City of Tswane Metropolitan Municipality and Another v Pretoria Educational Centre CC (008172/2022) [2025] ZAGPPHC 805 (7 August 2025)

45 Reportability
Civil Procedure

Brief Summary

Condonation — Application for condonation for late filing of leave to appeal — Appellants filed application three months late without sufficient explanation — Respondent opposed application, highlighting lack of merit in Appellants' reasons for delay — Court found Appellants failed to provide a full, detailed account of the causes of the delay — Application for condonation dismissed, with costs awarded to Respondent on a scale as between attorney and client.

Comprehensive Summary

Case Note


City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and Mmaseabata Mutlameng v Pretoria Educational Centre CC

Case Number: 008172/2022

Date: 7 August 2025


Reportability


This case is significant as it addresses the procedural aspects of filing for leave to appeal, particularly concerning the late submission of applications and the principles governing condonation. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of compliance with court orders and the implications of delays in legal proceedings, especially for state organs.


Cases Cited



  • Melane v Santam Insurance Co Ltd 1962 (4) SA 531 (A)

  • Grootboom v National Prosecuting Authority & another (2014) 35 ILJ 121 (CC)

  • Uitenhage Transitional Local Council v South African Revenue Service [2003] 4 All SA 37 (SCA)

  • Aymac CC v Widgerow 2009 (6) SA 433 (W)

  • Federated Employers Fire & General Insurance Co Ltd and Another v McKenzie 1969 (3) SA 360 (A)

  • Minister of Land Affairs and Agriculture and Others v D&F Wevell Trust and Others 2008 (2) SA 184 (SCA)

  • Saloojee v Minister of Community Development 1989 (3) SA 1 (A)

  • Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Burger 1956 (4) SA 466 (A)


Legislation Cited



  • Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998

  • Close Corporations Act 69 of 1984

  • Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003


Rules of Court Cited



  • Rule 49(1) of the Uniform Rules of Court


HEADNOTE


Summary


The court considered an application for leave to appeal filed by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and its City Manager against a judgment declaring them in contempt of court for failing to comply with previous orders regarding the transfer of property to the Pretoria Educational Centre. The application for leave to appeal was filed late, prompting a condonation application, which the court ultimately dismissed.


Key Issues


The key legal issues addressed include the validity of the late application for leave to appeal, the grounds for condonation, and the implications of non-compliance with court orders by state organs.


Held


The court held that the Appellants failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delay in filing their application for leave to appeal and dismissed the condonation application. The court emphasized the need for state organs to comply with court orders and the importance of finality in legal proceedings.


THE FACTS


The City of Tshwane and the Pretoria Educational Centre entered into an interim lease agreement in 2006, which was to lead to a sale agreement for certain properties. The City later refused to transfer the properties, leading to a court order in 2007 compelling the transfer. After years of delay, the City sought to rescind the order, claiming compliance would violate statutory requirements. The court dismissed this rescission application, leading to further contempt proceedings against the City and its officials.


THE ISSUES


The court had to decide whether to grant the Appellants' application for condonation for the late filing of their leave to appeal and whether the Appellants had shown good cause for the delay. Additionally, the court considered the implications of the Appellants' non-compliance with previous court orders.


ANALYSIS


The court analyzed the Appellants' explanation for the delay, finding it inadequate and lacking in detail. It emphasized that the Appellants did not sufficiently address the reasons for the three-month delay between the original deadline and the filing of the application. The court also highlighted the importance of finality in legal proceedings and the need for state organs to adhere to court orders.


REMEDY


The court dismissed the condonation application, ordering the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality to pay the costs of the application on a scale as between attorney and client, including the costs of two counsel where employed.


LEGAL PRINCIPLES


The case establishes that when seeking condonation for late filings, parties must provide a full and reasonable explanation for the delay, considering factors such as the length of the delay, the reasons for it, and the potential prejudice to the other party. The court underscored that compliance with court orders is essential, particularly for state organs, to uphold the rule of law and the authority of the judiciary.

