The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has raised the monetary limit for small claims courts from R20,000 to R30,000, effective August 1.

This adjustment, the first since 2019, aims to resolve civil disputes more efficiently, ensuring justice remains accessible to all South Africans regardless of financial means.

Small claims courts handle minor financial disputes like unpaid debts, property transfers, and damaged goods without requiring legal representation, reducing costs and complexity.Deputy Minister Andries Nel emphasized that this change aligns with the constitution's promise of equitable rights access.Over 36,600 cases worth R257m were registered in the past financial year, with 8,825 cases valued at R64m in the first quarter of 2026.The reform underscores efforts to make justice affordable and expedient for ordinary citizens, avoiding costly litigation in higher courts.