Can I send a formal demand letter before suing a supplier for late delivery in South Africa?

Greetings, Yes, you can send a letter of demand to the supplier before instituting court proceedings. Even though it is not a requirement (first, throughly go through the breaching clause in the contract), it is advisable to send a letter of demand - taking into consideration that you want to solve this matter amicably without including the courts. The letter must include the terms of your contract, stating that you have complied as proposed and they have failed to do same from their side. Give them 7 days to deliver the goods, failure thereto, inform them that you are proceeding with a civil claim against them.