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Practice Directions

Supreme Court of Appeal of South AfricaRef: https://www.supremecourtofappeal.org.za/index.php/2-uncategorised/46-practice-directions

Official source

Source domain: supremecourtofappeal.org.za

Collected on 9 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 21 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a Practice Direction issued by the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (M.M. Maya) for the Supreme Court of Appeal on how virtual (telephone/video) hearings are to be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It supplements an earlier Practice Direction dated 24 April 2020, is made under delegated powers of the Chief Justice and the authority of the Heads of Court under the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013, and takes effect immediately. Virtual hearings are the default, but the court’s permission (requested through the registrar) is required for proceedings to be dealt with virtually, and detailed rules cover platforms, participation, etiquette, testing, interruptions, recording, and media attendance.

Facts

Reference

https://www.supremecourtofappeal.org.za/index.php/2-uncategorised/46-practice-directions

Parties

Chief Justice and the authority

Key Takeaways

  • Practice Direction: Supreme Court of Appeal video or audio hearings during COVID-19 pandemic
  • Supplements Practice Direction issued on 24 April 2020
  • Made under delegated powers of the Chief Justice (directives dated 17 March 2020 and 17 April 2020) and s 8(4)(b) of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013
  • Comes into force with immediate effect
  • Virtual hearings are the default position until further direction
  • Virtual hearings may use telephone or video-web conferencing; platforms include Microsoft Teams, Webex, Zoom, or other appropriate means
  • Court permission via registrar is required for any part of proceedings to be virtual
  • Platform must be agreed at the outset of each case; parties must provide registrar with participants’ email addresses and WhatsApp contact details
  • Judges and legal representatives must robe; participants should follow courtroom-like solemnity and address rules
  • Participants must manage environment (reduce background noise; counsel/participants alone in secure room; camera/light positioning; blank wall backdrop)
  • Firewalls/security restrictions must be resolved before hearing; video/audio testing before judges join
  • Hearings start promptly; presiding judge will manage appearances and interruptions (including possible camera/mute rules)
  • All video/audio virtual hearings must be recorded; no party may record without court permission; host/organiser provides link to court website after hearing if hosted by legal representative
  • If virtual hearing cannot proceed, hearing may be stopped for technological glitches or a fresh hearing arranged
  • Media attendance accommodated where requested; media must contact the Registrar via presiding judge’s secretary
  • Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa
  • M.M. Maya (President of the Supreme Court of Appeal)
  • Chief Justice (delegated powers referenced)
  • Heads of Court
  • Registrar (of the Supreme Court of Appeal)
  • Presiding judge
  • Legal representatives
  • Media representatives
  • Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013

Dates

Closing Date

17 March 2020