A Section 29 notice is the statutory advertisement that calls creditors to lodge claims against a deceased estate. It is published on Form J193 and is one of the first legal steps an executor must take after letters of executorship are issued by the Master of the High Court.
No estate in South Africa can be wound up without it.
The legal basis
The notice is required by section 29 of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. It must be published in the Government Gazette and in a newspaper circulating in the district where the deceased was ordinarily resident at the time of death. Creditors must be given at least 30 days, and not more than three months, to lodge claims. The 30-day period is standard practice.
What the J193 must contain
A compliant J193 includes the deceased’s full names, identity number, date of death, and last address. It must also reflect the estate number, the Master’s Office where the estate is registered, the executor’s name and address, and the claim period. Errors in any of these details force republication and delay the estate by at least a month.
Where it must be published
Two places, simultaneously. The Government Gazette, and a newspaper or compliant online newspaper circulating in the deceased’s district. Since Chief Master Directive 1 of 2025, an approved online newspaper qualifies in place of a printed one, provided it is bilingual where required and freely accessible.
What happens if you skip it
The Master will not approve the Liquidation and Distribution account. The estate stalls. The executor may be held personally liable for late creditor claims, and heirs may be forced to repay distributions if an unknown creditor emerges.
Publish your J193 with LegalNotice.co.za
We draft, proof, and publish Section 29 notices in the Government Gazette and on Nuusflits, with proof of publication delivered for the Master’s file within 24 hours. Submit your J193 here or request a quote.
