Best Defamation Lawyers in South Africa

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

Goodway & Buck Attorneys
Durban, South Africa

English
Accidents & Injuries Defamation Animal & Dog Injury +21 more
Goodway & Buck Attorneys, based in Durban, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims, personal injury cases, commercial law, and family law matters. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in assisting refugees and South African...
JMD ATTORNEYS

JMD ATTORNEYS

15 minutes Free Consultation
Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2012
10 people in their team
English
Accidents & Injuries Defamation Assault & Battery +7 more
How we WorkJM De Villiers Attorney is a dynamic firm specialising in commercial law and criminal law with a track record of delivering practical solutions to the legal challenges that all our clientele face.We have an extended network of professionals that we work closely with, giving us access to...
J Mabena Attorneys
Kwamhlanga, South Africa

English
J Mabena Attorneys, established in 2001 by the esteemed attorney Mr. Jafta Mabena, has been a cornerstone of legal excellence in South Africa for over two decades. The firm is renowned for its dynamic, multi-faceted approach, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and efficiency to deliver...

English
Established in 1945 by Errol Walter Stowell, Stowell & Co Attorneys, Notaries Public & Conveyancers has evolved from a single-practitioner firm into one of KwaZulu-Natal's largest legal practices outside Durban. The firm operates from a historically significant building in Pietermaritzburg,...
Johannesburg, South Africa

Founded in 2015
English
J. Jacobs and Associates, formerly known as Jacobs Attorneys, is a dynamic law firm situated in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. Established in 2015 by Jonathan Jacobs, the firm has built a solid reputation for delivering personalized legal services across various practice areas, including family law, credit...
Anthony Wilton Thinane Attorneys
Germiston, South Africa

Founded in 1998
15 people in their team
English
Anthony Wilton Thinane Attorneys is a Germiston-based South African law firm offering a broad range of commercial and personal legal services. The firm maintains active practices in litigation, conveyancing, corporate and commercial law, personal injury and family law, and operates an in-house...
James King & Badenhorst Ing
Oudtshoorn, South Africa

Founded in 1991
English
James King & Badenhorst Incorporated, established in 1991 as James King Attorneys, is a reputable law firm based in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including conveyancing, commercial law, debt collection, personal injury claims, civil and criminal...

Founded in 1995
English
Established in 1995, PRAVINA GOVENDER ATTORNEYS, CONVEYANCERS & NOTARIES PUBLIC has built a solid reputation for delivering professional and personalized legal services. The firm's competitive edge lies in its easy accessibility, commitment to professionalism, and a verifiable track record of...
Pretoria, South Africa

English
Tebogo Ramaoka Inc. is a distinguished law firm with its main office in Pretoria and additional branches in Brits, Mabopane, and Atteridgeville, South Africa. Founded by Ms. Tebogo Ramaoka, an admitted Attorney, Conveyancer, and Notary of the High Court, the firm offers a comprehensive range of...
MAHOMED SALEK ATTORNEYS
Durban, South Africa

English
Mahomed Salek Attorneys, based in Durban, South Africa, is a dynamic and adaptable law firm dedicated to providing prompt and dependable legal advice and representation. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of both corporate clients and individuals,...
AS SEEN ON

South Africa Defamation Legal Questions answered by Lawyers

Browse our 1 legal question about Defamation in South Africa and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.

I want to sue someone for defamation and harassment
Cyber Law, Data Privacy and Data Protection Defamation
Someone posted me on social media, without my consent and started spreading rumours about me. How should i handle this?
Lawyer answer by OPRICHTER Legal Network

Collect all available evidence, including chat conversations, voice recordings, and any other supporting materials. After that, you may file a report with the police.

Read full answer
1 answer

About Defamation Law in South Africa

Defamation in South Africa refers to the act of making a false statement about someone that damages their reputation. This can be done through spoken words (slander) or written words (libel). Defamation can have serious consequences for both the person making the statement and the person being defamed.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you have been accused of defamation or if you believe you have been defamed. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, explore legal options, and navigate the complexities of defamation law in South Africa.

Local Laws Overview

In South Africa, defamation is governed by common law principles as well as the Defamation Act of 1958. Key aspects of defamation law in South Africa include the requirement of falsity, publication, and the potential defenses of truth and public interest. Courts take defamation cases seriously and may award damages to the defamed party.

Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes defamation in South Africa?

Defamation in South Africa involves making a false statement about someone that damages their reputation. This can include both verbal statements (slander) and written statements (libel).

What are the potential consequences of defamation in South Africa?

The consequences of defamation in South Africa can include legal action, financial penalties, and damage to one's reputation. Defamation can also result in civil lawsuits and criminal charges.

How can someone defend themselves against a defamation claim?

In South Africa, a person accused of defamation can defend themselves by proving that the statement is true, that it was made in the public interest, or that it constitutes fair comment. It is important to seek legal advice to determine the best defense strategy.

Can an apology mitigate the effects of defamation?

An apology can sometimes mitigate the effects of defamation, especially if it is sincere and issued promptly. However, an apology does not automatically absolve someone of liability for defamation in South Africa.

Is it possible to remove defamatory content from the internet in South Africa?

In South Africa, it can be challenging to remove defamatory content from the internet, especially if it has been widely circulated. Legal action may be necessary to compel website owners or social media platforms to remove the content.

Additional Resources

If you need legal advice on defamation in South Africa, you may consider contacting the Legal Aid South Africa for assistance. The South African Human Rights Commission can also provide guidance on defamation issues.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with a defamation matter in South Africa, it is advisable to consult with an experienced defamation lawyer. They can assess your case, provide legal advice, and represent you in court if necessary. Remember to act promptly, as there are time limits for filing defamation claims in South Africa.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in South Africa through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Defamation, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in South Africa - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.