On 23 March 2020, President Ramaphosa announced a nationwide
lockdown commencing at midnight on 26 March 2020. In terms of the
lockdown, everyone is to be confined to their homes for 21 days,
save for certain workers involved in providing essential services.
But what does all of this mean for current litigation?
On 24 March 2020, the Chief Justice of South Africa delegated
his authority in terms of section 8(3) of the Superior Courts Act,
2013 to all Heads of Court in the Superior Courts and
Magistrates/Lower Courts to issue such directives to enable access
to courts in relation to any urgent matter, bail applications,
maintenance, domestic violence related matters and cases involving
children.
