The government has increased the monetary jurisdiction of the Small Claims Courts from R20,000 to R30,000, effective from 1 August 2026, in a move aimed at improving access to affordable and efficient justice.
The increase is the first since 2019 and is expected to allow more South Africans to resolve civil disputes without the expense and delays associated with formal court litigation.
Speaking to VOC News, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson Palesa Rammitlwa said the adjustment will ensure that access to justice is determined by the merits of a case rather than a person’s financial means.
“The Small Claims Courts were established to give people a simple, affordable and accessible way to resolve civil disputes,” she said.
“By increasing the monetary limit to R30,000, more South Africans will be able to enforce their rights without having to go through expensive and lengthy court proceedings.”
Rammitlwa said the Small Claims Courts continue to play an important role in the justice system. During the past financial year, more than 36,600 cases, with a combined value of R257 million, were registered.
The Department believes the higher monetary threshold will enable more individuals and small businesses to make use of the courts, while reducing legal costs and improving access to justice for ordinary South Africans.
VOC News
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