Leave more than memories, leave a legacy
At Intaka Island, we’re honoured when people choose to leave a legacy, not just to their loved ones, but to something greater than themselves. Bequeathing to the Intaka Island Environmental Trust means your values for nature, conservation, and community will continue long after you’re gone. It’s a meaningful way to help protect the wetlands, the indigenous fynbos, and the birds that call this place home.
What does it mean to bequeath?
A charitable bequest is simply a gift from your will to a charity. It might be:
- A fixed amount in cash
- A percentage of what remains in your estate
- A physical item like land, artwork, or heirlooms
- Or a mixture of these
You can even set conditions, but it’s important that you choose your words carefully, so that the charity is able to make the best possible use of your gift.
Why having a will is so important
Without a valid will, your estate is handled under the Intestate Succession Act in South Africa, which means:
- Assets may go to people you wouldn’t have chosen
- There can be long delays, legal complexities, and sometimes conflict among family members
- It may cost more financially, emotionally, and administratively
A will gives you control: who gets what, who your executor is, and how you want your legacy to be used, including the possibility of supporting causes like Intaka Island.
Good news – free and low-cost options exist
You don’t always have to pay a fortune for peace of mind. There are several organisations and services that offer free or low-cost will-drafting, especially during National Wills Week and through Legal Aid. Some examples:
- Capital Legacy offers free will drafting consultation. (Capital Legacy)
- Legal Aid often helps pensioners or those unable to pay. (GroundUp News)
- Sanlam Legacy Plan allows you to draft a will, make amendments, and safely store the document, often with minimal or no charge, depending on the situation. (Sanlam Online)
How to make a bequest to Intaka Island Environmental Trust
If you’re considering leaving something to Intaka in your will, here are a few tips:
- Name us correctly. Make sure your will names the Intaka Island Environmental Trust properly (the legal entity) so it’s clear who the beneficiary is.
- Decide what you want to give. Cash, percentage of the residue, or a specific asset.
- Speak to a lawyer or use a trusted service to ensure your will is valid and your wishes are legally binding.
- Let someone know where your will is stored, an executor, spouse, family member.
Making a will might seem like something for the distant future. But having it in place means that, when the time comes, your values, including caring for nature and conservation, can live on exactly as you intended.
If you’d like more information about bequeathing to Intaka Island, or need help figuring out how to get a valid will drafted, reach out to us. We’re here to support you in leaving a legacy that matches your heart.
Bequest and wills: frequently asked questions
Do I have to be wealthy to leave a bequest?
Not at all. Any contribution, whether large or small, makes a difference. Even leaving a small percentage of your estate can help support conservation and education at Intaka Island.
Can I change my bequest later?
Yes. As long as you’re alive and of sound mind, you can update or replace your will at any time. It’s actually a good idea to review it every few years or whenever your circumstances change.
How much does it cost to draft a will?
There are several companies and organisations that offer this service free of charge, especially during National Wills Week. Some financial service providers also include it as part of their client offering.
What happens if I don’t have a valid will?
Your estate will be divided according to the Intestate Succession Act, which might not reflect your wishes. This can cause unnecessary stress for your loved ones and may delay the process.
Do I have to tell Intaka Island about my bequest?
No, but we’d love to know if you’ve chosen to include us. It helps us plan for the future and, most importantly, it gives us the chance to thank you in your lifetime
