The fragmented nature of sectional title ownership and the effect thereof distinguishes it from full title ownership. Due to its fragmented nature ownership of a unit (part of the building) as well as joint-ownership of the common property, sectional title places a heavy responsibility on owners of sectional title units in terms of management as well as on owners and occupiers in terms of conduct. The nature of sectional title therefore dictates a certain lifestyle which both owners and occupiers should understand. Owners and occupiers alike will then realise that the success of a scheme and the monetary value of a unit is their responsibility. They are the body corporate. Their levy contribution is the lifeblood of the scheme. They are the nuts and bolts that keep a sectional title scheme together.
The purpose of this short programme is therefore to explain to owners and occupiers of sectional title units in sectional title schemes what responsibilities they carry to ensure that they own and occupy property in a well-functioning sectional title scheme. The content will however not only explain what these responsibilities are, but also why each and every owner and occupier have responsibilities and what the origin of these responsibilities are. Owners and occupiers will then understand that the welfare of a scheme is in their hands and that it cannot be passed on to anybody else. In this regard the relationship between the body corporate and the managing agent will also be discussed and how this partnership is crucial for the success of the scheme. Other important issues dealt with is the meaning of sectional title ownership compared to full title ownership, the formation of a sectional title scheme, how a scheme is managed, the rights and obligations of sectional owners, the Community Scheme Ombud Service as well as other miscellaneous matters relevant to sectional title schemes.
The short programme in Sectional Title Living – The nuts and bolts is a fully online self-paced programme. The basis of the short programme is the written manual which is for self-study by delegates. The content of the manual will be illustrated by short lectures in the format of YouTube videos which delegates have to listen to.
The main objective of this short programme is to provide sectional owners, trustees and other occupiers of sectional units with a knowledge and understanding of sectional title schemes and the management thereof within the framework of the governing legislation. It is important that sectional owners are empowered with an understanding of the sectional title environment not only to safeguard their investment, but to assist them in creating a better quality of life within their scheme.