While many tasks in Sectional Title Schemes can be delegated to a Managing Agent, the fiduciary duty remains with the Scheme Executive.

Section 8 of the STSMA of 2011 states that each Scheme Executive must stand in a fiduciary relationship with the Body Corporate and further goes on to explain that a “fiduciary relationship” implies that a Scheme Executive must act honestly and in good faith.

The duty of trust or fiduciary duty really means that the person responsible will exercise his powers in good faith and he will not act in his own interest or for another’s gain, but for the members (the owners of the sectional title units) he represents.

• A Scheme Executive is required to exercise his or her powers in the interest and for the benefit of the Body Corporate and must not act without or exceed those powers.
• A Scheme Executive must avoid any material conflict between his own interests and those of the Body Corporate and may not receive any personal economic benefit, whether directly or indirectly, from the Body Corporate and must notify all trustees of the nature and extent of any direct or indirect material interest which he may have as soon as the Scheme Executive becomes aware of such interest.

If a Scheme Executive acts in violation of his fiduciary relationship, he is liable to the Body Corporate for any harm incurred as a result of his or her actions or any economic gain obtained as a result of the Scheme Executive.

If a Scheme Executive has acted upon the written approval of all the corporate body members and if such members were aware of all the facts, the actions of such trustees would not be seen as a violation of his fiduciary relationship with the corporate body.

The Scheme Executive must, therefore, display reasonable care and skill in managing the affairs of the Body Corporate.

In this video, Pearl Scheltema, CEO of Fitzanne Estates, discusses Section 8 of the STSMA and the Fiduciary duties of Trustees in Sectional Title Schemes. What does it mean in practice for you as a Trustee?

The steps Scheme Executives can take to ensure they are qualified to execute their duties are to:

• Familiarise themselves with the Sectional Title Scheme Management Act and their Schemes Management and Conduct Rules.
• Download this eBook by Fitzanne Estates.
• Appoint a competent Managing Agent such as Fitzanne Estates on whom they can rely for advice.
• Complete Scheme Executive Training offered by Fitzanne Estates.

The key to all successful schemes is a knowledgeable board of Scheme Executives. As Scheme Executives, only people willing to behave in the interest of all members should be elected. And Scheme Executives must equip themselves with the skills required to conduct their duties competently once they are elected. Knowledgeable Scheme Executives who steer clear of conflicts of interest can never be accused of having breached their fiduciary duty.

If you are a trustee or an owner in a sectional title scheme and have any concerns or queries relating to this topic, download this eBook or sign up for Scheme Executive Training and make sure that you’re up to date with everything you need to know as a Scheme Executive.

Read more: 

The Best Way to Maximise Your Sectional Title Scheme’s Potential

Sectional Title Property Management Trends 2023

Media contact: Cathlen Fourie, +27 82 222 9198, marketing@fitzanne.co.za  https://www.fitzanne.co.za/

More about Fitzanne Estates

Fitzanne Estates (Pty) Ltd is a Property Management Company that can sufficiently administer your property investment to the benefit of the Landlord, the Body Corporate, and the NPC – Non-Profit Company. Services include Letting, Sectional Title Management, Full Title Management (NPC – Non-Profit Company) and Sales.

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