When it first opened its doors on 1 September 2015, the Overstrand Municipal Court dealt mainly with traffic violations and other routine offences. Over the years, its work has expanded to include building and zoning transgressions as well as other areas of municipal by-law compliance.
The need for an Additional Court for Municipal Matters was identified in 2013 when the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court faced a growing case load that affected the timely hearing of municipal-related matters.
Through a joint effort between Overstrand Municipality, the Department of Justice and the National Prosecuting Authority, the Municipal Court was established to improve efficiency and to demonstrate the municipality’s commitment to enforcing compliance with legislation.
It also ensures that the public has due regard for municipal laws and that, in the event of transgressions, the necessary steps are taken to address and rectify the matter.
In its first year, the court dealt with just over 3 700 cases. The number of cases increased considerably over the years, with 11 891 cases heard in the court’s 10th year (i.e. the 2024/25 financial year). The busiest year was 2022/23 when 12 536 cases were finalised.
Making the Municipal Court accessible is an important part of service delivery, and the court aims to ensure that matters are handled without unnecessary delays and that every person is afforded a fair
opportunity to state their case.
The Municipal Court has also introduced alternative approaches to prosecution. A diversion programme allows offenders who cannot afford a fine to complete community service instead.
More recently, mediation has been implemented for by-law matters, particularly disputes between neighbours, and has proven effective in resolving conflicts. Ultimately, by promoting compliance, the Municipal Court focuses on community safety rather than on punishment alone.
As it moves into its second decade, the Overstrand Municipal Court will continue to ensure municipal laws are applied consistently and responsibly, contributing to a safe and orderly environment for the people of Overstrand.
