Candidate Attorney Support

Starting a civil action against the State in South Africa involves several steps, governed by specific legal provisions. Here’s a  detailed guide on how to proceed:

Letter of Demand:

Draft and Serve: Before initiating formal legal proceedings, a letter of demand is typically served on the State. This letter outlines the nature of the claim, and the relief sought, giving the State an opportunity to respond or settle the matter  amicably.

Notice of Intention to Institute Legal Proceedings:

1. Serve Notice: According to the Institution of Legal Proceedings against Certain Organs of State Act, Act 40 of 2002,  you must serve a notice of intention to institute legal proceedings on the relevant organ of State. 

This notice must be served within six months from the date the cause of action arose.

• If a creditor fails to give such written notice, the State may raise the failure as a defence to the claim. You will have to apply to the court for condonation and show that:
• the debt was not extinguished by prescription
• good reason(s) exist for the failure to serve notice on the organ of state, and
• that the organ of state had not been unreasonably prejudiced by the failure.

• See Rule 9(3)(g) of the Magistrates Court Rules:” in proceedings in which the State or an organ of state, a Minister, a Deputy Minister, a Premier or a Member of an Executive Council in such person’s official capacity is the defendant or respondent, the summons or notice instituting such proceedings shall be served in accordance with the provisions of any law regulating proceedings against and service of documents upon the State or organ of state, a Minister, a Deputy Minister, a Premier or a Member of an Executive Council;”

• Also note Rule 13(2): “In an action against any Minister, Deputy Minister, Provincial Premier, officer or servant of the State, in such official capacity, the State or the administration of a province, the time allowed for delivery of notice of intention to defend shall not be less than 20 days after service of summons, unless the court has specially authorised a shorter period.”

Service of Summons:

Serve on the State: The summons must be served on the relevant organ of State through the sheriff. The sheriff’s       return of service must be attached to the court file.

Acknowledgement and Defence:

Wait for Response: The State has a prescribed period to acknowledge receipt of the summons and file a notice of intention  to defend. This period is usually 10 days.

File Plea: The State must then file a plea within the prescribed time, usually 20 days, outlining their defence to the claim.

Interlocutory Proceedings:

Manage Pre-trial Matters: Engage in any necessary interlocutory proceedings, such as applications for further particulars, discovery of  documents, and pre-trial conferences.

Discovery Phase:

Exchange Documents: Both parties must exchange relevant documents and evidence during the discovery phase. This  ensures that both sides have access to all pertinent information before the trial.

Trial Preparation:

1. Prepare for Trial: Prepare your case for trial, including gathering evidence, preparing witness statements,   and drafting legal arguments.
2. Set Down for Trial: Arrange with the Registrar to set down the matter for trial on a suitable date.

Trial:

1. Present Case: During the trial, present your case, including calling witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments.
2. Judgment: The court will consider all evidence and arguments before delivering a judgment.

Important Considerations

1. Compliance with Time Limits: Ensure all procedural steps are completed within the prescribed time limits  to avoid delays or dismissal of the case.
2. Remember that the State is also bound by prescription where it is the Defendant, so 3 Years. Where the State is the Plaintiff, there are different time limits!

Also see:

• Institution of Legal Proceedings against Certain Organs of State Act.
• Prescription Act 1969 as amended: https://www.saflii.org/za/legis/consol_act/pa1969171.pdf