Summary South African Civil Law Booklet

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SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL LAW BOOKLET


Take note that nothing in this booklet constitutes legal advice or advice of any
kind. Readers must consult official and alternative sources before making any
decisions based on the information provided herein. Templates and examples
provided by us are merely a guideline and nothing more. We will not accept
any liability whatsoever.

Take note further that this booklet is intended for personal use only and that
the unauthorized sharing hereof is prohibited.

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CONTENTS

1. The Letter of Demand 5 - 16
1.1. What is a Letter of Demand?
1.2. When is a letter of demand NOT a compulsory step in the litigious
process?
1.3. What should be included in a standard letter of demand?
1.4. When is a letter of demand a formal prerequisite to litigation?
1.5. Can I claim interest in a letter of demand?
1.6. Sources
2. Everything You Must Know About Each Type of Summons 17 – 34
2.1. What is a summons?
2.2. The simple summons
2.3. The combined summons
2.4. The provisional sentence summons
2.5. How do I know when to issue a summons instead of a
notice of motion?
2.6. Sources
3. Which Court has Jurisdiction? 35 – 56
3.1. What do I mean by “jurisdiction?”
3.2. First enquiry – Magistrate’s Court, High Court, Supreme Court of
Appeal or Constitutional Court?
3.3. Second enquiry – geographical jurisdiction
3.4. Conclusion
3.5. Sources
4. How to Draft a Simple Summons 57 – 71
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Drafting a simple summons to be issued out of the Magistrate’s
Court
4.3. Drafting a simple summons to be issued out of the High Court
4.4. Conclusion
5. Drafting a Combined Summons Where the Cause of
Action is the Breach of an Agreement 72 – 113
5.1. Introduction
5.2. The summons
5.3. High Court combined summons

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5.4. Particulars of Claim (High Court)
5.5. Final steps
5.6. Magistrate’s Court combined summons
5.7. Conclusion
6. Damages Claims in South Africa 114 – 128
6.1. What is a claim for damages?
6.2. What types of damages can I claim?
6.3. Contractual damages
6.4. Delictual damages
6.5. Statutory damages
6.6. Constitutional damages
6.7. Limitations on damages claims
6.8. Conclusion
7. Particulars of Claim – Contractual Damages 129 - 143
7.1. Introduction
7.2. Brief summary of facts giving rise to the plaintiff’s claim
7.3. The heading, parties’ citation and jurisdiction
7.4. The lease agreement
7.5. Plaintiff’s obligations
7.6. Breach of the lease agreement
7.7. Prayers
7.8. Signing off
7.9. Final steps
7.10. Conclusion
8. Particulars of Claim – Delictual Damages (MVA) 144 - 152
8.1. Introduction
8.2. Brief summary of facts giving rise to the plaintiff’s claim
8.3. The heading and parties’ citation
8.4. Jurisdiction
8.5. The motor vehicle collision
8.6. Prayers
8.7. Signing off
8.8. Conclusion
9. What to do if you (or Your Client) has Been Served with
a Summons 153 – 168
9.1. Introduction

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9.2. Being served with a summons
9.3. I have been served with a summons. What must I do?
9.4. Do nothing
9.5. Deliver a notice of intention to defend
9.6. Attempt to settle with the plaintiff
9.7. Admit liability, undertake to pay the amount claimed, and/or consent to
judgment
9.8. Conclusion
9.9. Sources
10. Templates 169 - 210
10.1. Section 129 Letter of Demand
10.2. Standard Letter of Demand
10.3. Simple Summons – Magistrate’s Court (claim for payment)
10.4. Simple Summons – High Court (claim for payment)
10.5. Summons Face – High Court (combined summons)
10.6. Particulars Of Claim – High Court
10.7. Summons Face – Magistrate’s Court (combined summons)
10.8. Particulars of Claim – Contractual Damages
10.9. Particulars of Claim – Delictual Damages (MVA)
10.10. Notice of Intention to Defend