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{
"id": 1444373,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1444373/?format=api",
"text_counter": 183,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I know it will take time before we actualize the realities of the equity that is required. However, the more we talk about these things and debate them, the more they become acceptable that the other gender, the women and ourselves have equal responsibilities. There is no basis for discrimination, irrespective of our customs. Some of our customs are very good. Some of our customs need to go with the times. I know other people have argued that customs should take precedence in some of these matters. However, I believe that customs should also move with the times. It will be good for us to pass this law and support it, so that the offensive Sections 35 and 36 of the Law of Succession Act can be removed as the court had ordered in its judgment. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I want to emphasize another thing that if we can sit down and discuss these matters while we are alive, we can agree on even the properties. Just like in the bank accounts, if you have joint bank accounts and you pass away, there is no rigmarole of going through the law of succession just to access the funds to keep the children or the family moving. It is time for us to consider having joint accounts. I know many of us would argue that, “Oh, you know, there could be a divorce or there could be many other things or maybe, the issue of trusts exists.” Then you do not have to have all the accounts joint. You could have some joint and others independent. Joint accounts between spouses help to resolve some of the issues that go around succession. They make that property in cash easily accessible in the bank. In addition to that, joint registration of properties help to deal with the rigmarole of succession. In the event that either spouse passes away, the other one who is holding the joint registration continues with the property in full ownership. This also helps in planning. When one of the spouses passes away, especially if it is the man who was the breadwinner, the wife can access to the bank accounts because some of them were joint accounts. She has access to the property, including the matrimonial property, because you had registered it jointly. Even as you are go to the other world, you leave in peace knowing that your family is taken care of. The days of trying to register your brother, cousin or whoever as the person who should take over in case anything happens have been passed with time. Some of these innovations are very good for purposes of making sure that we do not have the problems that are associated with death, which are intestate. That is, you have died without a will. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, if you know you have seven children and you have plots, land, bank accounts and other properties all over this country and maybe outside; what is the problem with you and your wife assigning these properties to the children when you are alive? When you are exiting, everyone is able to clearly see what mum and dad wanted for everyone, instead of leaving things hanging. So, I am urging people to write their wills. If they do not write their wills, then while alive, let them make a viva voce decision with their spouse. In case you, probably feel that your custom does not allow you to plan for that while you are alive, make those agreements. Be in joint accounts with your spouse, transfer the properties to the children while you are alive, if you do not want to plan for a will. So, there are two options. Let us The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}