Acts Online
GT Shield

Divorce Act, 1979 (Act No. 70 of 1979)

12. Limitation of publication of particulars of divorce action

 

1) Except for making known or publishing the names of the parties to a divorce action, or that a divorce action between the parties is pending in a court of law, or the judgement or order of the court, no person shall make known in public or publish for the information of the public or any section of the public any particulars of a divorce action or any information which comes to light in the course of such an action.

 

2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply with reference to the publication of particulars or information-
a) for the purposes of the administration of justice;
b) in a bona fide law report which does not form part of any other publication than a series of reports of the proceedings in courts of law; or
c) for the advancement of or use in a particular profession or science.

 

3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall mutatis mutandis apply with reference to proceedings relating to the enforcement or variation of any order made in terms of this Act as well as in relation to any enquiry instituted by a Family Advocate in terms of the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, 1987.

 

4) Any person who in contravention of this section publishes any particulars or information shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand rand or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.