small claims courts: GuiDElinEs for commissionErs · GUIDElInEs for CommIssIonErs May 2010, Version...

small claims courts:GuiDElinEs for commissionErs

GUIDElInEs for CommIssIonErs

1May 2010, Version 1 of 2010

TABlE of ConTEnTs PAGEforeword 3-4swiss Contribution 5-6Acknowledgements 7-8Historical Background 9-10Commissioner’s Code of Conduct 11–13Terms and Definitions 15–17Purpose and Application of the Guide 19Chapter 1: The form and nature of small Claims Courts 21–23Chapter 2: Jurisdiction 25–35Chapter 3: The Commissioner 37–38Chapter 4: The Plaintiff’s Case 39–43Chapter 5: The Defendant’s Case 45–46Chapter 6: Counterclaims 47–49Chapter 7: Applications 51–52 Chapter 8: The Hearing 53–60Chapter 9: Evaluation of Evidence 61–62Chapter 10: Judgments & orders 63–64Chapter 11: steps following Judgments 65–67Chapter 12: further Proceedings 69Chapter 13: Appeal & review 71–72Chapter 14: miscellaneous 73synopsis of Case law 75–80sources of reference 81–82

No part of this guide may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – graphic,electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, typing, or any informationstorageandretrieval systems–without thewrittenpermissionof theDepartmentof JusticeandConstitutionalDevelopment.



forEWorD The establishment of Small Claims Courts is one of the measures throughwhichtheDepartmentofJusticeandConstitutionalDevelopmentimplementsitsvisionof“AccesstoJusticeforAll”. SmallClaimsCourtsprovideapromptandinexpensivewaytoresolveminordisputes.Legalproceduresareheldtoaminimumandlawyersmaynotparticipate.Thesecourtsarethereforemeantfortheordinarymanorwomaninthestreetwhocannotaffordcivillitigationinthenormalcourtsandcanbenefitespeciallythedestituteandindigentofourcountrytobeabletoaccessjusticeinaveryinformal,costeffectiveanduser-friendlymanner.

ItiswithgreatpleasurethattheDepartmentisnowabletodisseminatetheGuidelinesfortheCommissionersofSmallClaimsCourtsandtheGuidelinesfortheClerksofSmallClaimsCourts,bothofwhichhavebeendevelopedwiththefinancialassistanceoftheSwissAgencyforDevelopmentandCooperation(the SDC) and the assistance and guidance of various other relevant roleplayers.Oursincereappreciationisexpressedtothemall,butinparticulartotheSDC,notonlyfortheircontinuinginterestinouradministrationofjustice,butalsofortheirunwaveringwillingnesstocontributetotheimprovementofourcourtsandthroughthat,toaccesstojusticeandthebuildingofabetterlifeforallinSouthAfrica.

The Commissioners of Small Claims Courts have formerly not received anyformal training on Small Claims Courts legislation and practice and thoughthey all have significant years of experience after having been admitted topracticelawinourcourts,theyhavelargelybeenlefttotheirowndevicesintermsofpresidingintheSmallClaimsCourts.Theyhavehadtolargelydependontheirexperienceaslegalpractitionersandacademicsincarryingouttheirmandateofpresidingoverthesecourts.TheseGuidelineswillhelpfillthatgap.It is trusted that newly appointed Commissioners will, in particular, benefitfromtheGuidelines.

TheDepartmentisnotblindtothenumeroussacrificesthattheCommissionersandAdvisoryBoardmembershavemadeinordertoensurethatSmallClaimsCourtsarefunctioning.TheDepartmentacknowledgesandisindeedgratefultoallfortheirtirelessworkintheSmallClaimsCourts.Thisisindeedagreatcontributiontoaccesstojustice,moreespeciallyfortheindigent.

soUTH AfrICAn smAll ClAIms CoUrTs

4 May 2010, Version 1 of 2010

TheClerksoftheSmallClaimsCourtshavebeenreceivingsometraining,buttheGuidelinesforClerkswillstrengthenthattrainingandempowerthemtoperformtheirfunctionsoptimally.TheGuidelineswillassisttheClerkstodealwithmattersthatarepresentedbeforethemandalsoenablethemtoassistthepublicinanimprovedmannerregardingmatterswhicharetobeheardinthesecourts.

Thepurposeoftheseguidelinesistoguidetheusersthereof,andinparticulartrainersassistingwithtraininginthisregard,onthelegislativeframeworkofSmallClaimsCourtsandthepracticalimplicationsofdealingwithmattersinaSmallClaimsCourtset-up.

TheDepartmentwillcontinuetoprovideallassistanceinitspowertoensurethat the working environment in Small Claims Courts is safe and conduciveforallpersonnelandofficialsinvolvedinSmallClaimsCourttocarryouttheirdutiesandforthepublictoexercisetheirrighttoafairandspeedyhearinginacourtoflaw.

TheDepartmenttruststhattheseGuidelineswillgoalongwayinimprovingand strengthening the services in Small Claims Courts and so help improveaccesstojusticeingeneral.

PrETorIA

DATE:

_________________mr J T radebe, mP minister of Justice and Constitutional Development

_________________mr A C nel, mP Deputy minister of Justice and Constitutional Development

_________________

_________________



sWIss ConTrIBUTIonSmallClaimsCourtsplayacrucial role in facilitatingaccess to justice forall,particularlythepoor.Withintheir jurisdictions,smallclaimscourtsallowthesettlement of disputes without the need to go through the standard courtsystem.

ApoorwomanwhopaidR5000.00onthefalsepremisethatshewouldgetemploymentthroughajobsearchagency,oranelderlymanwhocouldnotgetbacktheR1000.00heloanedaneighbouringoodfaithcanapproachthesmallclaimscourtsandhavetheirdisputesresolved. Suchcourtsareafast,effective and relatively cost-effective means to resolve disputes and reducethecaseloadonothercourts.Thequickersettlementofcasesimprovesjusticeanddiminishesthesenseofimpunityamonglawoffenders.

TheGovernmentofSwitzerlandthroughtheSwissAgencyforDevelopmentand Cooperation (SDC) is pleased to provide support to the initiative ofthe Government of South Africa through the Department of Justice andConstitutionalDevelopment(DOJ&CD)tore-engineeritsSmallClaimsCourts.

The initiative’s aim is to allow free and fair access to justice for every SouthAfricancitizenandresidentinSouthAfricathroughthestrengtheningofSmallClaimsCourts.AkeyfocusistoempowerthemostvulnerablepeopleinSouthAfricatoexercisetheirrights,therebyassistinginpovertyreduction.

TheSwissinvolvementinthisprojectaimsatcomplementingthetransformationprocess of the justice system and the strengthening of democracy in SouthAfrica.TheinvolvementisalsoinlinewithSwitzerland’ssupportforpreviousprojectsinitiatedbytheDOJ&CD,specifically“TransformationoftheSheriff’sProfession”andthe“SmallClaimsCourtConference”in2003whichwaspartoftheprocesstodevelopablueprintforSmallClaimsCourts.

The present publication is meant as a guideline for commissioners andclerks. It contributes to the re-engineering of the Small Claims Courts andclarify the procedures and augments the skills required by commissionersandprofessionalstocarryouttheirresponsibilitieseffectively.ItalsohelpstostandardisethepracticeoftheSmallClaimsCourts,therebyenhancingtheirperformanceandtheirabilitytoprovidejusticetoall.



Inthislight,IwouldliketoemphasizethecommitmentoftheGovernmentofSwitzerlandtosupporttheSmallClaimsCourtsinSouthAfrica.

_________________rudolf BaerfussAmbassador of switzerland to south Africa



ACKnoWlEDGEmEnTsTheDepartmentofJusticeandConstitutionalDevelopmentwouldliketothankand appreciate the various persons and organisations that have assisted inpromotingtheSmallClaimsCourtsinSouthAfrica.Theprocessofdevelopingtheguidelineswashighlyconsultative.

Inparticular, sincereappreciation isexpressedtothe followingpersonsandinstances:• The former and the current Deputy Ministers of Justice and

Constitutional Development for their vision and guidance on thetransformation of Small Claims Courts and in particular towards thedevelopmentofthesepracticalGuidelines;

• The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, for their kindandcontinuoussupporttotheSmallClaimsCourtsinitiativesandtheProjectOffice,whichhasmadethedevelopmentoftheseGuidelinespossible;

• The members of the National Steering Committee, who are taskedwith the re-engineering of the Small Claims Courts and who havealsomadeasubstantialcontributiontowardsthedevelopmentoftheGuidelinesthroughtheirstrategicandpolicyguidance;

• The Task Team members, the participants of the consultativeworkshops, the Materials Review Committee, the representatives ofJustice College, the Law Societies and the Bar Councils, and all themany other stakeholders which are now not specifically thanked byname,fortheirinputs,commentsandassistancewiththedevelopmentoftheGuidelines;

• The Project Office, and staff of the Chief Directorate under whoseauspices the Small Claims Court portfolio resorts, for their tirelessefforts in ensuring that all the contributions and inputs were puttogether;



• PEC for their assistance in the layout, design and production of theGuidelines.

Withsincerethanks

__________________ms n msomi Director-GeneralDepartment of Justice and Constitutional Development

__________________ms n msomi



HIsTorICAl BACKGroUnD

GEnErAlThe initiativetoestablishSmallClaimsCourtsbegan intheearly1980s.TheHoexter Commission of Inquiry was appointed to inquire into the structureand functioning of the courts in South Africa.The Commission reported in1982thatSouthAfricawasindesperateneedofaspecificcourtdesignedtosettlesmallcivilclaimsinaninformalandinexpensivemanner.

Chapter13ofthefinalReportoftheCommissionenvisagedtheprocedureinSmallClaimsCourtstobesimilartoanarbitrationconductedinaninformalatmosphere by a presiding officer, to be known as a Commissioner whoassumesandmaintainsanactiveinquisitorialroleintheproceedings.ItwasproposedthattheCommissionershouldbevestedwithpowerstoadoptanyprocedurewhichhe/sheconsiderstobeconvenientandtoaffordafairandequalopportunityforeachpartytopresenthis/hercase;andinparticularinanatmospherewheretherulesofevidencewouldberelaxed.Asaresultofthefindings,theSmallClaimsCourtsAct61of1984waspassed.

In2003,theDepartmentofJusticeandConstitutionalDevelopment,togetherwith the Cape Law Society and the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation, convened a conference in CapeTown to which key stakeholderswere invited to review Small Claims Courts. Although there was generalconsensus amongst conference delegates for Small Claims Courts to beretained,delegatesfeltthatthesecourtswerenotfunctioningatoptimallevel.Theyidentifiedanumberofshortcomingswhichwereaccordinglyconsidered.The National Action Plan adopted at the 2003 conference identified thefollowing‘keyresultareas’fortransformation:

• Amendment of the Small Claims Courts Act 61 of 1984 to take theConstitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and any otherlegislationthathaseffectontheoperationoftheSmallClaimsCourts,intoaccount.

• PropertrainingforCommissionersandcourtofficials.

• Development of a manual/guide for training of commissioners andcourtofficials.



• Developmentofanallinclusivepubliceducationandcommunicationstrategy.

• IntroductionofaStudentInternshipProgrammeinSmallClaimsCourtsforstudentswhowouldliketovolunteertheirservicesinthesecourts.

• DecentralisationofSmallClaimsCourtstoruralandperi-urbanareas.

• Appointment of a National Steering Committee to co-ordinate,manageandfacilitatethere-engineeringoftheCourts.

ItisagainstthisbackgroundthatGuidelinesforCommissionersandClerksofSmallClaimsCourtsweredevelopedaspartofthetransformationprocessofthecourts.



THE CommIssIonEr’s CoDE of ConDUCTThe role of the Commissioner is central to the South African legal systemand the rule of law. Intrinsic to this are the precepts that Commissioners,individuallyandcollectively,mustrespectandhonourtheirresponsibilitiesaspresidingofficersandstrivetoenhanceandmaintainconfidenceinthelegalsystem.Commissionersarenotdetachedfromtheirsocialsurroundings.TheCommissioner’s conduct, morality, logic, common sense, tradition and lifeexperience,whichhaveguidedandarestillguidingCommissionersinourlegalsystem,continuetoguideCommissionersintheiradjudicationresponsibilities.

Commissioners,inexecutingtheirroleaspresidingofficers,contributetotheenablementofvulnerablegroupstoaccess justice.Their role incorporatesasocialresponsibilityaspectinthesensethattheyarenotcompensatedfortheirservices.Commissionersoffertheirprofessionalskillsforfreeintheinterestsofthegeneralpublic.

