In terms of the Trust Property Control Act a trustee cannot perform any act in his/her capacity as trustee until he/she has received letters of authority from the Master of the High Court authorising him/her to act on behalf of the trust.
The actions of a trustee acting on behalf of a trust prior to being authorised to do so, are void. The unauthorised actions cannot be ratified by the trust after the fact.
Therefore, when purchasing property on behalf of a trust, always be sure, amongst other things, that: