Related Post

30 May 2020 – Latest Regulations on the movement of minor children during the lockdown – The introduction of the Magistrate’s Permit

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, published new regulations regarding the Lockdown on 29 April 2020. As from 1 May 2020, South Africa’s lockdown would be on Level 4, one level down from when it started. The new regulations bring challenging changes regarding the movement of children between parents. For example, the provision of applying for a Magistrate’s permit. Therefore, some of the new regulations are welcomed by us, and others not. The regulations are further below. Click here to read an article regarding the previous regulations on the movement of children. Summary of the recent regulations that will come in effect tomorrow 1 May 2020:

Local movement of children during the lockdown

Movement of Children may only take place in the same metropolitan area or district municipality if the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver is: (a) in possession of a Court Order; or (b) a parental responsibilities and rights agreement or parenting plan, registered with the family advocate; or (c) a permit issued by a magistrate which corresponds with Form 3 of Annexure A if the latter documentation is not available; and (d) The household to which the child has to move must be free of COVID-19. Before a magistrate may issue a permit, he or she must be provided with a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate of the child or children to prove a legitimate relationship between the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights. Furthermore, written reasons as to why the movement of the child is necessary must be provided. In our view, the permit application is a step back. This we say as previously there was no need for the application for a permit. The courts would be inundated with such applications. Producing a birth certificate as previously required should have continued.

Inter-Provincial movement of children during the National lockdown

The regulations now allow for a once-off movement of children between provinces during the lockdown. It states: “Any child who was not at the residence of their primary caregiver before the lockdown period and who could not travel between provinces, metropolitan and district areas during the lockdown will be permitted, on a once-off basis, to return to the residence of their primary caregiver if the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver is in possession of a permit issued by a magistrate which corresponds with Form 3 of annexure A.” Before a magistrate issues a permit, he or she must be provided with: (a) a court order; or (b) a parental responsibilities and rights agreement or parenting plan registered with the family advocate; or (c) a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate of the child or children to prove a legitimate relationship between the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights, and (d) written reasons why the movement of the child is necessary. Furthermore, the household to which the child has to move must be free of COVID-19. Click here to read an article regarding the previous regulations on the movement of children. Below are the relevant regulations and the relevant form the Magistrate must provide. Movement of children
  1. (1) The movement of children between co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver, as defined in section 1(1) of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005), in the same metropolitan area or district municipality is allowed subject to the following if the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver is in possession of—
(a) a court order; or (b) a parental responsibilities and rights agreement or parenting plan, registered with the family advocate (c) a permit issued by a magistrate where which corresponds with Form 3 of Annexure A if the documentation in paragraphs (a) and (b) is not available. (2) The movement of children between co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver, as defined in section 1(1) of the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005), between different metropolitan areas, district municipalities or provinces is allowed if the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver is in possession of a permit, issued by a magistrate which corresponds with Form 3 of Annexure A. (3) Any child who was not at the residence of their primary caregiver before the lockdown period and who could not travel between provinces, metropolitan and district areas during the lockdown will be permitted, on a once-off basis, to return to the residence of their primary caregiver if the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights or a caregiver is in possession of a permit issued by a magistrate which corresponds with Form 3 of annexure A. (4) The household to which the child has to move, must be free of COVID-19. (5) (a) Before a magistrate issues a permit referred to in regulation 17(1)(c), he or she must be provided with— (i) birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate of the child or children to prove a legitimate relationship between the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights; and (ii) written reasons why the movement of the child is necessary.   (b) Before a magistrate issues a permit referred to in 17(2) or (3), he or she must be provided with— (i) A court order (ii) a parental responsibilities and rights agreement or parenting plan registered with the family advocate or (iii) a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate of the child or children to prove a legitimate relationship between the co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights; and (iv) written reasons why the movement of the child is necessary.
[caption id="attachment_9098" align="alignleft" width="651"]Permit issued by a Magistrate for the movement of children during the lockdown Permit issued by a Magistrate for the movement of children during the lockdown[/caption]                                           We are certain that you found the above article useful and interesting. Please consider sharing it on the share buttons below. They include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail and more. Someone may find it useful as well. Should you require business advice or services, feel free to click on these links: Business SA | Private Legal | Envirolaws Click here to read an article regarding the previous regulations on the movement of children.  
Posted on by Telelaw

The Thrilling Legal Landscape of Cape Town: Spotlight on Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf

Cape Town, a vibrant city known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is also home to the prestigious Western Cape High Court—the highest court in the region. This esteemed institution is the stage for some of South Africa’s most intriguing and significant legal battles, attracting cases that can shape the very fabric of law and society. Whether it’s a groundbreaking trial or a gripping appeal, the atmosphere is electric, with many legal offices bustling with activity, particularly those belonging to skilled practitioners like Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the Western Cape High Court, Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf’s chambers are not just places of work; they are crucibles of justice where riveting legal strategies are crafted. With an impressive academic background that boasts both an LL.B (Bachelor of Laws) and an LL.M (Master of Laws), Advocate Abduroaf has spent over 20 years championing the rights of his clients. His journey began with a landmark case that sent shockwaves through the legal community: he successfully argued for the right to claim maintenance from paternal grandparents of children born out of wedlock—a right that had been denied for over 80 years! This remarkable victory, encapsulated in the case of Petersen v Maintenance Officer Simon’s Town Maintenance Court and Others (2004), opened new doors for countless families seeking justice. But the saga doesn’t end there. Soon after the latter success, Advocate Abduroaf played a pivotal role in a monumental constitutional case that further shaped the legal landscape—one that confirmed the formidable powers of the Maintenance Court, including the ability to interdict pension funds. The case, Soller v Maintenance Magistrate, Wynberg and Others (2006), is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing the rights of the underrepresented. In the exhilarating world of law, where every decision can change lives, Advocate Muhammad Abduroaf stands as a beacon of hope and tenacity, navigating the complexities of the legal system and fighting for justice in the heart of Cape Town. The stories behind the cases are the lifeblood of this dynamic city, making every courtroom drama an adventure in itself!

Posted on by Telelaw

What to know when wanting to appeal a High Court Judgment?

Everyone has a right to take a matter to a court of law. At the same time, everyone has a right to challenge a decision of a judicial officer. We all make mistakes and a judicial officer is no different. This article deals with the court rules relating to appeals from decisions emanating in the High Court. Therefore, should you wish to appeal a decision of a Judge in the High Court, have a look at the High Court rules below. When dealing with Appeals in the High Court, one looks at the Uniform Rules, or RULES REGULATING THE CONDUCT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVERAL PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL DIVISIONS OF THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA. The Rules are amended from time to time. Rule 49 deals with Civil appeals from the High Court. It is copied below.