Inexecutingtheirfunctions,Commissionersareguidedbytheirprofessionalcodes of conduct as applicable to their profession as well as the followinggeneralCodeofConductstandards.

However, in all matters not expressly discussed in these conduct standards,the Commissioner must act in the spirit of the Code, in accordance with theConstitutionandthelawandsubjecttothegeneralethicalnormsapplicableinthelegalprofession.

TheCodeofConductstandardsrequirethat:

1. ACommissionershallfromthetimeofnoticeofacceptanceofappointmentuntil terminationoftheappointmentcomplywiththeprovisionsoftheCodeofEthicsandnotallowfamilyorotherrelationshipstoinfluencehisprofessionalconductandshall:–

(a) faithfully maintain his competence in the law and perform hisdutieswithoutbiasorprejudice;

(b) accordfullrighttobeheardtothoseentitled;

(c) avoidex partecommunications,exceptasspecifiedinthisCode;

(d) disposemattersfairlyandpromptly;



(e) make proper arrangements with other Commissioners in theeventthathe/shewouldnotbeabletoattendcourt;

(f ) discharge administrative responsibilities without bias and withcompetence;

(g) require court officials and personnel to observe standards ofconductandrefrainfrombiasandprejudice;

(h) not personally solicit memberships or donations for political,religious,fraternal,educational,civic,orcharitableorganizationsfromthepartiesandwitnesses;

(i) under no circumstances accept a gift, bequest or favour if thedonorisaparty,person,orentitywhoseinterestsareorarelikelytocomebeforehim/her;

(j) discourage members of his/her family from accepting benefitsfrompartieswhoareorarelikelytocomebeforehim/her;

2. A Commissioner shall be expected to recuse him/herself from the

proceedingsforanyofthefollowingreasons:

(a) S/hebelieveshis/herrecusalwouldfurthertheinterestsofjustice;

(b) S/hebelievesthereisasubstantialdoubtastohisorhercapacitytobeimpartial;

(c) A person aware of the facts in dispute might entertain a doubtthathe/shewouldbepartial,biasedorprejudicedtoeitheroftheparties;

(d) S/hehasanarrangementconcerningprospectiveemploymentorothercompensatedserviceorisparticipatinginorwithinthelasttwo years has participated in discussions regarding prospectiveemploymentorhasbeenengagedinsuchemploymentorservice,andanyofthefollowingapplies:

(i) The arrangement or current employment is, or the prioremploymentordiscussionwaswithapartytotheproceedings;

(ii) The Commissioner directs the parties to participate in analternative dispute resolution process in which the disputeresolution person will be an individual or entity with whom



theCommissionerhasthearrangementiscurrentlyemployedor serves, has previously been employed or served, or isdiscussingorhasdiscussedtheemploymentorservice;

3. TheCommissionershallnotseektoinduceawaiverandshallavoidanyefforttodiscoverwhichpartiesfavouredoropposedawaiver.

4. The Commissioner shall not make any public comment about pendingor impending proceedings before him/her; however, this Rule does notprohibitthefollowing:

(a) Statements made in the course of the official duties of theCommissioner;

(b) Explanationsforpublicinformationabouttheproceduresofthecourt.

5. ACommissionershallnot:

(a) disclose confidential or private information obtained in hiscapacityasapresidingofficerunlessrequiredbylaw;

(b) commend or criticize fellow commissioners for their verdicts/orders;

(c) usehis/hertitleinanywrittencommunicationintendedtoadvancehis/her,oranotherperson’specuniaryorpersonalinterests;

6. ACommissionershallcomplywith theprovisionsof thisCodeuntil theappointmenthasbeenformallyterminated.



smAll ClAIms CoUrT TErms AnD DEfInITIons Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms as used in thisguidehavethemeaningsreflectedbelow:

Act – ReferstotheSmallClaimsCourtsAct61of1984.

Advisory Board – A bodyconsistingofappointedmembersofthepublic andofficialsoftheDepartment.

Affidavit – Awrittenstatementmadeunderoathoruponaffirmationbeforeapersonauthorizedtoadministeroaths.

Cause of action–Essentialfactsofaclaimwhichtheplaintiffmustproveinordertosucceedwiththeclaim.

Claim – A writtenstatementmadebytheplaintiffdetailingtheclaimsagainstthedefendant.

Clerk –ApersonappointedtoattendtotheadministrationoftheSmallClaimsCourt.

Commissioner –APresidingOfficerinaSmallClaimsCourt.

Contempt of court – Deliberatelydisobeyingacourtorderordisruptingcourtproceedings.

Costs – Chargespayableto instituteandpursueanactioninaSmallClaimsCourt,limitedtothesheriff’sfee.

Counterclaim – Aclaimthedefendantmakesagainsttheplaintiffinreactiontothemainclaim.

Damages – Monetarylosssufferedbyeitherparty.

Debtor –Apersonwhoowesmoney.

Default judgment – Ajudgmentawardedbythecourtintheabsenceofoneoftheparties.

Defendant–Thepersonagainstwhomaclaimismade.



Dismissal – WhentheCommissionerdismissesaclaim.

Ejectment/Eviction – Thelegalprocessofremovingsomeonefromimmovableproperty.

Evidence rules – Therulessurroundingthepresentationofevidence.

Execution – Theenforcementofajudgment.

Judgment/order – AdecisionmadebyaCommissioner.

Judgment creditor–Apersoninwhosefavourajudgmentisgranted.

Judgment debtor–Apersonagainstwhomajudgmentisgranted.

Jurisdiction – Theauthorityofthecourttohearanddecideclaims.

Jurisdictional limit – ThemaximumamountthatcanbeawardedbyaSmallClaimsCourtinrespectofaclaim.

letter of Demand–Noticeofintentiontoinstituteproceedingsagainstthedefendantshouldtheclaimnotbecompliedwith.

Parties –Theplaintiffandthedefendantinvolvedinthelawsuit.

Plaintiff – Thepersonwhofilesaclaim.

Proof of service – Adocumentfiledwiththecourtprovingthatapartyhasbeenproperlypresentedwithcopiesofthecourtpapers.

record –Meanstotakedowninformationpresentedincourtbythepartiesinwriting,shorthandorelectronically.

service–Presentingadocumenttoanotherpersoninaccordancewiththerulesofthecourt.

settlement – AnagreementbetweenthepartiesthemselveswithorwithouttheinvolvementofaCommissioner.

sheriff (including the Deputy sheriff) – ApersonappointedbytheMinister,taskedtodelivercourtdocumentationprocesses.



subpoena – Anofficialorderofthecourtrequiringapersontoappearincourttotestify.

summons – Anoticeinformingthedefendanttoappear incourttoanswerclaimsinstitutedagainsthim/her.

Unliquidated claim–Aclaimwheretheamountindisputeisnotfixedunderanexpressagreementandrequiresanassessmentbythecourt;forexampledamagesarisingoutofamotorvehiclecollision.

Witness – Apersonwhoiscalledtocourttotestifyonbehalfofeitherparty.



PUrPosE AnD APPlICATIon of THE GUIDEThis guide will benefit Commissioners of the Small Claims Courts, courtpersonnelandotherprofessionalsworkingwithmattersinvolvingsmallclaimsbetweenpartieswhoseekfastandinexpensivelegalredress.ItisspecificallydesignedtoequipCommissionerswiththebasicskillsneededtoadjudicateoversmallcivilclaimsintermsoftheSmallClaimsCourtsActof1984.

TheCommissioner’sguideisinessencesimilartotheoneforclerksbutplacesmoreemphasisontheroleoftheCommissionerintheSmallClaimsCourtanddiffersfromtheclerk’smanualinthatitadditionallydealswiththefollowing:• CodeofEthics;• OfficeoftheCommissioner–Chapter3;• NatureoftheHearing–Chapter8;and• EvaluationofEvidence–Chapter9.

However,theguideisnotintendedtoconstitutelegaladviceortaketheplaceofalegalassistant.LegalassistantsappointedfortheSmallClaimsCourtareresponsible to give legal advice; alternatively, the parties can be referred toapproachtheirrespectivelegalrepresentatives.

The primary source of information for the development of the guide is theSmallClaimsCourtsAct,61of1984(asamended)andtherules regulating matters In respect of small Claims Courts published under GovernmentNoticeR1893inGovernmentGazette9909of30August1985(asamended).

Any person requiring more information or assistance with any matterpertaining to the guide, may contact the clerk of the Small Claims Court atanylocalMagistrate’sCourt,ormayvisittheaddressorcontactthetelephonenumbersbelow:The Project manager / secretary329 Pretorius street, 8th floor momentum Centre (West Tower)PretoriaTel no.: 012 357 8236/8258fax no.: 086 640 0641/086 500 5549



CHAPTEr 1

1. THE form AnD nATUrE of A smAll ClAIms CoUrT

1.1 nature of the Court

The Small Claims Court is a court where claims are resolved speedily,inexpensivelyandinformally.Litigantsconducttheirowncaseswithoutlegalrepresentation.

1.2 The procedure is informal

The procedure and rules are simplified to enable the litigant to understandandconducttheproceedingswithease.

1.3 small Claims Court not a court of record

TheproceedingsintheSmallClaimsCourtarenotrecordedbutCommissionersareadvisedtotakenotesoftheproceedingsforuseinthepossibleeventofareview.TheCommissionermustrecordtheverdict/orderinthecourtfileandsignit.

1.4 Who may institute a claim?

OnlyanaturalpersoncaninstituteaclaimintheSmallClaimsCourt,butjuristicpersonsmayonlyfilecounterclaims.1

1.5 The nature of claims in the small Claims Court

A person can file a claim within the current jurisdictional limit of R7 000.00which amount is from time to time decided by the Minister of Justice andConstitutionalDevelopment(“theMinister”).

1 raman v Barlow motor Investments (PTY) lTD t/a natal motor Industries Prospection and others1999(4)SA606(D).



1.6 functionaries / officials in small Claims Court

1.6.1 Advisory Boards(a) members of the Advisory Board

TheAdvisoryBoardconsistsofmemberswhoareappointedbytheMinister.2TheMinisteralsoappointsthechairpersonandvice-chairpersonoftheBoard.3

(b) functions of the Advisory Board

TheAdvisoryBoardis,inter alia,responsibleforthefollowing:

(i) To determine at every centre the needs of the community for SmallClaims Court services, the availability of Commissioners, court andadministrativeofficials,andtoidentifymembersfortheAdvisoryBoardandmakerecommendationsinthisregardtotheMinisterandtoregulatecourtsessionsandrecesses;

(ii) To identify a building to accommodate the court, investigate theaccessibilityandthesuitabilityofthebuildinganddeterminewhetherthefacilitiesaresufficientfortheneedsofthecourt;

(iii) ToobtainthenamesandparticularsofsuitablepersonsforthepositionofclerkofSmallClaimsCourtaswellaslegalassistant(s)andinterpreterstobeappointedbythemagistrateofthedistrictinwhichtheseatofaSmallClaimsCourtissituated;4

(iv) WiththeassistanceoftheClerkoftheSmallClaimsCourt,toresolveanyadministrativechallengesthatarisesinthedistrict;

(v) TofacilitatetrainingofCommissionersandcourtofficials;

(vi) TomeetregularlyandsubmitacopyoftheminutesofthemeetingstotheDirector-General:JusticeandConstitutionalDevelopmentwhomustbenotifiedinwritingofanyresignation,deathorchangeinrespectofthemembersoftheBoard.

2 SeeRule2(1).3 SeeRule2(3).4 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s11(1).



1.6.2 Commissioners

PresidingOfficersintheSmallClaimsCourtarecalledCommissioners.5In terms of the Small Claims Courts Act, the Minister or any otherpersontowhomthepowerisdelegatedmayappointaCommissionerfortheSmallClaimsCourt.6

n.B. (functions of the Commissioners – refer to Chapter 3 for more information)

1.6.3 other functionaries/court officers

Intermsofsection11oftheAct,themagistrateofthedistrictinwhichtheseatofaSmallClaimsCourtissituated,mayappointasmanyclerksof the Small Claims Court, interpreters and legal assistants for thatcourtasmaybenecessary.

5 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s86 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s9(1)(a)and(1A).



