- National Wills Week takes place from 14 to 18 September 2026.
- Participating attorneys will draft basic Wills free of charge across South Africa.
- Master of the High Court offices will also provide free support and information.
National Wills Week will take place from 14 to 18 September 2026, offering South Africans the opportunity to have a valid Will drafted free of charge through participating attorneys across all nine provinces.
The annual initiative is presented by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and other participating stakeholders.
The campaign is aimed at improving access to justice by making professional Will drafting available to people who may not ordinarily be able to afford private legal assistance.
Where to get your Will drafted
Members of the public can visit participating attorneys during National Wills Week to have a basic Will drafted at no cost. The LSSA has published a nationwide directory of participating law firms, enabling residents to find the nearest attorney offering the service in every province.
The directory includes office addresses and contact details for each participating practice and can be accessed here.
Service desks will also operate at Master of the High Court offices across South Africa, where legal practitioners and officials will provide information on Wills, deceased estate administration and the legal services available through the Master’s Office.
Why a valid Will matters
A valid Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death, a legal principle known as freedom of testation. The LSSA says having a Will drafted by a qualified attorney helps ensure the document complies with South African law and accurately reflects the wishes of the person making it.
What happens if you die without a Will?
If a person dies without leaving a valid Will, their estate will be distributed in terms of the Intestate Succession Act. While the Act provides for spouses, children, parents, siblings and other qualifying relatives, it may not reflect an individual’s personal wishes.
The Department of Justice says the absence of a valid Will can also delay the appointment of an executor, increase legal and administrative costs and contribute to unnecessary disputes during the administration of an estate.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will officially launch the 2026 National Wills Week campaign during a community engagement event in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, on 14 September 2026.
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