Rules Board Amends Magistrates' and High Court Rules of Court

Posted 29 May 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Courts

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Rules Board for Courts of Law, under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, has gazetted amendments to the rules regulating the conduct of proceedings in the Magistrates’ Courts and the High Court of South Africa.

In terms of the Rules Board for Courts of Law Act, No. 107 of 1985, amendments have been made to the Rules Regulating the Conduct of the Proceedings of the Magistrates’ Courts of South Africa. These amendments, which come into operation on 3 July 2026, introduce procedural changes to the conduct of proceedings within the lower courts.

Furthermore, amendments to the rules regulating the conduct of proceedings of the several provincial and local divisions of the High Court of South Africa have been gazetted under two separate notices. Also taking effect on 3 July 2026, these High Court amendments focus heavily on the rules governing security for costs and general conduct of proceedings.

Click here to download the Magistrates’ Courts Amendment Rules.

Click here to download the High Court Amendment Rules (Security for Costs).

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: You must familiarise yourself with the updated procedural steps for Magistrates’ Courts and High Court litigation, specifically the revised timelines and security for costs provisions, ahead of the 3 July 2026 implementation date.
  • For your business: Law firms and legal practices must update their internal litigation templates, precedent files, and compliance checklists to align with the new rules of conduct and security for costs requirements.
  • For your clients: Litigating clients must be advised on potential changes to cost exposures, specifically regarding security for costs applications, and how the amended rules of conduct may impact the timeline of their active or pending court matters.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/courts-of-law-more-rules-amended

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