Speaker, regarding the Annual National Wills Week, the ANC commends the Law Society of SA and its six constituent members for presenting the National Wills Week project, which is an access to justice campaign that began in 2008. Attorneys are called upon to assist members of the public to write basic last wills and testaments free of charge. This year the campaign was conducted from 6 September to 7 September.
We in the ANC also commend both the attorneys who volunteered their time, professionalism, legal knowledge and expertise, and members of the public who participated in this project.
By making a will you ensure that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. This privilege is called the "freedom of testation". An attorney ensures that your will is valid and complies with your wishes. If you die without a will, your assets are transferred to the Guardian's Fund for safekeeping until your children reach the age of majority. Obviously, being under state control, the red tape involved is something to be avoided at all costs.
The six constituent members are the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Cape Law Society, the Law Society of the Free Sate, the KwaZulu-Natal Law Society and the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.
Bakithi bhalani izincwadi zamafa zingakafiki izinsuku zokuthi nihambe emhlabeni. Ngiyathokoza. [Ihlombe.] [Hon members, please write your wills before you die. Thank you. [Applause.]]