Best Defamation Lawyers in South Africa

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Goodway & Buck Attorneys
Durban, South Africa

English
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...
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Thembeka Mdunge & Associates
Durban, South Africa

English
Thembeka Mdunge & Associates is a distinguished South African law firm offering a comprehensive range of legal services. Their practice areas include administration of deceased estates and curatorship, repossessions and foreclosures, commercial and corporate transactional advisory services,...
IC Clark Inc.
East London, South Africa

Founded in 1979
English
IC Clark Inc., established in 1979 by Ian Cameron Clark, is a distinguished legal firm based in East London, South Africa. With over four decades of experience, the firm has built a strong reputation for providing comprehensive legal services, particularly in personal injury law, conveyancing, and...
RAMMUTLA-AT-LAW INCORPORATED
Pretoria, South Africa

English
RAMMUTLA-AT-LAW INCORPORATED, located in Pretoria, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including collections, bodily injury claims, property law and conveyancing, drafting and reviewing legislation, general litigation, employment and industrial law, disciplinary matters,...
MAKGALE NGWASHENG ATTORNEYS
Rustenburg, South Africa

English
Makgale Ngwasheng Attorneys, located in Rustenburg, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. The firm's practice areas encompass motor vehicle accident claims, administration of deceased estates, divorce proceedings, credit...
ATISHA GHELA & ASSOCIATES
Umhlanga, South Africa

English
Atisha Ghela & Associates, based in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, is a distinguished all-female law firm founded in 2013 by senior attorney Atisha Ghela. With over 18 years of legal experience, Ms. Ghela has cultivated a practice that emphasizes comprehensive legal services across various domains,...

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,...

English
Lwazi Dekeda Inc. Attorneys | Notaries | Conveyancers, established in May 2021, is a dynamic law firm based in East London, South Africa. The firm is led by founder and director Lwazi Dekeda, who brings over two decades of legal experience, having practiced as an attorney since 2003 and as a...

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...
Kimberley, South Africa

Founded in 2017
English
Roux Welgemoed & Du Plooy Attorneys, located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, has been serving clients for over six decades. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including civil and criminal litigation, family law, conveyancing, and property law. Their extensive experience and deep...
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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.