Deenisha Nadesan on why South Africans aren't ready for death

Estate planning remains a major blind spot for South Africans, with many families financially unprepared for what happens after a loved one dies.

Deenisha Nadesan, Managing Director of Fiduciary Services at Capital Legacy, unpacks the company’s Estate Readiness Index and what it reveals about South Africans’ preparedness for death and deceased estate administration.

She explains why funeral cover alone is not enough. While many respondents had funeral policies, far fewer had a valid will or sufficient liquidity to deal with the financial and legal consequences of death. The discussion covers financial hardship after losing an income earner, estate administration timelines, cash-flow pressures, and why families often underestimate how long winding up an estate can take.

Nadesan also explains when South Africans should update their wills and estate plans, including after marriage, having children, buying property, or starting a business. She shares practical steps for reducing uncertainty and protecting the people you leave behind.

0:00 Intro

0:40 What is estate readiness?

2:00 How prepared are South Africans?

3:31 The biggest findings

7:01 Where families feel the pressure

9:15 Why estates take so long

12:12 When to review your will

13:32 How to prepare your estate