entitled to attach certain conditions to such a bequest.Should you wish to leave a gift in your will to the NSRI, you can simply
download a codicil and attach it to your will.What are the tax benefits of making a bequest to the NSRI?In addition to supporting the life-saving work of the NSRI, there are tax benefits of leaving a bequest to a registered NGO such as the NSRI. Bequests are tax deductible on your estate duties. This means that making a bequest will limit the amount of estate duty paid out of your estate. Every bequest and donation is accounted for in the
NSRI Annual Integrated Report ‘Why I’m leaving a bequest to the NSRI’A few of our valued supporters share why they’ve chosen to leave a bequest to the NSRI in their wills. Elizabeth Milln Port Alfred, Eastern Cape'Serving as a radio operator with NSRI for 9 years, I know from experience how much our crews give to save lives. Not only do they go to sea in all weather – risking life and limb – but they also give financially by taking time off for emergencies during working hours. As a mother of a son who sails offshore I'm eternally grateful to
know that NSRI are there for him and his crew. Like many pensioners I know that I, personally, could not support NSRI financially, but a codicil left with my will means that I can leave them something when my pension is no longer needed. That way too, I am still a member of NSRI.'
June Borlase, Queensburgh, KZN“I am blown away that volunteers take their lives in their own hands to save other people. That is rare nowadays and the brave volunteers go beyond the call of duty and should be commended.”
Colin Kidwell, Meadowridge, Cape Town“I support NSRI due to my long involvement with sailing and other water sports and because of NSRI’s ongoing education and training that helps to save lives. I decided to leave a bequest in my will because the whole operation is voluntary, and very worthwhile.”
Stuart and Kate Ormerod, Pennington, KZN“As a person who doesn’t swim, I take comfort that someone cares enough to train to be a lifesaver, to be there for me should I need them. This is why we are leaving a bequest to NSRI for them to continue to rescue lives.”
Ivan and Laraine Brindley, Hillcrest, KZN'We were part of the sailing community for 40 years and in that time we were very aware of the NSRI and reassured that they could be called on to assist. We heard many accounts of the assistance people received from NSRI when at sea. That's why we want to leave a legacy – it's not for us, it's for them to save lives.'
For more information about leaving a bequest to the NSRI, contact Natasha Lindeboom by emailing natasha@searescue.org.za or phoning 021 434 4011.