SAFLII Note: Certain personal/private details of parties or witnesses have been redacted from this document
in compliance with the law and SAFLII Policy

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA



IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA
GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA

Case Number: 008172/2022
(1) REPORTABLE: NO
(2) OF INTEREST TO OTHER JUDGES: NO
(3) REVISED: YES/NO
DATE: 07/08/25
SIGNATURE

In the matter between:

CITY OF TSWANE METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY First Appellant

MMASEABATA MUTLAMENG Second Appellant

and

PRETORIA EDUCATIONAL CENTRE CC Respondent


JUDGMENT

Joyini AJ

INTRODUCTION

[1] This is an application for leave to appeal against the Judgment (Case Number
008172/2022) of this Court that was handed down on 28 January 2025. In
terms of Rule 49(1) of the Uniform Rules of Court, the Appellants’ application
for leave to appeal ought to have been served and filed on 17 February 2025.
However, it was filed three months later on 19 May 2025. An application for
condonation for its late filing was filed on 28 May 2025. On that score, there
are two applications by the Appellants before this Co urt, namely, (i) an
application for condonation for the late filing of the leave to appeal and (ii) an
application for leave to appeal.

[2] Both t he condonation and leave to appeal applications are opposed by the
Respondent.

[3] Both parties were legally represented and appeared before me on 25 July
2025. The Court appreciates the insightful and engaging submissions from
both parties' legal representatives, which greatly assisted in adjudicating this
matter.

PARTIES

[4] The First App ellant is the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (“the
City”), a category “A” municipality established in terms of Section 4 of the
Local Government: Municipal Structures Act of 1998. Its main place of
business is situated at Tshwane House, 3[…] M[…] Street, Pretoria.

[5] The Second Appellant is Mmaseabata Mutla meng, an adult female, who is
cited in this application in her official capacity as the City Manager of the First

Appellant. She was employed as such at the office address of the First
Appellant cited above during the time of the main application.

[6] The Respondent in this matter is Pretoria Educational Centre CC (“PEC”), a
Close Corporation duly registered in terms of the Close Corporations Act of
1984 under registration number: 1990/025759/23. Its main place of business
is situated at 4 […] J[…] R[…] Street at the corner of E […], H […] and J […]
R[…] Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.

BACKGROUND FACTS

[7] These background facts provide the context. The First Appellant i.e. the City
of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality is the owner of certain immovable
properties within its jurisdiction. On 7 July 2006, the City and PEC entered
into an "interim lease agreement", to operate pending the conclusion of a sale
agreement and the transfer to PEC of certain identified immovable properties.
The City refused to transfer the properties to PEC. As a result, in 2007, an
application was brought before this Court under case number 7440/2007 to
compel the City to perform in terms of the sale agreement with PEC.

[8] The City opposed the application to compel it to transfer the Properties. At
that stage, its only defence of substance was that it required the properties for
social housing purposes.

[9] On 28 August 2007, Du Plessis J granted a Court Order in favour of PEC.

[10] In effect, by agreeing to the Order, the City abandoned its defence that certain
of the properties were needed for social housing but raised the need for
compliance with the statutory measures. The terms of the Order indicate
strongly that the need to comply with the two statutory measures was not an
impediment to the transaction but merely a formality which might delay its
completion.

[11] After 13 years of what can only be described as bureaucratic dithering, the
City brought the rescission to set aside the Order. The legal basis upon which
the City sought rescission was that complying with the Order would force the
City into noncompliance with s 79(18) o f the Ordinance on Local Authority 17
of 1939, which requires valuation and advertisement of an intention to dispose
of municipal property and s 14 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance
Management Act, 56 of 2003, which prescribes certain processes before
property can be sold or transferred by a municipality such as the City. The
matter was allocated to Tuchten J.

[12] On 22 May 2024, Tuchten J, in dismissing the rescission application in City of
Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality v Mandela Development Corporation (Pty)
Ltd and Others1 said the following:

“22. The basis upon which the City seeks rescission is that complying with the
Order would force it to act contrary to law. I am satisfied that this is not so.
The structure of the Order implies that on the date it was granted, the City
was satisfied with the amount of R3 million offered in the draft and that this
amount was market related. Otherwise, there would have been no point in
consenting to the Order, because no amount of administrative activity could
ever have led to compliance with s 79(18).
23. Moreover, PEC has leased the Parcel from the City at a substantial
monthly rental pending the conclusion of a sale agreement and transfer away
from the City, amounting to more than R16 million.
24. When these simple facts are conjoined to the extraordi nary delays in
bringing the application for rescission, even after the City on its own version
had determined a market value for the Parcel, I am driven to the conclusion
that no good cause for the delay has been shown. The rescission was
precipitated by a n application brought recently against the City in this court
under case no. 8172/2022 to compel transfer of the properties for which it had

under case no. 8172/2022 to compel transfer of the properties for which it had
introduced purchasers to the City. I conclude that the City only brought the
rescission in response to commercial p ressure placed on it to implement the

1 (7440/2007) [2024] ZAGPPHC 507 (22 May 2024).

