South Africans lack wills due to perceived asset insufficiency

New research from the 2025 Sanlam Legacy and Wills Survey reveals that approximately two-thirds of South Africans do not have a will. Among those without a will, 43% believe they do not own enough assets to make drafting one worthwhile.

Despite this, 98% of respondents expressed a desire to leave a legacy. Michelle Govender of WWF South Africa noted a disconnect in how people perceive “legacy,” often equating it solely with significant assets like houses or investment portfolios. She emphasized that legacies can be created through smaller contributions, such as conservation bequests, which can be structured as a percentage of an estate rather than a fixed amount.

To encourage estate planning, attorneys across the country are offering free basic will-drafting services during National Wills Week, held from 14 to 18 September.