By Anton Kelly
Anton KellyThe answer this question is: “Yes, in theory”.


The prescribed rules specify a number of reasons why a trustee could cease to hold office. Some of those reasons are that the trustee could resign, go crazy, be declared insolvent or be removed from office by the owners in general meeting.

Removing and replacing trustees

So the owners can remove a trustee from office but it can only be done at a general meeting. The rules allow the owners to replace that trustee. The replacement must also be done at a general meeting. An ordinary resolution – not a special or unanimous resolution – is required for both removing and replacing a trustee. This simple sounding process is not as easy as it appears: there are a number of practical difficulties.

Difficulties in removing trustees

As general meetings are usually convened by the trustees, owners seeking to remove a trustee must ask the trustees to convene the meeting. The trustees are unlikely to be willing to call a meeting to have the entire board removed, but if the request is made by owners holding at least 25% of the total participation quotas, the trustees have no choice but to call the meeting. If they do not call the meeting within fourteen days, the owners who made the request may call the meeting themselves. The notice calling a meeting at which owners may remove a trustee must clearly state that purpose – one can’t ambush a trustee!

So while it is possible to replace all the trustees in one fell swoop, given the number of owners required to force the calling of a meeting, that the notice must state the purpose of the meeting – which is as likely to gather support for the trustees as to gather support for their removal – that there must be a quorum at the meeting and finally, that the majority of those at the meeting have to agree to the removal, there would have to be a very determined effort made on the part of a significant number of owners for this to happen!

Article reference: Paddocks Press: Volume 9, Issue 1, Page 2
Anton Kelly is the course instructor of the UCT Sectional Title Scheme Management course. To join the June presentation of this course or for more information please contact Liam on 021 686 3950 or liam@paddocks.co.za.

5 Comments.

  • Tina Roets
    07/10/2019 12:25

    The majority of trustee must be owners? is it still the same on the Sectional title schemes management Act?

    • Paddocks
      11/10/2019 10:25

      Hi Tina

      Thank you for your message. While we don’t provide free advice, we can assist you through our private consulting services. Please feel free to send us an email at consulting@paddocks.co.za to receive a no-obligation quote.

      We look forward to assisting you.

  • Good day
    Just a quick question: does the Sectional Titles Act and regulations contain a procedure to be followed when a trustee resigns and within weeks withdraws that resignation?
    Thanks

  • Josephine Andersen
    28/03/2021 08:28

    Good Morning. do Paddocks still have their online Website where Members may discuss problems? I have not used this site for some time but would like to be able to do so.