Supreme Court of Appeal

The Supreme Court of Appeal is, except in respect of certain labour and competition matters, the second highest court in South Africa. Previously it and the Constitutional Court were both ‘apex courts’ with different areas of jurisdiction. However, since August 2013 the Constitutional Court has been the highest court in all matters.

In terms of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of Appeal may decide any matter, except certain labour and competition matters, but is purely an appeal court, and it may decide only appeals and issues connected with appeals.

The Supreme Court of Appeal may make an order concerning the constitutional validity of an Act of Parliament, a provincial Act or any conduct of the President, but an order of constitutional invalidity has no force unless it is confirmed by the Constitutional Court.