The Defamation Retraction Demand Letter is a critical legal instrument in South African defamation law, used when an individual or organization seeks to address harmful false statements without immediate recourse to litigation. This document serves as a formal notice and demand for retraction of defamatory statements, combining elements of South African common law defamation principles with constitutional protections for dignity and reputation. It is typically used when there is clear evidence of false statements that have caused or could cause reputational damage, and where the sender wishes to resolve the matter through formal demands before pursuing court action. The letter must be carefully crafted to include specific details of the defamatory statements, evidence of their falsity, documentation of harm caused, and clear demands for retraction and/or correction. Under South African jurisdiction, this document often precedes formal legal proceedings and can serve as important evidence of attempted resolution if litigation becomes necessary.

1. Sender's Details: Full contact information of the sender/injured party and their legal representatives

2. Recipient's Details: Full contact information of the person/entity who made the defamatory statements

3. Date: Date of the letter

4. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a defamation retraction demand

5. Defamatory Statement Details: Specific quotes or detailed descriptions of the defamatory statements, including when and where they were made

6. Legal Basis: Brief explanation of why the statements are defamatory under South African law

7. Harm Caused: Description of actual or potential damage to reputation, business, or personal life

8. Demands: Clear statement of required actions (retraction, apology, removal of content, etc.) and timeline

9. Legal Consequences: Statement of potential legal action if demands are not met

10. Closing: Formal closing including deadline for response and contact information