Order and that but for this pressure, the City would have continued to let
things slide.
25. To summarise: the City had to show good cause for the rescission it
seeks. This would require it demonstrating that it had a basis in law for its
refusal to comply with the Order and an acceptable explanation for its delay in
bringing the application for rescission. The City has shown neither. The
application cannot succeed.
26. The respondents have asked for punitive costs. I h ave found that the
application for rescission was misconceived and inadequately thought
through. The fundamental flaw in the application for rescission, from a costs
perspective, is that no consideration appears to have been given to
establishing a basis f or the assertion that the Proposed Purchase Price of R3
million would not, at the relevant time, have constituted fair market value for
the proposed sale properties. Although these considerations would justify a
punitive costs order, I am persuaded by coun sel for the City that the City was
motivated by a desire to obtain clarity from a court regarding a situation which
its officials found confusing and to uphold, rather than break, the law. I have
therefore decided not to impose a punitive costs order on th e City. Should the
City persist in its determination not to comply with the Order, it might not be so
fortunate the next time this matter comes before the court.”

[13] The Respondent in this matter brought an urgent application for an order
declaring First and Second Appellants in contempt of the Orders of this Court
under Case Numbers 7440/2007 dated 28 August 2007; 8172/2022 dated 28
January 2025 and in effect, also 7440/2007 dated 22 May 2024. The matter
was allocated to Nthambelenin AJ who presided over the matter on 17 June
2025 and handed down the Judgment on 8 July 2025 wherein the First and
Second Appellants were declared in contempt of the Orders of this Court
under Case Numbers 7440/2007 dat ed 28 August 2007; 8172/2022 dated 28

under Case Numbers 7440/2007 dat ed 28 August 2007; 8172/2022 dated 28
January 2025 and in effect, also 7440/2007 dated 22 May 2024.

[14] The First and Second Appellants are now applying for leave to appeal against
the judgment of this Court that was handed down on 28 January 2025 (Case
Number 008172/2022). In terms of Rule 49(1) of the Uniform Rules of Court,

the Appellants’ application for leave to appeal ought to have been served and
filed on 17 February 2025. However, it was filed three months later on 19 May
2025. An application for condonation for its late filing was filed on 28 May
2025.

[15] There are therefore two applications by the Appellants before this Court,
namely, (i) an application for condonation for the late filing of the leave to
appeal and (ii) an appli cation for leave to appeal. I will start with the
condonation application.

PARTIES’ SUBMISSIONS ON CONDONATION APPLICATION

[16] Counsel for the App ellants submitted that the delay in the filing of the
application for leave to appeal was largely due to the unfolding of events and
the appreciation that the Judgment that was handed down on 28 January
2025 had to be challenged albeit belatedly.

[17] The gist of the Appellants’ explanation for the late filing of the application for
leave to appeal is captured in paragraph 7 of the condonation application and
it reads as follows: “It is worth mentioning at the outset, that the trigger for the
consideration to approach the Ho nourable Court with the application for leave
to appeal was impelled upon receipt and consideration of proceedings
instituted by the Applicants (meaning the Respondent in casu ) against the
Municipality under Case Number 016542/2025 and 136811/2024. I say t his
because initially the Municipality took no issue with the decision and orders
granted by the Honourable Court because the decision to enter into the deed
of sale of the properties dated 5 August 2024, was initially, and it appears
correctly, predicated upon the orders granted by the Court in these
proceedings, but mainly prompted by the outcome of the rescission
application proceedings under case number: 7440/2007 handed down on 20
May 2024 (“Tuchten, J 2024 judgment”).”

[18] The response to the Appellants’ explanation by the Counsel for the
Respondent is that the proceedings under case number 016542/2025, is an

action instituted by Respondent against First Applicant for damages by way of
a combined summons which was served on First Applicant on 24 February
2025. Counsel for the Respondent contends that the First Applicant was
forewarned of Respondent’s intention to institute these proceedings by way of
letters dated 4 July 2024 and 2 December 2024, respectively. These
proceedings were accordingly instituted three months prior to the application
for leave to appeal having been served. The proceedings under case number
136811/2024, is an application applying for an order to compel First Applicant
to take certain steps in relation to the immovable properties , which was
served on First Applicant on 13 December 2024. First Ap pellant was also
informed of the Respondent’s intention to institute these proceedings by way
of a letter of demand dated 29 February 2024. These proceedings were
accordingly instituted against the First Applicant more than a month prior to
the Judgment, and six months prior to the application for leave to appeal.

