A Limpopo man’s attempt to claim a portion of his ex-girlfriend’s home, which he helped renovate, has been rejected by the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane. The man had sought to have their previous relationship declared a partnership for gain, and to have a liquidator appointed to divide the assets. However, acting judge Marianne Bresler dismissed the application with costs, stating that cohabitation does not entitle parties to a proportionate share of each other’s estate.
The couple had met in 2014 and lived together in the woman’s home until 2019. The man claimed that they had shared household expenses equally and that his contributions to the renovations were part of a partnership. However, the woman disputed this, saying that there was no explicit discussion or intention to create a partnership, and that the man’s contributions were voluntary. She also denied that they had discussed lobola or that he had bought her a wedding ring.
Judge Bresler’s ruling emphasized that a universal partnership of all property does not equate to a marriage in community of property. The judge’s decision brings closure to the dispute, but highlights the importance of clear communication and agreements in relationships, especially when it comes to financial matters and property ownership.
