Issued by: Department of Justice
Access to justice is a key concern and a number of initiative have been launched to ensure that citizens, increasingly, have greater access to the courts and the judicial system in general. This principle relates not only to the criminal justice system but in civil matters as well. Thus famly matters maintenance and other issues affecting many of our citizens are being looked into.
The present decision relates to the increase of the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims Court from R2 000,00 to R3 000,00. This increase will allow people to take up issues which affect them more efficiently and cost effectively. The increase follows an increase in the jurisdiction of civil magistrates' courts to R1000 000,00 from the 1 May 1995.
The present increase will take effect on 1 October 1995.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those presiding officers who voluntarily and at no charge give of their time and expertise to assisting the public in the Small claims Court. Their contribution to the system is inestimable.
The increase follows broad consultation with, amongst others, the Standing Committee on Small Claims Court Matters of the Association of Law Societies, the General Council of the Bar, the Black Lawyers Association, NADEL, the Consumer Board, Stte Attorneys and Chief Magistrates.
We would like to call on the public to comment on this development and, is they wish, to send suggestions and recommendations for further improvements in the Small Claims Court system to the Department of Justice.
For more information, please contact Susan de Villiers (021) 457506 or page (021) 215420 code 27989 15 September 1995