Supreme Court Of Appeal
The Supreme Court of Appeal is South Africa's highest court for non-constitutional matters and the second-highest court in the country's judicial hierarchy, below only the Constitutional Court. It is based in Bloemfontein, Free State, and hears appeals from the High Courts and other lower courts on issues of law and fact. The court has jurisdiction over all areas of law except constitutional matters that fall exclusively within the domain of the Constitutional Court. It is led by a President and comprises a Deputy President and a number of judges of appeal, who sit in panels to hear cases. The Supreme Court of Appeal plays a critical role in developing and clarifying South African common law and statutory interpretation. Its judgments are binding on all lower courts and serve as authoritative precedents. The court was established in 1994, replacing the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court that existed under the previous legal order. It forms a key pillar of South Africa's post-apartheid judicial system, ensuring consistency and fairness in the application of the law. The court's decisions are frequently cited in legal practice and academic scholarship across the country.
Supreme Court Of Appeal Updates
Freedom Under Law submission to the JSC: Criteria and guildelines for judicial appointment
18th September 2026 On 15 September 2026, pursuant to a settlement agreement reached between FUL and the JSC in the matter FUL v the JSC and Others (case number... →
From apartheid to Illiberalism: A personal reflection
17th September 2026 We gather, once again today, to honour the enduring legacy of Ben Beinart, a principled legal scholar and courageous activist whose work shaped the... →
SCA ruling clarifies when financing fees can be tax deductible
11th September 2026 A recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment has provided important clarity for businesses on the tax treatment of fees incurred when raising... →
Supreme court delivers big win for property investment structures
10th September 2026 On 7 September 2026, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) handed down a significant judgment against the South African Revenue Service (SARS),... →
Pig farm vs power station: South African court tells state‑owned Eskom to clean up its pollution
10th September 2026 About 74% of South Africa’s electricity is generated by coal-fired power stations owned by the state-owned electricity provider, Eskom. These... →
Are raising fees similar to interest? The Supreme Court of Appeal says yes
9th September 2026 In our article published in February 2025, which can be accessed at https://werksmans.com/are-raising-fees-similar-to-interest/, we discussed a... →
Supreme Court of Appeal dismisses challenges to Western Cape education reforms
4th September 2026 The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has dismissed appeals brought by Equal Education and the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU)... →
Location is not a luxury: The Constitutional Court rewrites the rules on housing and spatial justice
1st September 2026 On 2 July 2026, the Constitutional Court affirmed the fundamental importance of location as an aspect of adequate housing, cementing the... →
Daily Podcast – August 28, 2026
By: Halima Frost 28th August 2026 Making headlines: Cachalia says decline in serious contact crimes, but GBV a challenge; Ramaphosa honours SCA's Judge Mokgohloa with official... →
Ramaphosa honours SCA's Judge Mokgohloa with official funeral
By: Thabi Shomolekae 28th August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Category 2 Special Official Funeral to honour the late Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Fikile... →
