The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has amended the Magistrate's Courts Act 32 of 1944 giving powers to Regional Courts to deal with civil cases.
Courts Amendment Act which came into effect on 9th August 2010, the National Woman's Day.
The Regional Courts were established in 1952 to deal with serious criminal offences and mete out harsher penalties. The amendments increase access to justice to members of the public, in particular, women and children who go to courts daily for the resolution of family related disputes relating to divorce; maintenance; adoption; and matters relating to custody of minor children.
Family disputes including: divorce; maintenance; adoption; and matters relating to custody of minor children.
Disputes over movable and immovable property of between R100 000 to R300 000 which were dealt with by the High Court before the amendment.
Credit Agreements of between R100 000 to R300 000.
Road Accident Fund Claims of between R100 000 to R300 000.
There are now 62 more Regional courts to deal with same workload that the 3 former divorce courts.
This will assist in reducing case backlogs both at the High Courts and Magistrates Courts.
Proceedings in the High Courts are complex to the extent that attorneys and advocates are usually instructed resulting in high litigation costs.
Regional courts have a reduced scale of costs in relation to the High Court, and simplified proceedings which includes the use of mediation in resolving civil disputes.
Registrars and assistant registrars appointed at each regional court to provide assistance to member of the public.
You can approach the court in person or through a lawyer.
The amended rules of the Magistrates' Court which provide processes and procedures have been published in the Government Gazette and maybe obtained.
You may contact the registrar or assistant registrar appointed at each of the 62 courts.
Follow this link to view the PDF of Regional Courts and areas of jusridiction.