Our Insolvency Law attorneys are often asked about how and when one can be rehabilitated after being sequestrated. We deal with this briefly, and then answer some of the more frequently asked questions below.
For more information about the sequestration process itself, please see our article What does it mean to be sequestrated?
What is rehabilitation?
The insolvency of a party comes to an end when the insolvent is rehabilitated. Rehabilitation enables a person who has been sequestrated to make a fresh start, free from pre-sequestration debts and from the restrictions placed on the insolvent by the sequestration.
When and how can I be rehabilitated?
There are many instances when one qualifies for rehabilitation, namely:
- Automatic rehabilitation after 10 years
An insolvent is automatically rehabilitated 10 years from date of sequestration of their estate. The 10-year period runs from date of provisional sequestration. However, this will not be the case if the court issues an order that the insolvent will not be automatically rehabilitated.
- Composition of not less than 50 cents in the Rand
An order of rehabilitation can be sought if an insolvent has obtained a certificate from the Master stating that the creditors have accepted an offer of composition in which payment or security for payment has been made of not less than 50c in the Rand for every concurrent claim proved against the estate.
- Lapse of the prescribed period of the first account
An insolvent can apply for rehabilitation after 12 months have elapsed from the date of confirmation by the Master of the first account in the estate. However, if:
- the insolvent's estate has been previously sequestrated then the above will only apply after three years; or
- the insolvent has been previously convicted of a fraudulent act in respect of their previous or current insolvency – then the above only applies after five years.
- No claims proved after six months
An insolvent can apply for rehabilitation after a period of 6 months has lapsed from date of sequestration if:
- at the time of making the application, no claim has been lodged against the insolvent's estate;
- the insolvent has not been convicted of any fraudulent act in relation to their insolvency; and
- the insolvent's estate has not been sequestrated before.
- Full payment of all proved claims
At any time after confirmation by the Master of a plan of distribution providing for the payment in full of all proved claims with interest calculated in terms of the Act and all the costs of sequestration, the insolvent may apply for rehabilitation.
It is of utmost importance to note that even where the provisions of the Act have been complied with, the court is not obliged to grant rehabilitation. An insolvent does not have a right to rehabilitation and therefore the court has a discretion.
What is the effect of being rehabilitated?
"The effect of rehabilitation of an insolvent is to restore him fully to the marketplace and, more importantly, to the obtaining of credit. The Court is accordingly as concerned with the probable future behaviour of the applicant as it is with his past." Ex Parte Le Roux 1996 (2) SA 419 (C)
Basically, rehabilitation has the effect of putting an end to sequestration by relieving the insolvent of debts which were due or the cause of which arose before sequestration.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Must I repay my debts before I can apply for rehabilitation?
No, when you are sequestrated, your debt vests in a trustee who must realise the assets and distribute the yield of the sale of the assets amongst creditors in accordance with the Insolvency Law Act 24 of 1936. None of your old creditors can force you to pay back the "old debt".
How do I apply for rehabilitation?
The insolvent must give notice of intention to apply for rehabilitation by advertising in the Government Gazette, and by written notice to the Master and the trustee. The insolvent must also provide security for the payment of the costs of any opposition which the insolvent may be ordered to pay. A substantive application is then launched at the High Court depending on where the insolvent is situated.
When I am rehabilitated, am I reinvested with my former estate?
No, except in two cases if any of your estate remains:
- Where a composition provides that the estate will reinvest in the insolvent; and
- Where the reason for the rehabilitation is the fact that no claims were lodged within the six months of sequestration.
Mar 7, 2019
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