CHAPTEr 2

JUrIsDICTIon2.1 General

Jurisdictionreferstotheauthorityofthecourttohearanddecidecases.AnyreferenceinthisguidetothejurisdictionoftheSmallClaimsCourt includesthepowerofthecourttohearandadjudicatelegaldisputesbetweenparties.JurisdictionallimitsareanimportantfeatureofSmallClaimsCourtsandmustbeadheredtobybothlitigantsandCommissioners.Lackofjurisdictionisagroundforreview.

Theinstitutionofanactioninacourtwhichisnotvestedwiththenecessaryjurisdictioncan lead toadismissalofanactionand theprospective litigantwhowishestoproceedwiththecasewouldhavetoinstitutetheclaimfromthebeginninginacompetentcourt.Therefore,theclerkoftheSmallClaimsCourtmustassistprospectivelitigantsinordertodeterminewhichcourthasjurisdictioninrespectoftheactionwhichistobeinstituted.

2.1.1 Jurisdiction in respect of persons

Onlyanaturalpersonmayinstituteanactionasplaintiff,butbothanaturalorjuristicpersonmaybecomeapartytoanactionasadefendant. Therefore,ajuristicpersonisnotallowedtoinstituteaclaiminaSmallClaimsCourtasaplaintiffbutmayfileacounterclaimasadefendant.7

The Small Claims Court Act lists the circumstances under which the SmallClaims Court of a specific area will have jurisdiction in respect of persons(section14):

(a) The plaintiff may sue the defendant where the defendant resides,worksorcarriesonbusiness.

(b) The plaintiff may sue a partnership where its business premises aresituatedorwhereoneofthepartnersresideswithinthejurisdictionofthecourt.

(c) Theplaintiffmaysueacompanyoraclosecorporationwhereithasits

7 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s7(1).



registeredheadofficeorprincipalplaceofbusiness.

(d) Inthecaseofasyndicate,unincorporatedcompany,club,societyorchurch,atthelocalofficeorplaceofbusinessofsuchbody.

(e) Thecourthasjurisdictioninrespectofthedefendantifthecauseofactionaroseentirelywithinthejurisdictionofthecourt.Itisirrelevantwhether or not the defendant resides, works or carries on businesswithintheareaofjurisdictionofthecourt.8

(f ) The court further has jurisdiction in respect of a defendant whoappearsanddoesnotobjecttothecourt’sjurisdiction.Indoingso,thedefendantactuallysubjectshimselforherselftothejurisdictionofthecourt,whichwouldotherwisenothavehadjurisdiction.9

(g) Inactionsregardingimmovableproperty(suchasahouse,municipalstandorsectionaltitle)orabondonsuchproperty,thecourtinwhosejurisdiction the immovable property is situated has jurisdiction inrespectoftheowneroftheproperty.10

(h) Aparty to theactionmayalso,with theconsentofall theparties,orupontheapplicationofoneofthepartieswhosatisfiesthecourtthatthe hearing of the action in that court may result in undue expenseor inconvenience to him or her, be transferred by the court to anyothercourt,andinsuchacasethelattercourtmust,notwithstandinganythingtothecontrarycontainedinthisActhavejurisdictiontohearthataction.11

(i) Thecourtalsohasjurisdictionongroundsofincidentalproceedings.Ifanactionisinstitutedinaspecificcourt,thecourtmayhearmattersrelatedtothecase.

8 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s14(1)(d).9 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s14(1)(e).10 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s14(1)(f ).11 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s13.



2.1.2 Jurisdiction in respect of causes of action (sections 15 – 17)

(a) Causes of actionThe Small Claims Court has jurisdiction in respect of the followingcausesofaction:

(i) Actions for delivery or transfer of movable or immovable propertyTheseareactionsinstitutedwhereaclaimisinstitutedforthedeliveryortransferofmovableorimmovablepropertynotexceedingR7000.12

(ii) Actions for ejectment TheSmallClaimsCourthasjurisdictioninactionsforejectmentagainsttheoccupieroflandorpremiseswhichisunlawfullyoccupiedbutnotusedforresidentialpurposesandwhichissituatedwithinthecourt’sareaofjurisdiction.Ifinsuchanactiontherighttooccupationisalsoindispute,thecourthasjurisdictioniftheclearvalue13ofthatrighttotheoccupierdoesnotexceedtheamountofR7000.

Ejectment claims limited to land/premises occupied for business purposes In the Small Claims court ejectment claims are limited to propertyoccupiedforbusinesspurposesonly.Forexample,aplaintiffmayejectadefendantwhofailedtopayrentinbreachofaleaseagreementinrespect of land or premises occupied by the defendant for businesspurposes.Aplaintiffmay,however,notejectadefendantwhofailedtopayrentinbreachofaleaseagreementinrespectoflandorpremisesoccupied by the defendant for residential purposes. Therefore theSmallClaimsCourtcannotbeusedtoejectadefendantfrompremisesinwhichheorsheresides.

The meaning of “unlawful occupier” in terms of PIE Act This isbecauseevictionbyacourt fromlandorpremisesunlawfullyoccupiedisregulatedintermsofthePrevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful occupation of land Act19of1998(PIEACT).Theconcept“unlawfuloccupier”inthePIEActincludesonlythosepersonswhooccupypremisesunlawfullyforresidentialpurposesandexcludes

12 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s15(a).13 Foradiscussionof‘clearvalue’-seep66andfurtherofVolume1ofJonesandBuckle EighthEditionoftheCivil Practice of the Magistrates’ Courts in South Africa.



thosewhooccupypremisesorlandunlawfullyforbusinesspurposes.14TheSmallclaimsCourthasjurisdictioninactionsforejectmentfrompremises occupied for business purposes as ejectment from suchpremisesisexcludedfromtheapplicationofthePIEAct.

The Small Claims Court is not a court for the purposes of the PIE ActThedefinitionoftheterm“court”inthePIEActreferstotheHighCourtortheMagistrate’sCourtandexcludestheSmallClaimsCourt.OnlytheMagistrate’sCourtandtheHighCourtmaybeapproachedtoinstituteproceedings in terms of the PIE Act. When the plaintiff needs toinstituteactionforejectmentofadefendantwhounlawfullyoccupieslandorpremisesforresidentialpurposes,heorshemayonlyapproachtheMagistrate’sCourtortheHighCourt.ThereforetheSmallClaimsCourtisnotacourtforthepurposesofthePIEAct.Putdifferently,theSmallClaimsCourtmaynotapplytheprovisionsofthePIEAct.

(iii) Actions based on liquid documents and mortgage bondsA liquid document is a document that in itself renders proof that aperson unconditionally acknowledges, under his/her signature, thathe/sheowesafixedamountofmoney.15

Thejurisdictiongrantedbysection15(c)oftheActtoaSmallClaimsCourtinanactionbasedonorresultingfromaliquiddocumentorabondislimitedtoR7000.

Thefollowingareexamplesofliquiddocuments:• promissorynotes;• billsofexchangeandcheques;• unconditionalbondsandadmissionsofdebt.

(iv) Actions based on credit agreements TheSmallClaimsCourt’sjurisdictioninactionsbasedonorresultingfromacreditagreement(hire–purchasecontract)asdefinedinsection1 of the national Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA), is limited to claimswherethevalueofthegoodsindisputeisnotmorethantheprescribedamount (R7 000). Commissioners are cautioned to take note of the

14 Seendlovu v ngcobo, Bekker and Another v Jika2003(1)SA113SCA.15 Seerich v lagerwey1974(4)SA748(A).



provisionsofsection129and130oftheNCA.

Thevaluereferredtoisthemarketvalueofthegoodsatthetimeoftheinstitutionoftheclaim.

(b) Claims excluded from the jurisdiction of the small Claims Court

Claimsexcludedfromthejurisdictionofthecourtare:16

• ClaimsexceedingR7000invalue;

• ClaimsagainsttheState;

• Claimsbasedonthecessionorthetransferofrights;

• Claims for damages in respect of defamation, maliciousprosecution, wrongful imprisonment, wrongful arrest, seductionandbreachofpromisetomarry;

• Claimsforthedissolutionofamarriage;

• Claimsconcerningthevalidityandinterpretationofwills;

• Claimsconcerningthestatusofapersoninrespectofhisorhermentalcapacity;

• Claims in which specific performance is sought without analternativeclaimfordamages;

• Perpetualsilence;

• Labourrelateddisputes;and

• Validityoflegislation.

(c) Abandonment of portions of the claimAparty,whoseclaimexceedstheprescribedlimit,isallowedintermsofsection18oftheAct,toabandonapartoftheclaimwhichexceedsthelimitinordertobringtheclaimwithinthejurisdictionofthecourt.

Apartymustspecificallyexpressthathe/sheabandonsthatpartoftheclaiminthesummonsorcounterclaim;

Apartymayalsointermsofsection19oftheActdeductanamount

16 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,ss14,15and16.



thathe/sheadmitsisowedtotheotherpartyfromtheclaiminordertobringitwithinthejurisdictionofthecourt.

(d) Actions against the stateSmall Claims Courts are prohibited from entertaining actionsinstitutedagainsttheState.17Theterm“State”includestheprovincialadministrationsandmunicipalities(LocalGovernment).

The prohibition against summonsing the state also includes all theemployeesofthestateiftheproposedactionisagainstthemintheirofficialcapacity.

Institutionssuchasuniversities,ESKOM,TELKOMandresearchcouncilsdo not form part of the state and may be sued in the Small ClaimsCourts.

Section2oftheInterpretation Act9Act33of1957,definestheterm“person”toinclude:

a) Any divisional council, municipal council, village managementboard,orlikeauthority;

b) anycompanyincorporatedorregisteredassuchunderanylaw;or

c) anybodyofpersonscorporateorunincorporated.

(e) Cession of rights (section 22)ASmallClaimsCourtdoesnothavejurisdictioninrespectofanyclaimorcounterclaimbasedinwholeorinpartuponacessionorassignmentofrights.18Thereforeapersonoracompanycannottransferaclaimtosomeoneelse(e.g.toadebtcollector).

17 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s14(2).18 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s14(4).



2.2 limitations in terms of the Act

2.2.1 Parties

Aspointedoutabove,onlyanaturalpersonmay instituteanactionintheSmallClaimsCourt.19However,ajuristicpersonmayinstituteacounterclaimasadefendant.

Anaturalpersonisdistinctfromajuristicpersonwhoisalegalentitysuchasacompany,acorporationorstatutorybody.20

2.2.2 splitting of claims is not permissible

AclaimmaynotbedividedintoseveralsmallerclaimsinordertorecoverthefullamountthatexceedstheSmallClaimsCourtjurisdiction.21

Allclaimsthatarebasedonasinglecauseofactionmustbeinstitutedinoneaction.22

2.2.3 labour matters

LabourmattersareregulatedbytheBasic Conditions of Employment Act75of1997andthelabour relations Act66of1995,asamended.Such claims are normally not part of the scope of the Small ClaimsCourt.RepresentativesoftheLawSocietieshave,however,indicatedthat there may be circumstances where specific claims, althoughrelatedtolabourmatters,maybeofadifferentnatureandcouldbeheardintheSmallClaimsCourt.ThisissuewillbecanvassedfurtherandfutureamendmentstotheGuidelineswilldealwiththeissueinmore detail. In the meantime, we suggest that Clerks of the SmallClaimsCourtandCommissionersnotetheBackgroundNotedirectlyhereunderintoconsiderationwhendealingwithclaimsofthisnature:

19 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s7(1).20 SeeStraussat9-10.21 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s20.22 SeeCustom Credit Corp (Pty) ltd v shembe1972(3)SA462(A)at472A.