49 Civil Appeals from the High Court

(1) (a) When leave to appeal is required, it may on a statement of the grounds therefor be requested at the time of the judgment or order. (b) When leave to appeal is required and it has not been requested at the time of the judgment or order, application for such leave shall be made and the grounds therefor shall be furnished within fifteen days after the date of the order appealed against: Provided that when the reasons or the full reasons for the court’s order are given on a later date than the date of the order, such application may be made within fifteen days after such later date: Provided further that the court may, upon good cause shown, extend the aforementioned periods of fifteen days. (c) When in giving an order the court declares that the reasons for the order will be furnished to any of the parties on application, such application shall be delivered within ten days after the date of the order. (d) The application mentioned in paragraph (b) above shall be set down on a date arranged by the registrar who shall give written notice thereof to the parties. (e) Such application shall be heard by the judge who presided at the trial or, if he is not available, by another judge of the division of which the said judge, when he so presided, was a member. (2) If leave to appeal to the full court is granted the notice of appeal shall be delivered to all the parties within twenty days after the date upon which leave was granted or within such longer period as may upon good cause shown be permitted. (3) The notice of appeal shall state whether the whole or part only of the judgment or order is appealed against and if only part of such judgment or order is appealed against, it shall state which part and shall further specify the finding of fact and/or ruling of law appealed against and the grounds upon which the appeal is founded. (4) A notice of cross-appeal shall be delivered within ten days after delivery of the notice of appeal or within such longer period as may upon good cause shown be permitted and the provisions of these Rules with regard to appeals shall mutatis mutandis apply to cross-appeals. (5) In the case of an appeal against the judgment or order of the court of the Witwatersrand Local Division, the judge president of the Transvaal Provincial Division shall determine whether the appeal should be heard by the full court of the said local division. As soon as possible after receipt of the notice of appeal or cross-appeal, if any, the registrar of the local division shall ascertain from the judge president his direction in the particular case. If the judge president has directed that the appeal be heard by the full court of the Witwatersrand Local Division, the said registrar shall immediately inform the parties of the direction. If not so directed by the judge president, the said registrar shall inform the registrar of the provincial division as well as the parties accordingly. (6) (a) Within sixty days after delivery of a notice of appeal, an appellant shall make written application to the registrar of the division where the appeal is to be heard for a date for the hearing of such appeal and shall at the same time furnish him with his full residential address and the name and address of every other party to the appeal and if the appellant fails to do so a respondent may within ten days after the expiry of the said period of sixty days, as in the case of the appellant, apply for the set down of the appeal or cross-appeal which he may have noted. If no such application is made by either party the appeal and cross-appeal shall be deemed to have lapsed: Provided that a respondent shall have the right to apply for an order for his wasted costs. (b) The court to which the appeal is made may, on application of the appellant or cross-appellant, and upon good cause shown, reinstate an appeal or cross-appeal which has lapsed. (7) (a) At the same time as the application for a date for the hearing of an appeal in terms of subrule (6) (a) of this rule the appellant shall file with the registrar three copies of the record on appeal and shall furnish two copies to the respondent. The registrar shall further be provided with a complete index and copies of all papers, documents and exhibits in the case, except formal and immaterial documents: Provided that such omissions shall be referred to in the said index. If the necessary copies of the record are not ready at that stage, the registrar may accept an application for a date of hearing without the necessary copies if- (i) the application is accompanied by a written agreement between the parties that the copies of the record may be handed in late; or (ii) failing such agreement, the appellant delivers an application together with an affidavit in which the reasons for his omission to hand in the copies of the record in time are set out and in which is indicated that an application for condonation of the omission will be made at the hearing of the appeal. (b) The two copies of the record to be served on the respondent shall be served at the same time as the filing of the aforementioned three copies with the registrar. (c) After delivery of the copies of the record, the registrar of the court that is to hear the appeal or cross-appeal shall assign a date for the hearing of the appeal or for the application for condonation and appeal, as the case may be, and shall set the appeal down for hearing on the said date and shall give the parties at least twenty days’ notice in writing of the date so assigned.  (d) If the party who applied for a date for the hearing of the appeal neglects or fails to file or deliver the said copies of the record within 40 days after the acceptance by the registrar of the application for a date of hearing in terms of subrule (7) (a) the other party may approach the court for an order that the application has lapsed. (8) (a) Copies referred to in subrule (7) shall be clearly typed on A.4 standard paper in double spacing, paginated and bound and in addition every tenth line on every page shall be numbered. (b) The left side of each page shall be provided with a margin of at least 35 mm that shall be left clear, except in the case of exhibits that are duplicated by photoprinting, where it is impossible to obtain a margin with the said dimensions. Where the margin of the said exhibits is so small that parts of the documents will be obscured by binding, such documents shall be mounted on sheets of A4 paper and folded back to ensure that the prescribed margin is provided. (9) By consent of the parties, exhibits and annexures having no bearing on the point at issue in the appeal and immaterial portions of lengthy documents may be omitted. Such consent, setting out what documents or parts thereof have been omitted, shall be signed by the parties and shall be included in the record on appeal. The court hearing the appeal may order that the whole of the record be placed before it. (10) When the decision of an appeal turns exclusively on a point of law, the parties may agree to submit such appeal to the court in the form of a special case, in which event copies shall be submitted of only such portions of the record as may be necessary for a proper decision of the appeal: Provided that the court hearing the appeal may require that the whole of the record of the case be placed before it. (11) Where an appeal has been noted or an application for leave to appeal against or to rescind, correct, review or vary an order of a court has been made, the operation and execution of the order in question shall be suspended, pending the decision of such appeal or application, unless the court which gave such order, on the application of a party, otherwise directs. (12) If the order referred to in subrule (11) is carried into execution by order of the court the party requesting such execution shall, unless the court otherwise orders, before such execution enter into such security as the parties may agree or the registrar may decide for the restitution of any sum obtained upon such execution. The registrar’s decision shall be final. (13) (a) Unless the respondent waives his or her right to security or the court in granting leave to appeal or subsequently on application to it, has released the appellant wholly or partially from that obligation, the appellant shall, before lodging copies of the record on appeal with the registrar, enter into good and sufficient security for the respondent’s costs of appeal. (b) In the event of failure by the parties to agree on the amount of security, the registrar shall fix the amount and the appellant shall enter into security in the amount so fixed or such percentage thereof as the court has determined, as the case may be. (14) The provisions of subrules (12) and (13) shall not be applicable to the Government of the Republic of South Africa or any provincial administration. (15) Not later than fifteen days before the appeal is heard the appellant shall deliver a concise and succinct statement of the main points (without elaboration) which he intends to argue on appeal, as well as a list of the authorities to be tendered in support of each point, and not later than ten days before the appeal is heard the respondent shall deliver a similar statement. Three additional copies shall in each case be filed with the registrar. (16) A notice of appeal in terms of section 76 of the Patents Act, 1978 (Act 57 of 1978), or section 63 of the Trade Marks Act, 1963 (Act 62 of 1963), may be served on the patent agent referred to in the Patents Act, 1978, or the agent referred to in section 8 of the Trade Marks Act, 1963, who represented the respondent in the proceedings in respect of which an appeal is noted. (17) In the case of appeals to the full court in terms of the provisions of a statute in which the procedure to be followed is laid down, this rule is applicable as far as provision is made for matters not regulated by the statute. (18) Notwithstanding the provisions of this rule the judge president may, in consultation with the parties concerned, direct that a contemplated appeal be dealt with as an urgent matter and order that it be disposed of, and the appeal be prosecuted, at such time and in such manner as to him seems meet.        
Posted on by Telelaw

Do you require a video legal advice consultation?

Click here and schedule one today!