These courts have jurisdiction to hear certain matters on the level of magistrates’ courts. They are designed to deal with customary issues in terms of customary law. An authorised African headman or his deputy may decide cases using indigenous law and custom (for example, disputes over ownership of cattle or lobolo), brought before him by an African against another African within his area of jurisdiction.

These courts are commonly known as Chief’s Courts. A person with a claim has the right to choose whether to bring a claim in the Chief’s Court or in a Magistrate’s Court. Anyone who is not satisfied with the decision in a Chief’s or Headman’s court can take their matter to the ordinary courts.