10 LAWS TO KNOW IN YOUR 20’S

South Africa’s legal system often feels complex and intimidating, but the reality is that many of its rules affect everyday life in very practical ways. For young adults in their twenties, it’s especially important to understand some of the basics. Whether you are entering the workplace, signing a lease, buying on credit, thinking about marriage, or even just navigating social media, the law is woven into those experiences. Below are ten important legal principles that every South African should know, explained simply and with reference to the legislation that gives them force.

1. Police Stops and Searchess. This 

In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, you are required to provide your name and address if requested by the police. Officers may not search your car or your home without a warrant, unless they reasonably believe that you are committing an offence, or that waiting for a warrant would cause evidence to be destroyed or prejudice an investigation For example, if you are suspected of drinking and driving, they may proceed immediately. At roadblocks, the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, read with the SAPS Act 68 of 1995, allows routine checks without individual warrantbalance protects individuals from unlawful intrusions while ensuring law enforcement can act where crime is suspected.

2. Your Right to Remain Silent

Section 35 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 provides that every arrested person has the right to remain silent and may not be compelled to give self-incriminating evidence. Anything you say may be used against you in court. Apart from providing your name and address when lawfully requested, you are under no obligation to answer further questions without legal advice. It is always prudent to wait for professional assistance before speaking, preferably with your attorney present, such as the team at Gittins Attorneys Incorporated, who can ensure that your rights are fully protected from the outset.

3. Workplace Rights

Once you enter employment, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (BCEA) governs working conditions. The general rule is that employees may not be required to work more than 45 ordinary hours per week, with overtime capped at 10 hours per week, and usually paid at one-and-a-half times the normal rate. Employees are entitled to at least 21 consecutive days of annual leave each year. Note that senior managerial staff, travelling sales employees, and those working fewer than 24 hours a month are excluded from some protections. Still, for most young workers entering their first jobs, these rights are critical to prevent exploitation.

4. Renting a Home

The Rental Housing Act 50 of 1999 requires landlords to keep tenants’ deposits in interest-bearing accounts, to issue receipts, and to allow joint inspections at move-in and move-out. The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 (PIE) makes it clear: no one can be evicted without a court order. Further, the common-law remedy of mandament van spolie protects tenants against landlords who take the law into their own hands. If a landlord cuts off your electricity or locks you out without process, you can urgently approach a court for a spoliation order requiring immediate restoration of possession.

5. Consumer Rights

The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) gives you a five-day cooling-off period if you buy goods through direct marketing. During this time you may cancel without penalty. All goods sold must be of good quality and fit for purpose; if not, you may insist on a repair, replacement, or refund. While the cooling-off right doesn’t apply to ordinary in-store purchases, the quality protections apply broadly and shield consumers, especially young adults, from scams or defective products.

6. Wills and Estates

It is never too early to plan your estate. Under the Wills Act 7 of 1953, any person over 16 can execute a valid will. Strict formalities apply: the will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two competent witnesses present together. If you do not have a valid will, the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987 determines how your estate will be divided, which often causes disputes. A proper will ensures that your wishes are honoured and allows you to nominate an executor, who will administer your estate and protect your loved ones from unnecessary conflict.

7. Marriage and Property Regimes

The Matrimonial Property Act 88 of 1984 provides that if you marry without an antenuptial contract (ANC), you are automatically married in community of property, all assets and debts, even those from before marriage, are shared equally. This can be risky if one spouse brings significant debts. An ANC, which must be executed before a notary and registered in the Deeds Office prior to marriage, allows you to exclude community of property and to elect whether the accrual system applies. Unfortunately, many couples only discover the consequences at divorce or death, by which time it is too late to change.

8. Credit and Debt

The National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA) protects consumers by requiring credit providers to disclose the total cost of credit, and prohibiting reckless lending. If you become over-indebted, you can apply for debt review, which allows a registered debt counsellor to restructure your debt under court supervision. These measures are crucial for young adults, who are often targeted with “easy credit” that quickly escalates into unmanageable debt.

9. Driving Under the Influence

The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 sets the alcohol limit at 0.05g per 100ml of blood, or 0.24mg per 1,000ml of breath. For professional drivers (truck, bus, or taxi operators), the limit is stricter: 0.02g per 100ml of blood. Refusing a breathalyser or blood test is itself a criminal offence. A conviction can result in fines, licence suspension, or even imprisonment, consequences that can derail a career in an instant.

10. Social Media and Defamation

Section 16 of the Constitution protects freedom of expression, but this right is limited where it infringes another’s dignity and reputation. The common law of defamation, treats even retweeting or sharing defamatory content as publication. A single reckless post can result in damages awards running into thousands of rand. Online speech is never “just online”, the law treats it as real-world conduct.

Access to Legal Help

Knowing your rights is one thing; enforcing them is another. Fortunately, Legal Aid South Africa provides representation to those who qualify under its means test (Legal Aid SA Act 39 of 2014). Many private firms also offer contingency fee agreements under the Contingency Fees Act 66 of 1997, sometimes called “no win, no fee”: attorneys are paid only if the case succeeds, with their fee deducted from the award.

For those thinking about their future, Gittins Attorneys will be participating in National Wills Week from the 15^th to 19^th of September 2025, during which members of the public can have a basic will drafted free of charge. This is an excellent opportunity for young adults to ensure their estate planning is in order and that their wishes will be respected.

Final Word

By understanding these ten areas of law, young South Africans can navigate adult life with far greater confidence. From police stops and workplace rights to leases, marriage, debt, and social media, the law touches our lives in ways we often overlook. Arming yourself with this knowledge now can save you from unnecessary disputes, protect your rights, and secure your future.