It is generally accepted that the Small Claims Court does not havejurisdictioninlabourmatters.Howeverthisapproachcouldresultinclaimsforagreedremunerationbeingexcluded. Thisapproachseemstobeanunnecessaryburdentoanemployeewhohassimplynotbeenpaidwhatwasagreed. ItalsoseemsincorrectinthelightoffEDlIfE AssUrAnCE lTD v WolfAArDT2002(1)SA49(SCA)2002(1)SAp49whichcanbedistinguishedfromtheKhumalovPotgieter2001(3)SA63(SCA)judgment. Therelevantparagraphofthe2002casemajorityjudgmentreadsasfollows:

“[27] Whether a particular dispute falls within the terms of s 191depends upon what is in dispute, and the fact that an unlawfuldismissal might also be unfair (at least as a matter of ordinarylanguage)isirrelevanttothatenquiry.Adisputefallswithinthetermsofthesectiononly ifthe‘fairness’ofthedismissal istheFsubjectoftheemployee’scomplaint.Whereitisnot,andthesubjectindisputeisthelawfulnessofthedismissal,thenthefactthatitmightalsobe,and probably is, unfair, is quite coincidental for that is not what theemployee’s complaint is about. The dispute in the present case is not about the fairness of the termination of the G respondent’s contract but about its unlawfulness and for that reason alone it does not fall within the terms of the section (even assuming that the termination constituted a ‘dismissal’ as defined in chap 8). In those circumstances the respondent’s action is not a ‘matter’ that is required to be adjudicated by the labour Court as contemplated by s 157(1) and the special plea was correctly set aside. “

If claims re “Labour Related Disputes” are totally excluded fromthe jurisdiction of Small Claims Courts, the impact that this couldpotentially have on an indigent member of the public that merelywantstoclaimasmallsalarydueintermsofacontract,isdrasticandthusthefactsofeachcaseshouldbecarefullyscrutinisedandwherefeasibleshouldbeconsideredforactionintheSmallClaimsCourts.

Thewholemattercanalsobebalancedwiththeprovisothatwhereamatteristoocomplicated(irrespectiveofwhetherthecauseofactionisa labourcontractornot)thecommissionerhasaright intermsofsection23oftheSmallClaimsCourtActtostoptheproceedings.



Thematterswhicharehoweverclearlyexcluded,arethosewherethefairnessoftheLabouractionisdisputed.

2.2.4 Area of jurisdiction

Theareaofjurisdictionofthecourtistheareaordistrictforwhichitwasestablished.

TheSmallClaimsCourtRulesstatethataclaimcanbeinstitutedintheareaordistrict–

(i) wherethetransactionoroccurrenceactuallytookplace;or

(ii) wheretheobligationordebtwasincurred;or

(iii) wheretheobligationistobeperformed;or

(iv) wherethedefendantresides;or

(v) wherethedefendanthashisorherplaceofemploymentatthetimeoffilingtheclaimorsuit.

2.2.5 monetary jurisdiction

ThefinanciallimitisnotspecifiedbytheAct,andislefttotheMinistertodeterminefromtimetotimebynoticeintheGovernmentGazette.23ThecurrentfinanciallimitdeterminedbytheMinisterisR7000.

2.2.6 representation

No legal representation is allowed in the Small Claims Court exceptwhereajuristicpersonisrepresentedbyalegallyqualifiedemployee.




2.3 Cumululative Jurisdiction

In terms of section 21 of the Small Claims Courts Act, the R7 000jurisdictionallimitdoesnotpreventaplaintifffrominstitutingclaimsinoneandthesamesummonsagainstthesamedefendant(s).Iftwoormoreclaims,eachbasedonadifferentcauseofaction,aresetoutinonesummons,thecourthasthesamejurisdictiontotryeachclaimasitwouldhavehad,hadeachclaimbeenthesubjectofaseparatecauseofaction.

2.4 Incidental Jurisdiction

Intermsofsection17oftheActthefollowingmattersdonotinfluencethecourt’sjurisdictiontohearclaims:

• In actions in which the sum claimed does not exceed thejurisdictionofthecourtandisthebalanceofanaccount,thecourtmayenquireintoandhearevidenceuponthewholeaccount,eventhoughthataccountrelatestoitemsandtransactionsexceedingthejurisdictionofthecourt;

• Wheretheamountclaimeddoesnotexceedthejurisdictionofthecourt, thecourt isnotdeprivedof jurisdictionmerelybecause itisnecessaryforthecourt,inordertoarriveatadecision,togiveafindinguponamatterbeyonditsjurisdiction;and

• In determining whether a claim falls within the jurisdiction ofa court, no claim for interest on a principal sum or for costs oralternativereliefmaybetakenintoaccount.

(a) ConsentThe Small Claims Court does not have jurisdiction to hear a matter,which exceeds its jurisdiction, even if the parties have consentedthereto.24

Apartytotheactionmay,withtheconsentofalltheparties,orupontheapplicationofoneofthepartieswhosatisfiesthecourtthatthehearing of the action in that court may result in undue expense orinconveniencetohimorher,betransferredtoanothercourtthathas

24 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s22.



jurisdictiontohearthetransferredaction.25

(b) Cases already pending in another courtSection50oftheActstipulatesthatcasesthatarependinginanothercourtof law(e.g.aMagistrate’sCourt)atthecommencementoftheActcannotbetransferredtotheSmallClaimsCourt.ApendingcasemustbeconcludedinthatparticularcourtasiftheActhadnotbeenpassed.

(c) Complicated casesIf a Commissioner is of the opinion that a case before him or hercontainsdifficultorcomplexquestionsoflaworoffact,whichcannotbe adequately or fairly be decided upon, he/she must stop theproceedings.

Theplaintiffmayinstituteanewactioninanothercompetentcourtoflaw.26

25 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s13.26 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s23(2).



CHAPTEr 3

THE offICE of CommIssIonEr

3.1 Appointment of Commissioners

Presiding Officers in the Small Claims Court are called Commissioners.27 Interms of the Act, the Minister or a magistrate may establish a Small ClaimsCourt.28 Section9(1)(a)authorisestheMinisteroranyofficeroftheDepartmentof Justice and Constitutional Development with the rank of director, or anequivalent or higher rank, delegated thereto in writing by the Minister, toappointoneormoreCommissionersforaSmallClaimsCourt.

Commissioners are drawn from the ranks of attorneys, advocates, retiredmagistrates and legal academics who are required to draw on their legaltrainingandexpertiseinconductingSmallClaimsCourtduties.

Commissioners generally respond when called upon to be appointed.Theyagree to be appointed for various reasons, including their commitment toservethecommunity;todevelopskillsandtogainvaluableexperienceasaCommissioner.

CurrentlythesmallclaimssysteminSouthAfricaisdependantonthegoodwillanddedicationofCommissioners.

Sitting times are scheduled after hours (until late in the evenings) so thatCommissionerscanfulfiltheirSmallClaimsCourtdutieswithoutinterferencewiththeirlegalpractices.

3.2 functions and powers of the Commissioner

(a) ThefunctionoftheCommissionerisessentiallyadjudicativeorjudicialin nature. He/she adjudicates over small civil disputes between aplaintiffanddefendant.

(b) Afterthehearing,theCommissionerisempoweredtograntjudgmentforeitherpartyinrespectoftheclaim,thedefenceorcounterclaim,in

27 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s2(2).28 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s9(1)(a)and(1A).



sofarasthecasehasbeenproved.29

(c) TheCommissioner’sdecisionisbasedsolelyontheevidencepresentedbythepartiesduringthetrialandinaccordancewiththe law. If theCommissionerisoftheopinionthattheevidencedoesnotenablehimorhertogivejudgmentforeitherparty,he/shemaygrantabsolutionfromtheinstance.30

(d) TheCommissionermayalsograntsuchjudgmentastocostsasmaybejust.31

(e) TheCommissionerperformshis/herdutieswithouttheassistanceofattorneysoradvocates,withaconsiderableamountofdiscretionandflexibilityintheprocedure.

(f ) TheCommissioner’sdecisionisfinalandsubjecttoreviewonly.

3.3 Criteria for Appointment

(a) ItisarequirementthataCommissionershouldhavelegalqualificationsandanuninterruptedperiodofatleastfiveyearsofpracticalexperienceorinvolvementinthetuitionoflaw(section9(2)).

(b) This restriction to limit the appointment of Commissioners to thosewith legal qualifications and experience is in line with approachesfollowedinothersmallclaimscourtsystems.32

(c) Commissioners are appointed on a voluntary basis and are notremunerated.

(d) A Commissioner holds office during the Minister’s pleasure, whomayatanytimewithdrawtheappointmentif inhisopinionthereissufficientreasonfordoingso.33

29 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s34(a)-(b).30 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s34(c).31 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s34(d).32 Seee.g.theQueenslandSmallClaimsTribunalsAct1973,theVictorianSmallClaims TribunalsAct1973,theWesternAustralianSmallClaimsTribunalsAct1974,andSpiller, supranote1,at12.33 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s9(3)&(5).



CHAPTEr 4

fIlInG A ClAIm – PlAInTIff’s CAsE

4.1 letter of Demand

Theplaintiff is requiredtowritea letterofdemandanddeliver thesametothedefendant.34Theletterofdemandmustbrieflysetoutthenatureandtheamountoftheclaim,allowingthedefendantatleast14daysfromthedateofreceipttosatisfytheplaintiff’sclaim.The14daysiscalculatedfromthedateofreceiptoftheletterofdemand.Iftheplaintiffrequiresassistancewiththedraftingof the letterofdemand, theclerkof theSmallClaimsCourtshouldassisthimorher.35

(a) service of letter of Demand• Theletterofdemandmaybedeliveredpersonallybytheplaintiff

tothedefendantwhomustsignacopyoftheletter.

• If thedefendant refuses tosignacopyof the letter, theplaintiffmaymailtheletterbyregisteredpostormakeadeliveryaffidavitortakeanindependentwitnesswithwhomaymakeanaffidavit.

• Theletterofdemandmayalsobeservedbythesheriff.

(b) failure by Defendant to respond to letter of DemandIf thedefendant fails tosatisfy theplaintiff’sclaimassetout in the letterofdemandwithin14daysofreceipt,theplaintiffmayissueasummonstothedefendant.

34 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s29(1).35 AnnexureHmaybeusedasanexampleofaletterofdemand.



4.2 Issuing of summons

Theprocessbywhichanactioniscommencedisbywayofasummonswhichisadocumentcallinguponthedefendanttosatisfyaclaimwhichissetoutthereinor,alternatively,todefendtheactionwithinaspecifiedperiodoftime.Thesummonsalsosetsouttheconsequencesoffailuretocomply.

(a) Checklist for Issuing of summons:Theclerkofthecourt,beforeandafterissuingsummons,must–

• ensurethattheclaimsoughtdoesnotexceedR7000;

• besatisfiedwiththecontentsofthesummonsbeforeallocatinganumbertothesummonsorallocatingadateandplaceofhearing;

• number the original claim document, which number must bemarkedonalldocumentsrelatingtotheclaim;

• ensurethatahearingdateissetup;

• handtotheplaintifftheoriginalcopiesoftheclaimmarkedwiththeclaimnumberforserviceoneachdefendant;

• retainandfiletheoriginalsummonsandreturnofservice;

• place one copy of the summons in the file cover and hand theoriginalsummonstotheplaintifftogetherwiththeothercopiesforservice;and

• ensurethatthecasenumberandnamesofthepartiesonthefilecoverareenteredinadiarythatisspeciallykeptforthispurpose(trialdatediary),andthefilesarefiledinnumericalorder.

(b) forms of summonsThesummonsmustinallrespectscomplywithform1,ascontainedinAnnexure 1oftheRules.TheformnumbersareJ141A(Afrikaans)andJ141E(English).Theformsaresuppliedfreeofchargetoplaintiffs.Summonsesmustbepreparedintriplicate.Ifthereismorethanonedefendant, additional copies must be prepared for each additionaldefendant.



(c) Essentials for a claim Thefollowingessentialrequirementsapplytoclaimsbroughtbefore

theSmallClaimsCourt:

• Theclaimmustbelegallyvalid;

• theclaimmustbebroughtagainsttherightperson;and

• thedetailsoftheclaimmustbekeptsimple.

(d) Drawing up of summonsA summons can only be issued within a period of 14 days after thedefendanthasfailedtosatisfytheclaimlodgedagainsthimorherandproofofserviceoftheletterofdemandmusthavebeenobtained.

The following information should be completed on the summons,whichshouldbeintriplicate:

• Casenumber;

• Dateonwhichthesummonsisissued;

• Name,surnameandaddressoftheparties;

• Signatureoftheplaintiff;

• Districtinwhichthesummonsisissued;

• Districtwheretheproceedingswillbeheld;

• Date,timeandplaceatwhichthetrialwilltakeplace;

• Amountoftheclaim;

• Brief particulars of the claim (as mentioned in the letter ofdemand);

• If any amount exceeding the amount of R7 000 has beenabandoned,particularsofthesaidamountshouldbestatedandtheplaintiffshouldsigninthespaceprovided;



• Ifthereismorethanonedefendant,anextracopyofthesummonsshouldbemadeforeachdefendant;and

• theplaintiffmustplacehisorherinitialsnexttoanyamendmentsmadetothesummons.