[19] Counsel for the Respondent submitted that the App ellants’ attempt to
persuade the Court that the decision to approach the Court with the
application for leave to appeal was prompted by the proceedings instituted by
Respondent under case numbers 016542/2025 and 136811/2024, when
these porceedings were alread y served on the First App ellant as far back as
24 February 2025 and 13 December 2024 respectively does not make sense.
Counsel for the Respondent submitted: “In the circumstances, the explanation
is, on a factual basis, simply devoid of any merit, nonsensi cal and no
explanation, whatsoever, is provided for the inter posing period between 24
February 2025 and 19 May 2025 (i.e. being a three-month period).”

LEGAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING CONDONATION APPLICATION

[20] The primary principles governing consideration of a condonation application
where a party is barred from proceeding because they have failed to comply

where a party is barred from proceeding because they have failed to comply
with the time limit for filing some form of legal process were confirmed
in Melane v Santam Insurance Co Ltd :2 “In deciding whether suffi cient cause

2 1962 (4) SA 531 (A), at 532C-G.

has been shown, the basic principle is that the Court has a discretion, to be
exercised judicially upon a consideration of all the facts, and in essence it is a
matter of fairness to both sides. Among the facts usually relevant are the
degree of lateness, the explanation thereof, the prospects of success, and the
importance of the case. Ordinarily these facts are interrelated: they are not
individually decisive, for that would be a piecemeal approach incompatible
with a true discretion, save of course that if there are no prospects of success
there would be no point in granting condonation. Any attempt to formulate a
rule of thumb would only serve to harden the arteries of what should be a
flexible discretion. What is needed i s an objective conspectus of all the facts.
Thus, a slight delay and a good explanation may help to compensate for
prospects of success which are not strong. Or the importance of the issue and
strong prospects of success may tend to compensate for a long d elay. And
the respondent's interest in finality must not be overlooked. I would add that
discursiveness should be discouraged in canvassing the prospects of success
in the affidavits.”

[21] Since that Judgment, the test has been slightly broadened. Now the test for
determining condonation is whether it would be ‘ in the interests of justice’ to
do so . The Constitutional Court acknowledged in Grootboom v National
Prosecuting Authority & another 3 that this is a very elastic term. Bosielo AJ
writing for the ma jority of the court, stated: “I read the judgment by my
colleague Zondo J. I agree with him that, based on Brummer and Van Wyk 4,
the standard for considering an application for condonation is the interests of
justice. However, the concept 'interests of justice' is so elastic that it is not
capable of precise definition. As the two cases demonstrate, it includes: the
nature of the relief sought; the extent and cause of the delay; the effect of the

nature of the relief sought; the extent and cause of the delay; the effect of the
delay on the administration of justice and o ther litigants; the reasonableness
of the explanation for the delay; the importance of the issue to be those

3 (2014) 35 ILJ 121 (CC).
4 The cases referred to are Brummer v Gorfil Brothers Investments (Pty) Ltd & others [2000] ZACC
3; 2000 (2) SA 837 (CC); 2000 (5) BCLR 465 (CC) at para 3 and Van Wyk v Unitas Hospital &
another (Open Democratic Advice Centre as Amicus Curiae) [2007] ZACC 24 ; 2008 (2) SA
472 (CC); 2008 (4) BCLR 442 (CC) at para 20.

mentioned above. The particular circumstances of each case will determine
which of these factors are relevant.”

