SCCs are situated in the Magistrates’ Courts. If there is no SCC in your area, you must bring your case in the Magistrate’s Court. The SCC is easier and cheaper for people to use to settle disputes. The court charges a small fee to cover the cost of the summons and the fee of the Sheriff of the Court. A commissioner presides over the proceedings and decides who is right and who is wrong. You cannot use an attorney in the SCC but you can get advice from a paralegal or an attorney to prepare for your case in the SCC. You can only use the SCC for claims up to a value of R15 000. If your claim is for more than R15 000 you can give up part of the claim so that it is R15 000 or less.

(See: Small Claims Court)