Small Claims Affidavit for South Africa

Small Claims Affidavit Template for South Africa

A Small Claims Affidavit is a formal sworn statement used in South Africa's Small Claims Courts for claims up to the prescribed monetary threshold (currently R20,000). This document serves as the founding document for initiating legal proceedings in the Small Claims Court, where the deponent details their claim against another party. The affidavit must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths and contains essential information including the parties' details, jurisdiction confirmation, cause of action, claim amount, and supporting evidence. It's designed to be accessible to the general public without requiring legal representation, aligning with the Small Claims Court's purpose of providing cost-effective access to justice.

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What is a Small Claims Affidavit?

The Small Claims Affidavit is a crucial document within South Africa's legal system, specifically designed for resolving monetary disputes of limited value through the Small Claims Court system. This document type is established under the Small Claims Courts Act 61 of 1984 and related regulations, providing an accessible means for individuals and small businesses to pursue claims without the need for legal representation. The affidavit must include comprehensive details about the claim, including the parties involved, the cause of action, supporting evidence, and the specific amount claimed (up to R20,000). It serves as the primary document initiating proceedings in the Small Claims Court and must be properly sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths. This format is particularly valuable for straightforward monetary disputes where formal legal proceedings would be disproportionately expensive.

What sections should be included in a Small Claims Affidavit?

1. Deponent Details: Full name, ID number, and contact details of the person making the affidavit

2. Capacity Statement: Statement of the deponent's capacity (personal/business) and right to bring the claim

3. Defendant Details: Full details of the person or entity against whom the claim is made

4. Jurisdiction: Statement confirming the court's jurisdiction based on location and claim amount

5. Factual Background: Chronological account of events leading to the claim

6. Cause of Action: Clear statement of the legal basis for the claim

7. Claim Amount: Specific amount claimed and calculation breakdown

8. Prior Attempts at Resolution: Description of steps taken to resolve the dispute before court action

9. Declaration: Formal declaration of truth and signature section

What sections are optional to include in a Small Claims Affidavit?

1. Witness Statement Section: Include when there are witness accounts supporting the claim

2. Business Details: Required when claim is made on behalf of a business entity

3. Legal Representative Details: Include if a legal representative is assisting with document preparation

4. Alternative Contact Person: Include when someone else is authorized to handle correspondence

5. Urgency Statement: Include when requesting expedited processing of the claim

What schedules should be included in a Small Claims Affidavit?

1. Annexure A - Supporting Documents: Copies of relevant contracts, invoices, or correspondence

2. Annexure B - Proof of Loss: Documentation supporting the claimed amount (receipts, quotes, invoices)

3. Annexure C - Communication Records: Copies of demand letters, emails, or other communication with defendant

4. Annexure D - Photographic Evidence: If applicable, photos documenting damage or issues related to claim

5. Annexure E - Witness Statements: Separate sworn statements from witnesses, if applicable

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

South Africa

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Affidavit

Cost

Free to use
Relevant Industries

Retail

Consumer Services

Real Estate

Construction

Automotive

Financial Services

Professional Services

Small Business

E-commerce

Home Services

Manufacturing

Hospitality

Relevant Teams

Legal

Customer Service

Operations

Administration

Compliance

Risk Management

Collections

Accounts Receivable

Customer Relations

Dispute Resolution

Relevant Roles

Business Owner

Customer Service Manager

Claims Administrator

Legal Administrator

Compliance Officer

Operations Manager

Credit Controller

Collections Specialist

Account Manager

Small Business Administrator

Risk Manager

Administrative Assistant

Legal Secretary

Paralegal

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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