[22] Zondo J, (as he then was) expr essed the test for determining condonation in
the following terms as it applied in the Constitutional Court: “[50] In this court
the test for determining whether condonation should be granted or refused is
the interests of justice. If it is in the interest s of justice that condonation be
granted, it will be granted. If it is not in the interests of justice to do so, it will
not be granted. The factors that are taken into account in that enquiry include:
(a) the length of the delay; (b) the explanation for , or cause for, the
delay; (c) the prospects of success for the party seeking condonation; (d) the
importance of the issue(s) that the matter raises; (e) the prejudice to the other
party or parties; and (f) the effect of the delay on the administration of justice.
Although the existence of the prospects of success in favour of the party
seeking condonation is not decisive, it is an important factor in favour of
granting condonation. [51] The interests of justice must be determined with
reference to all relevant factors. However, some of the factors may justifiably
be left out of consideration in certain circumstances. For example, where the
delay is unacceptably excessive and there is no explanation for the delay,
there may be no need to co nsider the prospects of success. If the period of
delay is short and there is an unsatisfactory explanation but there are
reasonable prospects of success, condonation should be granted. However,
despite the presence of reasonable prospects of success, cond onation may
be refused where the delay is excessive, the explanation is non -existent and
granting condonation would prejudice the other party. As a general
proposition the various factors are not individually decisive but should all be
taken into account t o arrive at a conclusion as to what is in the interests of
justice.”

ANALYSIS

justice.”

ANALYSIS

[23] Legal principles governing applications for condonation of late -filed leave to
appeal centre on "good cause" and whether granting condonation is in the
"interests of justice," requiring the Appellants to provide a full, reasonable, and

acceptable explanati on for the delay, considering factors such as its extent,
the reasons for it, its effect on the administration of justice, prejudice to the
Respondent, and the prospects of success on appeal.

[24] It is also trite that a condonation application must give a full explanation for
the delay, which must cover the entire period of delay and be reasonable.
In Uitenhage Transitional Local Council v South African Revenue Service ,5
the Supreme Court of Appeal noted that ‘ an application for condonation is not
to be had merely for the asking; a full, detailed and accurate account of the
causes of the delay and their effects must be furnished to enable the court to
understand clearly the reasons and to assess the responsibility. ’ The court
noted that ‘if the non -compliance is time -related, then the date, duration, and
extent of any obstacle on which reliance is placed must be spelled out.’

[25] It is my considered view that the Appellants did not provide the Court with a
full, detailed and accurate account of the causes of the delay and their effects.
All t hese ought to be furnished in order to enable the Court to understand
clearly the reasons and to assess the responsibility. Since t he Appellants’
non-compliance is time -related, then the date, duration, and extent of any
obstacle on which reliance is placed must be spelled out. All these were not
done by the Appellants. Therefore, I am inclined to align myself with the
submission made by the Counsel for the Respondent: “… the Appellants’
attempt to persuade the Court that the decision to approach the Court with the
application for leave to appeal was prompted by the proceedings instituted by
Respondent under case numbers 016542/2025 and 136811/2024, when
these proceedings were already served on the First Appellant a s far back as
24 February 2025 and 13 December 2024 respectively does not make sense.”
Counsel for the Respondent further submitted: “In the circumstances, the

Counsel for the Respondent further submitted: “In the circumstances, the
explanation is, on a factual basis, simply devoid of any merit, nonsensical and
no explanation, whatsoever, is provided for the interposing period between 24
February 2025 and 19 May 2025 (i.e. being a three -month period).” I am also
inclined to align myself with this submission by Counsel for the Respondent.

5 [2003] 4 AII SA 37 (SCA) para 6.

PREJUDICE

[26] There is a question of prejudice that the Appellants overlook. The issue of
prejudice has to be taken into account. The prejudice to the Respondent
becomes even more acute when regard is had to the fact that “no explanation,
whatsoever, is provided for the interposin g period between 24 February 2025
and 19 May 2025 (i.e. being a three -month period).” Gautchi AJ, on behalf of
the full bench of this division, in Aymac6 stated: "Inactivity by one party affects
the interest of the other party in the finality of the matter. See in this
regard Federated Employers Fire & General Insurance Co Ltd and Another v
McKenzie7 in which Holmes JA said the following concerning the late filing of
a notice of appeal: 'The late filing of a notice of appeal particularly affects the
respondent's interest in the finality of his judgment - the time for noting an
appeal having elapsed, he is prima facie entitled to adjust his affairs on the
footing that his judgment is safe; see Cairns' Executors v Gaarn 8 in which
Solomon J.A., said: 'After all the object of the Rule is to put an end to litigation
and to let parties know where they stand.' See also Minister of Land Affairs
and Agriculture and Others v D&F Wevell Trust and Others.9"

[27] The history of this matter stated under the background facts above clearly
demonstrates that the Appellants had not had any regard to the Respondent’s
rights and interests in the finality of the matter.