After theclerkof thecourthasconfirmedthatall theparticularsonthe summons have been properly completed, s/he must issue thesummonsandmustinformtheplaintiffofthefollowing:

• That thesummonswilleitherbeservedon thedefendantby the

Sheriffwhowillchargeafeefortheserviceforwhichtheplaintiffwillbeliable,orthattheplaintiffcanservethesummonspersonally,inwhichcaseanaffidavitshouldbehandedtotheclerkofthecourttotheeffectthatproperservicehastakenplace;

• Thatthesummonsshouldbeservedat leastten daysbeforethehearingdate;

• The date, time and the place at which the proceedings will takeplace;

• That the plaintiff must contact the clerk of the court before theproceedingstoensurethatareturnofservicewasobtained;

• That the plaintiff must produce all the supporting documents onwhichtheclaimisbasedforfilinginthecourtfile;and

• That if the plaintiff has any witnesses, the witnesses should bepresentatthecourtontherelevanthearingdate.

(e) Amendment of summons Iftheplaintiffmakesanerrorwiththedraftingofthesummons,he/shemayamendthedocumentbefore it is servedonthedefendantbysimplynotingtheamendmentontheoriginalandonthecopiesandinitiallingthealterationstothesummonsafterithasbeenissuedbut before it is served. The clerk of the court must also initial theamendment.



Ifthesummonshasalreadybeenserved,theplaintiffwillhavetoapplytothecourtforpermissiontoamendthesummons.TheCommissionermayallowthis,providedthattheamendmentdoesnotprejudicethedefendant.36




CHAPTEr 5

DEfEnDAnT’s CAsEThesummonsservedonthedefendantmustprovidedetailsof theplaintiffandthebasisoftheplaintiff’sclaim.

5.1 response upon service of summons

Upon receipt of the summons, the defendant may at any time before thehearing,lodgeawrittenstatementsettingoutthenatureofhis/herdefenceandthegroundsonwhichthedefenceisbasedwiththeclerk.37

Thesummons informs thedefendantof thesteps thats/heshould follow ifdecidingtodefendthecase.

The following steps may be taken by the defendant after receipt of thesummons:

5.1.1 Defendant may defend the action

Ifthedefendantwishestodefendtheplaintiff’sclaim,s/hemaylodgeapleawiththeclerk.

Thepleamustcontaintheparticularsoftheplaintiffanddefendant,astheyappearonthesummonsandmustcontainthebasisofthedefence.

IfadefendantapproachestheclerkoftheSmallClaimsCourttofileaplea,theclerkorlegalassistantcanassisthimorherwiththeformulationthereof.Theclerkmustadvisethedefendanttofurnishtheplaintiffwithacopyofthepleapriortothehearing.

5.1.2 Defendant may admit the claim against him/her

Adefendantwhodoesnotdisputeaclaimmaymakeanarrangementwiththeplaintifftopaytheclaim.Intheeventthatthedefendant,whileadmittingtheclaim,declaresthathe/shecannotaffordtosatisfytheclaimimmediately,thedefendantmaymakeaproposalfor“termsofpayment”totheplaintiff,e.g.




weeklyormonthlypayments.

Thedefendantcanalsomakeaproposalfortermsofpaymentforthatpartoftheamountclaimedwhichs/headmits.

5.1.3 Defendant may file a counterclaim

If the defendant elects to file a counterclaim, he/she must deliver a writtenstatement, which contains the same particulars as those required for asummonstotheclerkbeforethedateofthehearing.

Thedefendantmayapproachtheclerkorlegalassistantforassistancewiththeformulationthereof.

Checklist for filing a plea• Thecasenumber;

• Inclusionofpersonalparticularsofboththeplaintiffandthedefendant;

• Full personal details of the defendant as they appear in the originalsummons;

• Theplaintiff’saddress;

• Supportingdocuments;

• Factssettingoutadefence;and

• Counterclaim,ifany.

5.2 lodging a written statement with the Clerk

Althoughthedefendantisnotobligedtolodgeapleawiththeclerkhe/shemaywishtolodgeawrittenstatementsettingoutthenatureofthedefenceandthegroundsonwhichitisbased.

Lodging a written statement is crucial if the defendant has a counterclaimagainsttheplaintiff.



CHAPTEr 6

CoUnTErClAIms 6.1 General

A counterclaim (also called a claim in reconvention) is a claim brought bythedefendantagainsttheplaintiff.Acounterclaimmaybeanytypeofclaimmentionedinsection15(1)oftheAct.Itmayinvolvethesamedisputeastheplaintiff’sclaimoracompletelydifferentdispute–(seeEckard’sPrinciplesofCivilProcedureinMagistrateCourts5thEd.SeealsoJones&BuckleRule20-2).

Acounterclaimmustbefiledbythedefendantbynolaterthanadaybeforethetrialdate.ThemaximumamountthatmaybeclaimedinacounterclaimisR7000.

• Inraman v Barlow motor Investments (Pty) ltd T/A natal motor Industries Prospecton and others,38itwasheldthattheSmallClaimsCourthasjurisdictiontoentertainacounterclaimbyajuristicpersonthat does not exceed the monetary jurisdiction of the court. Thedefendantmay,however,asalreadypointedout,abandonaportionofhisorherclaimsoastobringitwithinthejurisdictionoftheSmallClaimsCourt.

• Thedefendant’scounterclaimmaynotexceedthejurisdictionoftheSmall Claims Court as far as monetary value or the type of claim isconcerned–(seeJonesandBuckleRules20-5).

• Whereboththeplaintiff’sclaimandthecounterclaimthatisbeyondthecourt’sjurisdictionareforpaymentofmoneyandtheCommissioneris satisfied that the defendant is likely to succeed with his or hercounterclaim, the Commissioner should stay the proceedings andgivethedefendantanopportunitytobringtheclaiminacompetentcourt.Ifthecounterclaimisunlikelytosucceed,thecounterclaimwillbeignored–(seeJones&Buckleat201).

• If thedefendant’scounterclaimexceedsthe jurisdictionoftheSmallClaims Court and the counterclaim and the plaintiff’s case depend

38 1999(4)SA606(D).



ondeterminationofthesameissues,theCommissionerisobligedtostaytheproceedingstoenablethedefendanttobringhis/herclaimagainst the plaintiff in a court having jurisdiction. The proceedingswillbestayedonlyifthedefendantfilesawrittenstatementintermsof section 29(3) and satisfies the Commissioner that (a) his or hercounterclaimexceedsthejurisdictionofthecourt(R7000)and(b)thatthecounterclaiminvolvessameissuesrelevanttotheplaintiff’sclaim.Afailuretostaytheproceedingsisreviewableintermsofsection46(a)oftheAct–(seeswart v sher no And Another1987(2)SA454(SE)).

• Wheretheproceedingsarestayedinordertogivethedefendantanopportunity to institute his or her claim in a competent court, theplaintiffmayfileacounterclaiminthatcourt.

• Thecommissioner isnotobligedtostay theproceedingswhere thecounterclaim exceeding the jurisdiction of the court involves issuescompletely different from those that are relevant to plaintiff’s claimand/or where one claim sounds in money and the other does not.Anexampleiswheretheplaintiffclaimspaymentofmoneyandthedefendantclaimsforejectment.InsuchacasetheCommissionermayusehisdiscretionwhetherornottostaytheproceedingsaccordingtothecircumstancesofthecase–(seeJones&Buckleat201).

• A summons issued in the High Court or a Magistrate’s Court doesnot amount to a counterclaim in a Small Claims Court. Thus theCommissioner may not stay proceedings simply because summonswasissuedinahighercourt.ThedefendantmustfileacounterclaimintheSmallClaimsCourt–(Esterhuizen v Holmes 1947(2)SA789(T)at797).

• Where proceedings are stayed because the defendant filed acounterclaim exceeding the jurisdiction of the Small Claims CourtandthedefendantfailstoinstituteproceedingsinacompetentcourtwithinthetimestipulatedbytheCommissionerorwherethematterisdismissed,stayed,withdrawn,abandonedorabsolutionisgrantedinahighercourt,aplaintiffwhohasnotinstitutedacounterclaiminahighercourtmay,onnoticetothedefendant,placethematterontherollforthehearingofhisorherclaim.Insuchacasethecounterclaim



willbeignored.39

6.2 Checklist for Counterclaim

• Casenumber;

• Particularsofthepartiesandtheclaim;

• Thevalueoftheclaim;

• ThecounterclaimdoesnotexceedR7000;

• ThedefendanthasabandonedanypartofhiscounterclaimwhichexceedsR7000;

• Thecounterclaimhasbeenfiledatleastadaybeforethehearing;

• Thecounterclaimisfiledwithorafterthedefendant’spleatothesummons;and

• The defendant has served a copy of the counterclaim on theplaintiff.

39 TheSmallClaimsCourtsActhasnoprovisionssimilar tosection47. It is submittedthat these provisions are implied or ancillary powers emanating from various empoweringprovisionsoftheSmallClaimsCourtsActnamelysections15(f ),22,26(1)and29(3).SeeJones&Buckleat34foradiscussionoftheprinciple.



CHAPTEr 7

APPlICATIonsNeithertheActnortheRulesprescribetheforminwhichanapplicationshouldbe brought. Oral and written applications are permissible. It is, however,suggestedthattheapplicationbesubmittedinwriting.Theapplicationshouldbeaccompaniedbythenecessaryfoundingaffidavitsettingoutthegroundsfortheapplicationandbeservedontheopposingparty.Ifthereisnoaffidavit,oralevidencemaybepresented.

Theclerkwillthenmakearrangementsforthehearingoftheapplication.Theclerkmustarrangeforadate,time,andvenueforthehearingoftheapplication.

7.1 Applications for rescission of certain Judgments

Anypersonwhoisaffectedbyajudgmentmayapplytothecourt tohavethejudgmentrescindedorvariedorcorrected–40

• ifthejudgmentwasgrantedbythecourtintheabsenceofthepersonagainstwhomthatjudgmentwasgranted;

• if the judgment was void or was obtained by fraud or as a result ofa mistake common to the parties, provided the application is madenotlaterthanoneyearaftertheapplicantfirsthadknowledgeofthevoidness,fraudormistake;or

• iftherewasapatenterrorinthecaseofanapplication,providedtheapplicationismadenotlaterthanoneyearaftertheapplicantfirsthadknowledgeofanyerrors.

Checklist

• The application must be accompanied by an affidavit by the partyrequestingthereliefsoughtintheapplicationsettingoutthereasonsforhis/hernon-appearanceattheprevioushearingaswellasthefactssettingouthis/herdefence.




• Time limits within which the various rescission applications can bebroughtasprescribedbysection36mustbeadheredto.

7.2 Application to transfer a matter from one court to another

Section13oftheActallowsaclaimtobetransferredfromonecourttoanother,withtheconsentofalltheparties,orupontheapplicationofoneoftheparties.

If the application is granted, the latter court will, notwithstandinganythingtothecontraryintheAct,havejurisdictiontohearthataction.

7.3 Application for separate trials in case of joinder of plaintiffs

Section31oftheActprovidesforthejoinderofanynumberofpersonseach of whom has a separate claim against the same defendant, asplaintiffsinoneclaim.Thedefendantmay,however,applytothecourtthatseparatetrialsbeheld,andthecourtmayinitsdiscretionmakesuchorderasitmaydeemjustandexpedient.

7.4 Application for separate trials in case of joinder of defendants

Twoormoredefendantsmaybesuedinthealternativeorjointlyinoneclaim.As inthecaseoftheplaintiffs,adefendant,uponapplication,mayrequestajoinderofdefendantsandthecourtmayinitsdiscretionagreeormakesuchotherorderasitmaydeemjustandexpedient.41

7.5 Application to substitute the correct name of any person or place before or after judgment

Intermsofsection33(3)oftheActthenameofanypersonorplaceascommonlyknownmaybeusedandthecourtmay,uponapplication,atanytimebeforeorafterjudgmentsubstitutethecorrectnameforthatname.




CHAPTEr 8

THE HEArInG

8.1 The nature of Hearing

Any evidence having reasonable value as proof may be offered subject totheprovisionsoftheAct. However,theCommissionermayrefusetoacceptirrelevantorrepetitiousevidenceorarguments.

