Debt Collection in South Africa is an onerous and often unproductive task. One often has to consider litigation and other legal remedies to recover monies. The assistance of a debt collector or lawyer is often required.

Judgment Process:

1. Letter of Demand: Failure by the debtor to respond to same within the time period provided is followed by a Summons.

2. Summons: A summons is issued out of court where the debtor resides, carries on business or is employed and where the cause of action arose. Once issued the summons is sent to the sheriff for service.

3. Default Judgment: if the claim is not settled within the time period provided in the summons and we do not receive an Appearance to Defend we may apply for default judgment. OR

4. Summary Judgment: When an Appearance to Defend is entered the creditor may file a notice in which he explains that there is no genuine defence to his claim and the Appearance to Defend is entered in order to delay the process. If granted, the action will not go to trial.