[28] Steyn CJ, in Saloojee,10 when considering a condonat ion application for the
late delivery of a notice of appeal held: "What calls for some acceptable
explanation, is not only the delay in noting an appeal and in lodging the record
timeously, but also the delay in seeking condonation. As indicated, inter alia,

6 Aymac CC v Widgerow 2009 (6) SA 433 (W) at [40].
7 1969 (3) SA 360 (A) at 363A.
8 1912 AD 181 at p. 193.
9 2008 (2) SA 184 (SCA) at 199B – D.

7 1969 (3) SA 360 (A) at 363A.
8 1912 AD 181 at p. 193.
9 2008 (2) SA 184 (SCA) at 199B – D.
10 At 138 H to 129 A; Commissioner, South African Revenue Service v van der Merwe 2016 (1)
SA 599 (SCA) at 609 F, citing Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Burger 1956 (4) SA 466 (A) at
449 G – H.

in Commissioner for Inland Revenue v Burger ,11 an appellant should,
whenever he realises that he has not complied with a Rule of Court, apply for
condonation without delay. A perusal of the Rules of this Court should have
disclosed to the applicants' attorneys that, when they obtained consent to an
appeal direct to this Court on 8 th October, the time for noting an appeal had
already expired. By 18 th October, 1963, they knew that the notice of appeal
tendered had been rejected by the Registrar as being out of time. From then
onwards it must have been quite clear to them that an application for
condonation was necessary." In casu, the Appellants’ application for leave to
appeal ought to have been served and filed on 17 February 2025. However, it
was filed three months later on 19 May 2025. An application for condonation
for its late filing was filed on 28 May 2025. The Court was not taken into
confidence as to why the application for condonation was filed much later than
the application for leave to appeal.

[29] I am of the view that t he applicant’s failure to explain in any meaningful
manner, "… the date, duration and extent of any obstacle on which reliance is
placed…" leads to the inference that the Appellants were lackadaisical. 12 The
Appellant’s explanation is wholly inadequate and perhaps even lacking in
candour. It is my considered view that the three -months delay will definitely
cause prejudice to the Respondent should condonation be granted.

CONCLUSION

[30] The First Appellant (City of Tswane Metropolitan Municipality), as an organ of
state, is duty-bound to comply with the Orders of this Court, as it is with all of its
obligations under the Constitution. It needs to be stressed that the Constitution
enjoins organs of state, like the Municipality, to adhere and give effect to its
principles and provisions, as they must to the Court Orders. Where an organ of
state fails in its duty, a Court must assume an “invidious position of having to

state fails in its duty, a Court must assume an “invidious position of having to
oversee state action, to address and correct the failures.

11 1956 (4) SA 446 (AD) at p. 449, and in Meintjies' case, supra at p. 264.
12 Dengetenge Holdings (Pty) Ltd v Southern Sphere Mining and Development Company Ltd
and Others [2013] 2 All SA 251 (SCA) at [13]; Commissioner, South African Revenue Service v
van der Merwe 2016 (1) SA 599 (SCA) at 611 I/J.

[31] The Courts must not hesitate to enforce their Orders. Courts have the power to
ensure that their Decisions or Orders are complied with by all and sundry,
including organs of state. In doing so, Courts are not only giving effect to the
rights of the successful litigant but also and more importantly, by acting as
guardians of the Constitution, asserting their authority in the public interest.

[32] The rule of law, a foundational value of the Constitution, requires that the dignity
and authority of the Courts be upheld. This is crucial, as the capacity of the
Courts to carry out their functions depends upon it. As the Constitution
commands, Orders and Decisions issued by a Court bind all persons to whom
and organs of state to which they apply, and no person or organ of state may
interfere, in any manner, with the functioning of the Courts. It follows from this
that disobedience towards Court Orders or Decisions risks rendering our Courts
impotent and judicial autho rity a mere mockery. The effectiveness of Court
Orders or Decisions is substantially determined by the assurance that they will be
enforced and complied with.

[33] The remarks of Justice Brandeis in Olmstead et al v United States which have
been endorsed by this Court, remain apposite here: “In a government of laws,
existence of the government will be imperilled if it fails to observe the law
scrupulously. Government is the potent, omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it
teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes a law -
breaker, it breeds contempt for the law; it invites every man or woman to become
a law unto himself or herself; it invites anarchy.”

[34] In determining this matter, I must be guided by the well-established principles
applicable to applications of this nature. In this regard, I need to draw certain
inferences and weigh probabilities as they emerge from the parties’ respective
submissions, affidavits, heads of arguments and oral arguments by their
counsel.

submissions, affidavits, heads of arguments and oral arguments by their
counsel.