The proceedings take place in open court.42 However, if it is in the interestoftheadministrationofjusticeorofgoodorderorofpublicmoralsorattherequestofthepartiestotheproceedingsforreasonsconsideredsufficient,theCommissionermayorderthattheproceedingsbeheldbehindcloseddoorsorthatspecifiedpersonsnotbepresentattheproceedings.43

8.2 Comparison: The Inquisitorial and Accusatorial system

The inquisitorial system is a method of adjudication in which the presidingofficerendeavourstoascertainthefactsbyquestioningtheparties,weighingthe evidence and arriving at a decision. In this system the presiding officeractivelysteersthepartiestodeterminethefactsandisnotapassiverecipientofinformation.

In the adversarial system two or more opposing parties gather and presentevidence and arguments to a presiding officer.The presiding officer wouldbe unfamiliar with the facts of the case.The role of the presiding officer isessentiallytoremainimpartial,weighthefactsandtointerveneonlytoensurethateachpartypresentsitscaseaccordingtotherules.

Ontheotherhand,thedifferenceinthejudicialrole-descriptionhasprofoundimplications for the way in which the objectives of the inquisitorial systemarepursued.The factsmustbeestablished inawaythat is regardedas fair.Exclusionaryrulesarethusavoided.Itmeanstherefore,thattheinquisitorialsystemhastocomplywiththefairtrialrequirementsoftheConstitution.

42 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,1984,s4(1).43 SmallClaimsCourtsAct1984,s4(2).Seealsos4(3).



ThesystemofadjudicationusedtoconductproceedingsintheSmallClaimsCourtsisinquisitorialinnature.

However, the facts must be established in a way that is regarded as fair.Exclusionaryrulesarethusavoided.

8.3 Preparation for Hearing

(a) Uponreceiptof thecasefile theCommissionermustperuse thefilewiththeaimofdeterminingifthecontentsofthefileareinorder.

(b) The letter of demand and summons must disclose the plaintiff’scauseofaction.Thepleabythedefendant(ifany)mustdisclosethedefendant’s defence, whether the defendant admits the claim orwhetheracounterclaimagainsttheplaintiffisinstituted.

(c) Beforethehearingcommences,theCommissionermustensurethatthefollowinghasbeencompliedwith:

(i) Thathe/shehasalreadyperusedthefileandisfamiliarwithitscontents;

(ii) Thathe/shehasjurisdictiontohearthematter(consentbythepartiestojurisdictionisirrelevant);

(d) If the matter is a default judgment, the Commissioner must ensurethat therewasproperserviceof thesummons in termsof thecourtrulesandthattheprescribedtimelimitshavebeenadheredto.

8.4 Checklist for Hearing

TheCommissionermustensurethatthefollowinginformationappearsinthecasefile:

• If any amount exceeding the amount of R7 000 has been abandoned,particulars of the said amount must have been stated and the plaintiffmusthavesignedinthespaceprovided;

• Casenumber;

• Dateofissueofsummons;



• Fullnamesandaddressoftheplaintiff;

• Signatureoftheplaintiffappearsonthesummonstogetherwiththedatestampbytheclerkofthecourt;

• Districtinwhichthesummonsisissued;

• Districtwheretheproceedingswillbeheld;

• Fullnames,identitynumber(ifavailable)andaddressofthedefendant;

• Particularsoftheclaim(asmentionedinletterofdemand);

• Thecourthasbothgeographicalandmonetaryjurisdiction;

• Theplaintiffhasplacedhisorherinitialsnexttoanyamendmentsmade;

• IfthesummonshasbeenservedonthedefendantbytheSheriff,areturnofserviceshowingthemethodofservicemustbeattached.TheSheriff’sfeeforservicemustalsobereflectedonthereturnofservice;

• Iftheplaintiffservedthesummonspersonally,anaffidavitmustbeinthefileasproofthatthatproperservicetookplace;

• Thesummonsmusthavebeenservedatleasttencourtdaysinadvanceofthetrialdate;

• Thedate,timeandtheplaceatwhichtheproceedingswilltakeplace;

• Thepersoninstitutingaclaimisnotajuristicperson(suchascompanies,corporationsorassociations);

• Thepersoninstitutingtheclaimis18yearsorolder.Ifbelow18years,thepersonshouldbeassistedbyhis/herparentorlegalguardian;

• Theclaimisnotagainstthestate;

• Theclaimisnotalabourmatter;

• Theclaimhasnotprescribed;

• ThereturnofservicehasbeenobtainedfromtheSheriff,alternativelyanaffidavitandsignatureincaseswherethesummonshasbeenservedonthedefendantbyothermeans;and

• Acopyoftheletterofdemandtogetherwithproof(registeredpostslip,signatureand/oraffidavit)thatithasbeenservedonthedefendant.



8.5 Adherence to Duty roster

TheCommissionermust–

• observethedutyrosterarrangedbytheclerkofthecourt;and

• ensurethateachfileisreturnedtotheclerkofthecourtaftertherelevantcaseisfinalised.

8.6 The Commissioner as a Presiding officer

The conduct of the proceedings lies in the hands of the Commissioner. IntermsoftheActheorshehasalargemeasureofdiscretioninconductingthehearing.

The case file containing witnesses’ statements and other materials mustbe placed at the disposal of the Commissioner.The Commissioner’s judicialdominancecontinuesduringthecourtproceedings.Heorshe,inseekingthetruth,doesmostofthequestioningofthelitigantsandthewitnesseswhoarefamiliarwiththefactsinordertoresolvethedispute.ThelitigantsdeterminewhichwitnessestocallbuttheCommissionerconductsthequestioning.ThelitigantsmayaskquestionsonlywithpermissionoftheCommissioner.

8.7 The Proceedings

8.7.1 The Commissioner must:

• conductahearingasinformallyaspossiblewhilemaintainingthedignityanddecorumofthecourt;

• explaintothepartiestheessenceoftheproceedingsandthemannerinwhichitisconducted;

• ensurethatthepartiesarereadytoproceedandarereadytoparticipateintheproceedings;and

• ensurethatawitnessisproperlyidentifiedandthathe/shetakesoathormakesanaffirmationbeforetestifying.



8.7.2 The Commissioner must always keep in mind that –

• He/sheassumesanactiveinquisitorialroleandisresponsibleforsupervisingthepresentationoftheevidencenecessarytoresolvethedispute;

• He/she has an obligation to assist the parties and their witnesses inpresentingtheirrespectiveevidence-in-chief;

• Each party may only question the witnesses with the permission of theCommissioner;

• Althoughtheproceedingsarenotrecorded,he/shemustkeepnotesofalltheevidence;

• Although the proceedings are conducted inquisitorially, he/she mustmaintainaneutralroleduringtheproceedings;and

• TheSmallClaimsCourtdoesnothavejurisdictiontohearanymatterwhichexceedsitsjurisdiction,evenifthepartieshaveconsentedthereto.

8.8 Conducting of the Proceedings

8.8.1 functions of the Commissioner

Duringtheproceedingsthe Commissioner may–• examinewitnesses;

• investigatetheclaimsofapartytoanactionandcarryoutanynecessaryinspections;

• receiveevidencepresentedbyaffidavit;

• informhimselforherselfinanyothermannerastothemattersindispute;

• administeroathsandaffirmationstoallwitnesses;and

• adjournahearing.

8.8.2 The process

TheclerkoftheSmallClaimsCourtwillcallthecaseandbothpartieswillappearbefore the Commissioner. Normally the Commissioner will scrutinize thedocumentsanddecidewhetheranykeyfactsareindispute.BasedondisputedfactstheCommissionermayenquireaboutthepossibilityofasettlement. If



bothpartiesagreetoasettlement in thepresenceof theCommissioner,heorshemustrecordthesettlementanditismadeanorderofthecourt.Ifbothparties appear but fail to come to an agreement, the Commissioner mustproceedandconductthehearing.

TheCommissionermustaskthedefendant ifheorsheadmitstheplaintiff’sclaim.Ifthedefendantadmitstheclaim,theplaintiffisentitledtojudgment.If the defendant does not admit the claim, the plaintiff must be allowed topresenthis/hercasefirst.Allevidencehastobegivenunderoathoraffirmation.

8.8.3 Procedure at the hearing

TheCommissionermustaskthepartiesandwitnesseswhich languagetheyprefer.Anyoneoftheelevenofficiallanguagesmaybeusedintheproceedings,and where necessary a competent interpreter must be made available bythe court.44The Commissioner must allow the interpreter sufficient time totranslatebeforeproceedingwiththenextquestion.

The Commissioner proceeds inquisitorially to ascertain the relevant factsandmaydosobyrequestingtheplaintifftodescribethefactsstatedinthesummons,theorderinwhichtheyoccurred,andtoshowdetailsoftheamountclaimed.TheCommissionermustadvisetheplaintiffasfollows:

• To describe the facts stated in the summons in the order in which theyoccurred;

• toshowdetailsoftheamountowed;

• tolistencarefullywhenthedefendantandhis/herwitnessesgiveevidence;and

• toadvisetheCommissioner,atthetimedeterminedbytheCommissioner,if the defendant or his/her witnesses are omitting anything ormisrepresentingfacts.

TheCommissionermustlikewiseadvisethedefendantofthefollowing:

44 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s5(2)readwithsection6oftheConstitutionoftheRepublic ofSouthAfrica,1996.



• To present his defence by testifying, presenting physical evidence andcallingwitnesses;

• to listen carefully when the plaintiff or any of his/her witnesses giveevidence;and

• toadvisetheCommissioner,atthetimedeterminedbytheCommissioner,iftheplaintifforhis/herwitnessesareomittinganythingormisrepresentingfacts.

TheCommissionermayaskbothpartiesquestionstoclarifyanyevidencethattheyhavepresented.

8.8.4 Witnesses and evidence for the hearingPhysicalevidencesuchasreceipts,writtenleasesorotheritemstosupportaclaimmaybeshowntotheCommissioner.

Theattendanceofwitnessesandthepresentationofexhibitsatthetrialarethesoleresponsibilityofeachparty.Eachpartyshouldtrytogetallwitnessestoattendthetrial.

ItisimportantthattheproperdocumentsorotherexhibitsarebroughttothetrialandshowntotheCommissionerduringthetrial.Exhibitsare identifiedand become part of the evidence. If for any reason a party must retain theoriginaldocuments,he/shemustbringalongcertifiedphotocopiesthereof.IftheCommissionerissatisfiedastothegenuinenessofthecopiesandthereisnoobjectionbytheotherparty,thephotocopiesmaybeidentifiedandmadepartoftheevidenceofthetrialinplaceoftheoriginaldocuments.

If evidence is presented by affidavit, the Commissioner may adjourn theproceedings to permit the party presenting the affidavit to call the personwho made the affidavit to be examined orally. During the proceedings theCommissioner may at any time before judgment grant an application foramendmentofthesummonsorotherdocuments if itwillnotprejudicetheotherparty.45

Eachpartymay,attheCommissioner’sdiscretion,makeafinalstatementtotheCommissionerinsummationofhisorherposition.

45 SmallClaimsCourtsAct,s33(1).



CHAPTEr 9

EVAlUATIon of EVIDEnCEThe Commissioner’s duty in a hearing is to adjudicate a dispute betweenparties who are unable to settle the dispute themselves. He/she givesjudgmentbasedontheevidencegivenbythepartiesatthetimeofthetrialand in accordance with the applicable law. His/her knowledge of the rulesofthelawofevidenceandthelawingeneralaretheinstrumentswhichhe/she applies to arrive at a decision.The Commissioner should evaluate onlyavailableevidence.He/sheneedstoweighsuchevidenceanddetermineifitsupports any of the claims made.The person who has the burden of proofmustnotonlyprovethatheorsheisentitledtojudgment,butmustprovetheamountdue.TheCommissioner’sjudgmentordecisionthereforedisplayshis/herskillinapplyingthelaw.

9.1 Evidence Assessment by Commissioner

The evidence at the Commissioner’s disposal mainly comprises of directevidenceandcircumstantialevidence.

Theprocessofreasoningwhichisappropriatewilldependonthenatureoftheevidencebeforethecourt. Importantly, the judgmentof theCommissionermustbeconsistentwiththeevidencepresentedtocourt.

Thereareconsiderationswhichapplyspecificallytotheevaluationofcertainpartsoftheevidence.Inconsideringwhetherevidenceisreliable,thequalityof that evidence must of necessity be evaluated, as must corroborativeevidence,ifany.Theevidencemust,ofcourse,beevaluatedagainsttheonusinrespectofanyparticular issueor inrespectofthecasein itsentirety.TheCommissionermustalsoconsiderwhethertheparty’sevidenceiscorroboratedbyotherevidence.Indoingso,theCommissionermustnotlosesightofthefactthatthetrialisconductedinaforumwheretherulesofcivilprocedureandevidencearerelaxedandthepartiesrepresentthemselves.

