The Magistrates’ Court Committee of the Rules Board is reviewing the rules of civil procedure which presently apply in the Magistrates’ Courts in compliance with section 9(6)(a) of the Jurisdiction of Regional Courts Amendment Act, 2008, which confers jurisdiction on Regional Courts to deal with civil matters, including matters currently dealt with in the Divorce Courts established under section 10 of the Administration Amendment Act, 1929.

Section 9(6)(b) of the Jurisdiction of Regional Courts Amendment Act provides that the rules must be aimed at enhancing access to the courts by -
(i)         providing for simplified and expeditious procedures;
(ii)        providing for clerks and registrars to assist litigants;
(iii)       limiting the costs associated with litigation processes; and
(iv)       facilitating and improving access to courts.

All roleplayers and stakeholders are hereby invited to submit their recommendations in this regard to the Secretary of the Rules Board and to register as interested and affected parties so as to enable them to participate in the development of this new set of rules which will apply in both the District and Regional Courts.

Submissions may be made by way of e-mail or facsimile to:
The Secretariat
Rules Board for the Courts of Law
Fax No: (012) 3200494
E-mail: nmaseko@justice.gov.za or mosetshedi@justice.gov.za

Submissions and developments will be posted on the website

28 October 2008