When a Court Order Is Ignored: Understanding Contempt of Court in South African Law

A court order is not a suggestion. It is a binding directive issued by a court and must be obeyed unless and until a competent court varies, suspends, or sets it aside. In litigation, clients often ask a practical question: “They are ignoring the court order. What can we do?” The answer is not always simple. Contempt of court is a serious remedy, particularly where imprisonment or a fine is sought. It is not merely another step in ordinary enforcement and should be approached carefully. Contempt proceedings exist to protect the authority of the courts and the rule of law.…