Ingeneraltheplaintiffhastheburdenofproof.IntheeventofaCommissionernot being able to make a finding based on the evidence of the respectiveparties,he/shemaygrantabsolutionfromtheinstance.Thismeansthattheplaintiffisunsuccessfulbutmayonalaterdate(inanewcase)bringanotherclaim provided that there is new evidence. Each party has to prove (by



providingevidence)thefactsneededtosupporttheirrespectivecases,tothesatisfactionoftheCommissioner.

TheCommissionermustalsobevigilantintheassessmentandevaluationofevidencetoeliminateanypossibleriskofmakinganerroneousjudgment.Theplaintiffneedsonlytoprovehis/hercaseonabalanceofprobabilities.

9.2 Burden of Proof

Generally the burden of proof, in the sense of producing evidence, passesfrompartytopartyasthecaseprogresses.Ordinarily,thepartythatmakesanallegationshouldproveit.

Proof

Thelawprovidesthatapartyseekingjudgmentmustprovebothliabilityandamount(quantum)beforeajudgmentisenteredinhis/herfavour.

liability

Theplaintiffmustprovethroughhis/herevidencethatthedefendanthasdonesomethingthatmakeshim/herliablefordamages.Examplesofthiswouldbethatthedefendanthasfailedtopayrentowed;causedanaccidentresultingindamagetotheplaintiff’sproperty;ororderedandreceivedgoodswithoutpayingforthem.

Amount

The plaintiff must also then prove the actual amount (quantum) of his/herclaim–thevalueofwhichshouldnotexceedtheprescribedlimit(currentlyR7000).



CHAPTEr 10

JUDGmEnT AnD orDErs

10.1 Types of Judgments

(a) Judgment for PlaintiffTheCommissionermaygrantjudgmentinfavouroftheplaintiffafterhearingbothsides.Thisjudgmentisfinal,andthedefendantcannotappealagainstit.46Thedefendanthastendaystosatisfytheplaintiff’sclaimandcostsasorderedbytheCommissioner.

(b) Judgment for DefendantTheCommissionermayrejecttheplaintiff’sclaimiftheplaintifffailstoproveit.TheCommissionermayupholdthedefendant’scounterclaim.Theplaintiffcannotappealagainstthisjudgment.47

(c) Absolution from the InstanceIftheCommissioner isunabletofindforeitherparty,a judgmentofabsolution from the instance should be granted.48The plaintiff maystillpresenthis/herclaimatalaterdate(inanewhearing)oncemoreevidencehascometolight.

(d) Default JudgmentIf the defendant fails to appear at the hearing, the court may, uponapplication by the plaintiff, grant default judgment against thedefendant which judgment remains valid until the defendantsuccessfully applies for rescission of judgment. Before a defaultjudgmentisgranted,thecourtmayrequiretheplaintifftoprovethefollowing:• thedefendantwasproperlyservedwithasummons;

• theplaintiffhasavalidclaimandisentitledtorecoversamefromthedefendant;and

• theamountoftheclaim.

46 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s4547 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s45.48 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s34(c).



Thedefendanthastencourtdaystopaytheclaimafterthedefendanthasbeeninformedofthedefaultjudgment.

Wheretheplaintiffisabsent

Where the plaintiff fails to appear in court, the Commissioner mayremovethematter fromtheroll. Insuchacasetheplaintiffmayre-enrol the matter.The Commissioner may also dismiss the plaintiff’sclaim, in which case the plaintiff may proceed with the claim aftersuccessfullyapplyingforarescissionofthejudgment.

10.2 Court orders

TheCommissionermaymakeanorderforthepaymentofmoneybythejudgmentdebtorinfavourofthejudgmentcreditor.

Ordersforpaymentofmoneymustbesatisfiedwithintendays,unlessotherwiseordered.Suchmoneymustbepaidbythejudgmentdebtordirectlytothejudgmentcreditor.

(a) Cost ordersTheCommissionermayawardcostsinfavourofthesuccessfulparty.SuchordersarerestrictedtotheSheriff’sfees.

(b) Conditional orders TheCommissionermayorderthejudgmentdebtortopaythejudgmentdebt and costs in specified instalments, or suspend the order eitherwhollyorinpartonsuchconditionsastosecurityorotherwiseastheCommissionermaydetermine.



CHAPTEr 11

sTEPs folloWInG JUDGmEnT

11.1 Enquiry into financial position of the judgment debtor

(a) WhentheCommissionergrantsjudgmentforthepaymentofasumofmoney,he/sheconductafinancialinquiryintothejudgmentdebtor’sfinancial position if the latter indicates that he or she is unable tocomplywiththejudgment.

(b) The inquiry must be conducted in camera, or in chambers and thefollowingmustbeconsidered:49

• thedateofthejudgmentororder,

• theamountthereof,

• thebalanceofthecapital,and

• theSheriff’scosts

(c) In theenquiry theCommissionerdetermines the judgmentdebtor’sabilitytosatisfythejudgmentdebtandcosts.Indeterminingthis,theCommissionerwouldneedtoconsiderthefollowingdetails:

• thejudgmentdebtor’sfullnames,

• residentialandbusinessaddress;

• maritalstatus;

• thenumberofdependantsandtheirages;

• assetsandliabilities;

• incomeandexpenses;and

• datesoftheproposedinstalments.




11.2 Enforcing the judgment

(a) If the judgment debtor still fails to satisfy the judgment, the matteristransferredtothemagistrate’scourtforanexecutionprocedure,asprescribedbythemagistrates’ Courts Act32of1944.

(b) Thejudgmentcreditorwouldthenbeadvisedtoobtainawarrantofexecutionagainstmoveablepropertyofthejudgmentdebtor.

(c) Theclerkmustassistthejudgmentcreditorwiththeexecutionprocess.

(d) The judgment creditor must submit the warrant of execution to theSheriffwhowillenforceit.ThewarrantempowerstheSherifftoseizeanyattachable property belonging to the defendant in order to cover theplaintiff’sclaiminadditiontotheSheriff’sownfees.

11.3 Process for execution of judgment

(a) Commissionersareurgedtoadvisetheplaintiffofthecostsinvolvedinexecutingawritofexecution.

(b) ThewarrantisaddressedtotheSheriffinwhoseareatheexecutionistobeenforced

(c) Thewarrantisforthesurrenderofmovablepropertyorforejectmentofthejudgmentdebtor fromtheproperty.

(d) Such process can only be withdrawn or suspended if the Sheriffreceivesanoticefromthejudgmentcreditor.

(e) Anyalterationsinthewarrantforexecutionmustbeinitialedbytheclerkbeforeitisissued.

(f ) Theclerkmustensurethatthecorrectjudgmentdebtorisnamedinthewarrantforexecution,otherwisethewarrantbecomesinvalid.

(g) The clerk will only reissue the warrant if requested to do so by thejudgmentcreditor.

11.4 Judgment granted in defendant’s favour

If judgment is granted in the defendant’s favour, he/she is absolvedfrom paying the claimed amount to the plaintiff. If the defendant



succeeds with his/her counterclaim, s/he may pursue the matterto enforce the judgment. In that case the processes to enforce andexecutejudgmentasoutlinedin(11.2)and(11.3)abovemayapply.



CHAPTEr 12

fUrTHEr ProCEEDInGsA decision or an order of the Commissioner is final.50 However, the Actrecognisesthattheremaybesituationsinwhichtheproceedingsneedtobereviewedbyahighercourt,withaviewtopreventingamiscarriageofjustice.

(a) Checklist for rescission and variation of judgments proceedings• The Commissioner may, upon good cause shown, rescind or vary a

defaultjudgmentonsuchtermsass/hedeemsfit.TheCommissionermustbesatisfiedthatthereisgoodreasontodoso.

• Ifadefaultjudgmentwasgivenagainstadefendant,s/hemaywithinsix weeks after the judgment or after obtaining knowledge of thejudgment,applyforarescissionorvariationthereof.

• TheCommissionermayvaryorrescindthejudgmentifitwasobtainedbyfraudorasaresultofamistakecommontotheparties.

(b) Contempt of court proceedings• Where a person wilfully insults, interrupts or otherwise misbehaves

at a hearing, that person may be sentenced summarily by theCommissioner.

• ThesentencethatmaybeimposedisafinenotexceedingR500oraperiodofimprisonmentnotexceedingsixmonthsortoimprisonmentwithouttheoptionofafine.

• TheCommissionerisobligedtotransmitdetailsofthesentencetotheRegistraroftheHighCourtforconsiderationandreviewbyaJudgeinchambers.




CHAPTEr 13

APPEAl AnD rEVIEW

AjudgmentoftheSmallClaimsCourtcannotbeappealedagainst.51However,theCommissioner’sdecisionmaybetakenonreviewtotheHighCourtonthefollowinggrounds:52

• Absenceofjurisdiction;

• Interest in the cause, bias, malice or corruption (as provided for inthe Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004) on the part of theCommissioner;and

• Grossirregularitywithregardstotheproceedings.

AcaseistakenonreviewbywayofanoticeofmotionandafoundingaffidavitmustintermsofRule53(1)oftheHighCourtRulesbeservedonallparties.

steps to be taken upon receipt of a notice of review

(a) Theparticularsofthecasemustbeenteredinthereviewregister.

(b) The application for review together with all supporting affidavitsand documents must immediately be faxed to the Director: LawEnforcement on fax: 012-315 1105. Voluminous papers should becourieredimmediatelytotheNationalOfficefortheattentionoftheabove-mentionedofficial.Thisofficewillfurtherrequireatranscriptofproceedings and reasons by the Commissioner within 14 days fromdateofservice.InstructionstotheStateAttorneymayonlybegivenbytheDirectorate:LawEnforcementatNationalOffice.

(c) Acopyofthereviewnoticetogetherwithacopyofthecourtfilemustimmediatelybedeliveredbyhandorsentperregisteredmailto–

(i) theCommissionerwhopresidedduringtheproceedings;

(ii) theChairpersonoftheAdvisoryBoardoftherelevantcourt;

51 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s45.52 SeeSmallClaimsCourtsAct,s46.



(iii) therelevantStateAttorneyinwhoseareatheseatofthecourtis;and

(iv) theDirector-General:JusticeandConstitutionalDevelopment.

(d) TheCommissionermustsendhisorherwrittenreasonstotheclerkoftheSmallClaimsCourt,whointurnmustsendcopiesofthereasonstotheChairpersonoftheAdvisoryBoard,therelevantStateAttorneyandtheDirector-General:JusticeandConstitutionalDevelopment.

(e) When the Commissioner’s written reasons are received, a certifiedcopyofthecourtfilemustbesentbyregisteredmailtotheregistraroftheHighCourt.Thedateofdispatchmustbeendorsedinthereviewregister.

(f ) TheAdvisoryBoardmust inthemeantimemakearecommendationtotheStateAttorneyregardingpossibleoppositiontotheapplication.The State Attorney in turn must make a recommendation to theDirector-General: Justice and Constitutional Development, whodecidesinthefinalinstancewhethertheapplicationmustbeopposedatStateexpenseornot.

(g) Whenthecertifiedcopyofthecourtfileisreceivedfromtheregistrar,the Commissioner must be informed of the decision. The decisionmustalsobeenteredinthereviewregister.



CHAPTEr 14

mIsCEllAnEoUs

IftheClerkofthecourtoralegalassistantgivesincorrectlegaladviceormakesanerrorwiththepreparationofasummons,statementorotherdocument,he/shemaynotbeheldliableforanydamagesufferedbyaparty,providedthathe/sheactedingoodfaith.

TheStatemayalsonotbeheldliabletocompensateapartyforanydamage.Seesection11(3)oftheAct.ACommissionerissimilarlyindemnifiedagainstanyaction thatmaybebroughtagainsthim/herwhilstcarryingouthis/herdutiesasaCommissioner.

Travelling expenses of Commissioners

WhenaCommissionerhastotraveltoanearbytownandrequestspaymentofhis/hertravellingcosts,theclerkofthecourtmustdirectanapplicationinwritingforthepaymentofsuchtravellingexpensesviathemagistratetotheDirector-General.

Thefollowinginformationmustbementionedintheapplication:

• Partiesinvolvedinthecase;

• Casenumberanddateoftrial;

• NameandaddressoftheCommissioner;

• Purposeofjourney;

• Vehicletravelledin;

• Distanceofjourney;and

• Costs determined according to State tariff (mention engine volumeandtariffincentperkilometre).


