Key updates and insights on the 3rd annual CSOS Indaba 2025

30 October 2025 | Zerlinda van der Merwe

Zerlinda was pleasantly surprised when she received calls from two of the Provincial Ombuds, inviting her to speak on a panel at the Communicty Schemes Ombud Service (“the CSOS”) Indaba, which centred around Sustainable Governance: Shared Responsibility as the Cornerstone of Community Schemes, held 22 and 23 October 2025.

If you have been following TVDM Consultants for some time, you know that we are openly vocal on our opinions of the CSOS, and we are pleased to report that not only was this Indaba a positive experience, it was also a pleasure to attend and participate in.

It was clear that no expense had been spared as the event was:

• well-organised;

• well-advertised;

• free of charge to delegates, speakers and exhibitors, and

• central for Johannesburg attendees (or so we are told, coming from Cape Town).

Where was the event

The venue was well chosen, allowing for breakaway sessions where interaction was possible with the attendees. The CSOS officials were very professional and open to comprehensive engagement. The programme was kept to exceptionally well, and the speakers comprised a wide assortment of individuals and entities.

What was spoken about

The topics included the expected transformation discussions, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”) and the Protection of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (“PAIA”), adjudication and court cases, review and appeal of CSOS orders, levy collection, CSOS Connect and the newly consolidated practice directives. Zerlinda was invited to discuss a couple of cases relating to disconnection of electrical supply in community schemes for the non-payment of electricity charges. An interesting topic indeed, be sure to keep an eye on our communications as we will publish this soon. 

Conclusion | It was a positive experience

Overall it was a fantastic opportunity to meet with “industry stakeholders” as CSOS refers to them, including private and public entities, and the CSOS panel of executive managing agents. However Zerlinda was a bit disappointed that not more role players, including managing agents, trustees and owners attended. Yes, it was held over two working days, but this is not unusual for similar private or public events. 

The CSOS commented that the next Indaba may be held in our neck of the woods, “the Mother City”, and Zerlinda is chomping at the bit to be involved in another overall positive experience with the CSOS. 

Contact us today on 061 536 3138 or at info@tvdmconsultants.com for more information.

About the Author:

Zerlinda van der Merwe is a co-founder and director of TVDM Consultants

After being raised in various sectional title schemes, Zerlinda pursued her passion for law, graduating from the University of Stellenbosch with her BA LLB LLM (Cum Laude) degrees. While completing her LLM thesis, specifically focused on the Constitutionality of Sectional Title Rules, Zerlinda undertook a comparative study of Strata Title in Melbourne, Australia. Click here to read Zerlinda’s Thesis. During her studies, Zerlinda worked as a research intern for the South African Research Chair in Property Law and contributed towards various Property Law, Neighbour Law and Sectional Title Juta publications. Zerlinda is also a member of Golden Key, international honours society as a top academic achiever in her respective fields of study. To read more about Zerlinda, click here.