[35] On a conspectus of all the evidence placed before Court, I am satisfied on a
holistic evaluation of the evidence presented that the Appellants have not

made out a case for the relief sought. I must emphasise that the Appellants
have not provided a sufficient explanation for the lateness of the
application according to the established legal principles discussed above.

[36] Based on the explanation and submissions provided by both parties, it is
evident that there are significant gaps in the Appellant's version of events that
remain unexplained. The Appellants did not provide the Court with a full,
detailed and accurate account of the causes of the delay and their effects. All
these ought to be furnished in order to enable the Court to understand clearly
the reasons and to assess the responsibility. Since the Appellants’ non -
compliance is time-related, then the date, duration, and extent of any obstacle
on which reliance is placed must be spelled out. All these were n ot done by
the Appellants. Therefore, I am inclined to dismiss the condonation
application.

[37] As indicated above, Zondo J, (as he then was) expressed the test for
determining whether condonation should be granted or refused in the
following terms as it applied in the Constitutional Court: “ Where the delay is
unacceptably excessive and there is no explanation for the delay, there may
be no need to consider the prospects of success.” Having considered the
history, background, and circumstances of this case and in an endeavour to
strike a balance between the interests of the parties , I align myself with this
test: “Where the delay is unacceptably excessive and there is no explanation
for the delay, there may be no need to consider the prospects of success.” I
am convinced that it does not serve any purpose to consider the prospects of
success considering the significant gaps in the Appellant's version of events
that remain unexplained.

COSTS

[38] The Respondent has asked for punitive costs. One of the fundamental
principles of costs is to indemnify a successful litigant for the expense put

principles of costs is to indemnify a successful litigant for the expense put
through in unjustly having to initiate or defend litigation. The successful party

should be awarded costs. 13 The last thing that our already congested court
rolls require is further congestion by an unwarranted proliferation of
litigation.14

[39] It is so that when awarding costs, a Court has a discretion, which it must
exercise after a due consideration of the salient facts of each case at that
moment. The Court is expected to take into consideration the peculiar
circumstances of each case, carefully weighing the issues in each case, the
conduct of the parties as well as any other circumstances which may have a
bearing on the i ssue of costs and then make such order as to costs as would
be fair in the discretion of the Court.

[40] The Respondent purchased the properties referred to above more than 18
years ago and they are still not yet transferred to the Respondent. This is as a
result of the First Appellants’ obstinate conduct by refusing to give effect to
the sale agreement of 2006 and the subsequent Court Orders . In this regard,
the conduct of the Appellants in this matter really leaves much to be desired.

[41] The First Appellant was warned by Tuchten J (see paragraph 12 above) in the
following words: “I have therefore decided not to impose a punitive costs order
on the City. Should the City persist in its determination not to comply with the
Order, it might not be so fortunate the next time this matter comes before the
court.”

[42] In light of these considerations, I am accordingly inclined to grant costs in
favour of the Respondent on a scale as between at torney and client,
including the cost of two counsel where so employed.

ORDER

[43] In the circumstances, I make the following order:


13 Union Government v Gass 1959 4 SA 401 (A) 413.
14 Socratous v Grindstone Investments (149/10) [2011] ZASCA 8 (10 March 2011) at [16].

[43.1] The condonation application is dismissed.
[43.2] The First Appellant (City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (“the City”), is
ordered to pay the cost s of the application on a scale as between attorney
and client, including the cost of two counsel where so employed.


________________________
T E JOYINI
ACTING JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT, PRETORIA


APPEARANCES:

For the Appellants: Adv M Rip SC
Instructed by: Mahumani Incorporated
Email: khanyisile@mahumaniinc.co.za / tshepiso@mahumaniinc.co.za /
mkateko@mahumaniinc.co.za

For the Respondent: Adv NGD Maritz SC
Instructed by: Klagsbrun Edelstein Bosman Du Plessis Inc.
Email: ronie@kebd.co.za / mpho@kebd.co.za

Date of Hearing: 25 July 2025

Date of Judgment: 7 August 2025

This Judgment has been delivered by uploading it to the Court online digital data
base of the Gauteng Division, Pretoria and by e-mail to the Attorneys of record of the
parties. The deemed date and time for the delivery is 7 August 2025 at 10h00.