75

sYnoPsIs of CAsE lAW1. DA sIlVA v PIllAY no AnD AnoTHEr [1997] 2 All sA 217 (D)/1997

(3) sA 760 (D) – Uncertainty as to identity of party instituting action

WhereanactionisinstitutedinaSmallClaimsCourtbyanindividualpartner inrespectofapartnershipdebtanduncertaintyexistsastothe identity of the party instituting the action, the Commissionerought to mero motu raise the issue of identity where clarification ofthepositioninthisregardisfundamentaltoajustandlawfuldecisionofthecase.ThefailuretoraisetheissueconstitutesagrossirregularityascontemplatedintheSmallClaimsCourtAct61of1984,s46(c).

Held,thatthefailureofthecommissionermero motutohaveraisedanddecidedtheissuesastotheidentityoftheowneroftherightssoughttobeenforcedintheproceedingshadbeenanirregularitywithregardtotheproceedingswithinthemeaningofs46(c)oftheAct.

2. nATIonWIDE CAr rEnTAls (PTY) lTD v CommIssIonEr, smAll ClAIms CoUrT, GErmIsTon, AnD AnoTHEr 1998 (3) sA 568 (W) –review Proceedings

TheCommissionerinaSmallClaimsCourtisrequiredtolistentotherelevantevidence,weighittodeterminewhatisprobableandreachaconclusionaccordingtothelaw.

Section 36 of the Act invests the Commissioner in a Small ClaimsCourt with the jurisdiction to rescind any judgment granted by himor her in the absence of the person against whom that judgmentwasgranted.TheCommissionerisempoweredtorescindajudgmentprovidedtheapplicanthasshowedsufficientcause.ThediscretionoftheCommissionerisexercised,inter alia,bythepresenceorabsenceofgoodcauseshown.FailurebytheCommissionertoproperlyapplyhismindwillrendertheproceedingsreviewable.

Held, that there can be no criticism of the Commissioner where hehas applied his mind to these matters but nonetheless reached aconclusion which is incorrect either in relation to the facts or the

May 2010, Version 1 of 2010


76

law. No more is required of him than that he should properly applyhis mind to the matter, which ought to result more often that notin the correct conclusion being reached. However, where he fails toproperlyapplyhismindatalltooneormoreoftheissues,hecommitsagrossirregularity,becausethenhehasfailedentirelytoperformthefunctionwhichthenwasrequiredofhim.Theproceedingswillthenbereviewable.

3. smIT v sElEKA En AnDErE 1989 (4) sA 157 (o) – Adjudication of cases

Proceedings – Legislature intending in section 26 and 27 (2) of Small Claims Court to give commissioners a fairly free hand in order to effect speedy and an inexpensive adjudication of cases. However this object should notbe so predominant that the quality of the administration of justice isprejudiced.

The court found that the Commissioner had erred by (1) followinga procedure which in essence amounted to the joinder of partieswithout the proviso to section 30 of the Act having been brought tothe applicant’s attention and which joint hearing in the particularcircumstancesofthecasewasprejudicialtotheapplicant;(2)grantingjudgment in favor of the three plaintiffs respectively for an amountwhichwasclearlyarbitrary;(3)committingamistakeoflawbyhearingthecasenotwithstandingnon-compliancewiththeprovisionsofsection30oftheBasic Conditions of Employment Act3of1983.

Held,thattheCommissioner’saforementionedconductamountedtoanirregularityasintendedins46(c)oftheSmallClaimsCourtAct,thatthejudgmentsshouldbesetasideandthatthecasesberemittedtotheSmallClaimsCourtforproperadjudication.

4. sWArT v sHEr no AnD AnoTHEr 1987 (2) sA 454 (sE) - Jurisdiction

Intermsofsection22oftheSmallClaimsCourtAct61of1984,aSmallClaims Court cannot determine claims beyond its jurisdiction, evenifthepartiesconsentthereto.Whereadefendantinaclaimbroughtagainst him in a Small Claims Court has a counterclaim against theplaintiff,andtheclaimandcounterclaimareinterrelatedanddepend



77

uponadeterminationofthesameissues,thesmallclaimscourtcannothearthematterifthecounterclaimexceedsjurisdiction.

Held, that the Commissioner would be obliged to stay or stop theproceedings in the Small Claims Court to enable the defendant tobringhisclaimagainsttheplaintiffinahighercourt,andtheplaintiffwouldbeabletoadvancehisclaiminthehighercourtintheformofacounterclaim.ShouldthepresidingCommissionerfailorrefusetostayorstopproceedingsconductedbyhimorher,itwouldbesubjecttoreviewbytheHighCourtintermsofs46(a)oftheSmallClaimsCourtsAct.

5. rAmAn v BArloW moTor InVEsTmEnTs (PTY) lTD t/a nATAl moTor InDUsTrIEs ProsPECTon, AnD oTHErs 1999 (4) sA 606 (D) - Jurisdiction

In terms of section 7 (1) of the Small Claims Courts Act 61 of 1984,onlyanaturalpersonmayinstituteanactionandajuristicpersonmaybecomeapartytoanactiononlyasadefendant.However,section7(1)shouldnotbeinterpretedasprecludingajuristicperson,havingbeenbroughtbeforethecourtasadefendant,fromraisingacounterclaim.Section 7 (1) should be interpreted to include within the concept“defendant”a“plaintiffinreconvention”whoisajuristicperson.

Held,thatitisnotviolatingthelanguageofs7(1)oftheActinanywaytoincludewithintheconceptof‘defendant’a‘plaintiffinreconvention’who is a juristic person. Held further that the Small Claims CourtCommissionerhadjurisdictiontodealwiththecounterclaimandgivethe judgment in favour of the defendant notwithstanding that thedefendantisajuristicperson.

6. nDloVU v nGCoBo, BEKKEr AnD AnoTHEr v JIKA 2003 (1) sA 113 (sCA) - Eviction – Unlawful occupation

“Unlawful occupiers” in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful occupation of land Act19of1998includesanownerwhohasmortgagedpropertybutcontinuestoremaininoccupationdespitehis/herrightofownershiphavingbeenterminatedbyasaleinexecutionand a tenantwhose lease lawfully terminated butwho




refusestovacatetheproperty.

Held, that provided the procedural requirements had been met, theownerwasentitledtoapproachthecourtonthebasisofownershipand the respondent’s unlawful occupation. Unless the occupieropposedordisclosedcircumstancesrelevanttotheevictionorder,theowner,inprinciple,wouldbeentitledtoanorderforeviction.

Held, thatbuildingstructuresthatdidnotperformthe functionofaformofdwellingorshelterforhumansdidnotfallundertheAct.Sincejuristicpersonsdidnothavedwellings,theirunlawfulpossessionwasnotprotectedbytheAct

7. sAnTAm VErsEKErInGsmAATsKAPPY BPK v BroWn 1973(2) sA 326 (C) – Action for damages

The correct interpretation of section 38 (2) of Act 32 of 1944 is thatthepartof theclaimwhich isnotgrantedmustbesubtracted fromthatpartof theclaimwhichwaswaived,and that, if, forexample,aplaintiff’sdamagesshouldbeR2000and15%thereofistobegranted,thefullR300mustbegranted,andthattheR1000whichwaswaived,mustbesubtractedfromR1799whichwasnotrecovered.Thismeansthat ifplaintiff’sdamageamountstoR2000,sheshouldrecoverthefullamountofR300.

Theappellant,theinsurerofamotorvehicledrivenbyServernwasthedefendantinthemagistrate’scourtwhererespondentastheplaintiffpedestrianhassueditfordamagesforinjuriessustainedinacollisionatnight.TheclaimwasforR2000butthesummonswasreducedtoR1000.ThemagistratefoundthatServern’snegligencewaspartlyacauseoftheplaintiff’sdamagesandfixeditat15%.Heassessedthedamagesat“atleastR1000”andgrantedR150.Theappellantappealedagainstthe finding that Servern had been negligent and there was a cross-appealagainsttheawardofonlyR150.

Held,thatthemagistrate’sfindinginregardtonegligenceshouldbe upheld.

Held,furtherthatthedamagesamountedtoR2000andaccordingly



theplaintiffwasentitledtoR300.

8. DA sIlVA v PIllAY no AnD AnoTHEr [1997] 2 All sA 217 (D)/1997 (3) sA 760 (D)

TheApplicanthadbeensuedintheSmallClaimsCourtbytheSecondRespondentwhohaddescribedhimselfinthesummonsas“PMCollinst/aWatermansBusiness”.JudgmentwasgrantedagainsttheApplicantand he sought to have the judgment reviewed on the grounds that:(1)thecauseofactionwasfoundedontherightofpartnership,whichwas not a natural person and therefore lacked jurisdiction within themeaningofsection46(a)oftheAct.;alternatively,(2)therewasagrossirregularitywithregardtotheproceedingsascontemplatedinsection46(c)oftheAct.

Held,thattherightsoughttobeenforcedwasnotthatofapartnershipbuttherightoftheSecondRespondenttradingasWatermansBusiness,thefirstgroundofreviewwasdismissed.

Held,becausetherewasanuncertainty,thecourta quoshouldhavemero moturaisedtheissueastosuchidentity,thattherewasgrossirregularitywithregardtotheproceedingswithinthemeaningofsection46(c)oftheAct,andtheapplicationwasaccordinglygranted.

9. EsTHEr CrIsH v THE CommIssIonEr smAll ClAIms CoUrT – BUTTErWorTH & oTHErs 2008

Theapplicantseekstoimpugntheconstitutionalvalidityofss7(2)and

45oftheSmallClaimsCourtsAct.Inthefirstplacetheconstitutionalvalidity of sec 7(2) is impugned on the sole basis that it denieslitigants in the Small Claims Court their constitutional right to legalrepresentation and therefore effectively denying them justice. Inthesecondplacetheconstitutionalvalidityofsec45isimpugnedonthesolebasis that itdeniesapartywho isaggrievedbyanadversejudgmentoftheSmallClaimsCourtoftherighttotakethatjudgmentonappeal.Itisthereforecontendedonbehalfoftheapplicantthatthedenialof these fundamental rights infringedher rightsasenshrinedinss9and35oftheConstitutionoftheRepublicofSouthAfricaAct,1996.


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That the two sections of the Small Claims Courts Act underconsiderationdonotinfringeanyoftherightsallegedbytheapplicantbut demonstrate a justification of the limitation which satisfies thethresholdrequiredintermsofsec36oftheConstitution.



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soUrCEs of rEfErEnCE1. legislation

1.1 SmallClaimsCourtAct61of1984

1.2 Rules Regulating Matters in Respect of Small Claims Courts, 1985

PublishedunderGNR1893inGG 9909of30August1985

2. Publications

2.1. JusticeCollege:A Guide to the Small Claims Court,2008Edition

2.2. Strauss,SAS:You in the Small ClaimsCourt2Edition1990

2.3. Bredenkamp,IM:The Small Claims Court(1986):Introduction

2.4. Gough,I:The Small Claims Court: A Court with a Human Face?(UnpublishedLLMthesis,UniversityofNatal,Durban,1992)

2.5. Jones and Buckle: Civil Practise of the Magistrates’ Courts in South Africa: Volume 1EighthEdition

3. Brochures: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

3.1. STEPBYSTEPGUIDEONHOWTOINSTITUTEACLAIM–SmallClaimsCourt

3.2. SMALL CLAIMS COURT – INSTITUTE YOUR OWN CLAIMBROCHURE

3.3. SmallClaimsCourtFAQ’s



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4. Decided cases

4.1. NdlovuvNgcobo,BekkerandAnothervJika2003(1)SA113SCA

4.2. RamanvBarlowMotorInvestments(Pty)LtdT/ANatalMotorIndustriesProspectonandOthers1999(4)SA606(D)

4.3. CustomCreditCorp(Pty)LtdvShembe1972(3)SA462(A)at472A)

4.4. SvVanStadenen`nAnder1973(1)SA70(SWA)

4.5. SvMamabolo(ETVandothersintervening)2001(3)SA9(CC)

4.6. LewisvS(610/06)[2007]ZASCA3;[2007]SCA3(RSA)(2March2007)

4.7. CustomCreditCorp(Pty)LtdvShembe1972(3)SA462(A)at472A)

4.8. Santam Versekeringsmaatskappy Bpk v Brown 1973(2) SA 326(K)at329B


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