The formal appointment by the Master of the High Court of a person (executor) to administer a deceased estate. The executor acts under letters of executorship.
When a person dies, their estate is administered by an executor appointed by the Master of the High Court under the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965. If the deceased left a valid will, the will typically nominates an executor. If not (intestate), the Master appoints an executor after hearing from heirs. Letters of executorship are issued to the appointed executor — without these, the executor has no authority to deal with the deceased's assets.
A person dies leaving a will nominating their spouse as executor. The spouse applies to the Master for letters of executorship. Once issued, they can collect the estate assets, pay debts, and distribute to heirs.
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