Currently, there are 13 high courts in South Africa. Here following is a list of the High Courts in South Africa:
North Gauteng Division, Pretoria
- The North Gauteng Division is in Pretoria. It’s one of the three original High Courts in South Africa and has jurisdiction over the Gauteng province.
- Previously known as the Pretoria Division (before 2014).
South Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and it’s the country’s economic and financial hub. The Johannesburg High Court is in Gauteng Province, which also includes Pretoria and other major cities. This court has jurisdiction over all matters relating to the administration of justice throughout South Africa.
This high court hears cases related to civil law (property disputes) and criminal law (crimes like murder). It also handles family matters such as divorce or child custody cases.
KwaZulu-Natal Division, Durban
KwaZulu-Natal Division covers the following provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape.
Eastern Cape Division, Makhanda (Grahamstown)
The Eastern Cape Division is based in Makhanda (Grahamstown), which is the capital of the Eastern Cape province. The town of Grahamstown itself is near several places including Alice, Bedford and Stutterheim.
The High Court building in Makhanda was completed in 1977 and has been used since then by judges who are appointed to hear cases related to law matters in this region.
Western Cape Division, Cape Town
There are two court buildings in Cape Town, where the Western Cape Division is based.
The Western Cape Division has jurisdiction over the whole of the Western Cape province.
Free State Division, Bloemfontein
The Free State Division is the high court in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa. The Free State Division has jurisdiction over the Free State, Northern Cape and North-West provinces.
An Act of Parliament established the Free State Division on 23 May 1982 as one of 13 High Courts in South Africa.
Northern Cape Division, Kimberley
The Northern Cape Division of the Supreme Court of Appeal is based in Kimberley and covers the Northern Cape, Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape. The court was formerly known as the Kimberley Division.
Mpumalanga Division, Nelspruit
One of South Africa’s nine High Courts is based in Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province. The court serves all of Mpumalanga and its surrounding areas, including Standerton and Ermelo.
The court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving disputes over money or property valued at less than R2 million (about $140,000) as well as criminal matters related to minor offences like drunk driving and theft. The judges also hear appeals from lower courts in the province (for example, magistrate’s courts).
Limpopo Division, Polokwane
- Polokwane is the capital of Limpopo, and the High Court was established in this city in 1995. The High Court is located inside the Magistrate’s Court building on Makhado Street.
- The High Court has jurisdiction over all matters arising from within the province of Limpopo, which includes all major cities such as Polokwane and Pietersburg (renamed Tshwane).
North West Division, Mahikeng (Mafikeng)
The North West Division is located in the town of Mahikeng (also known as Mafikeng), which is located in the North West province.
The location of this court is very important to you because it will determine where you must go to file claims and have your case heard.
Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg
There are currently four local divisions of the High Court of South Africa, each with jurisdiction over a different province or region:
- Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg;
- Western Cape Local Division, Cape Town;
- Eastern Cape Local Division, Port Elizabeth; and
- KwaZulu-Natal Local Division, Durban.
Pretoria Local Division, Pretoria (Tshwane)
Pretoria Local Division, Pretoria (Tshwane)
This is one of the high courts in South Africa. It is in Pretoria and has jurisdiction over the city of Pretoria and the surrounding area. It was established in 1981.
The renaming High Court Act renamed the High Courts after their respective provinces. The courts are the courts of the first instance. They have jurisdiction over all civil matters, except those that fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Labour Court and the Equality Court.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped clear up some misconceptions about South Africa’s High Courts. If you’re still not sure what they are or how many there are, just ask a judge! They’ll be happy to explain it all to you.
