Commmissioner
Commissioners are the judges in the Small Claims Courts. A Commissioner is appointed in terms of the Small Claims Court Act and presides over the hearing. He or she is usually a legal practitioner or academic.
Commissioners are not paid and render these services free of charge.
The Commissioner has a wide discretion regarding the procedure of matters being heard. The aim is to ensure that justice is done and is seen to be done.
The Parties should refer to the Commissioners as such ("Commissioner" or "Mr/s Commissioner") during the trial.
The trial is supposed to be informal but one should respect the Commissioner and listen attentively to what is being said in court.
The process is inquisitorial. This means that the commissioner may shorten proceedings by asking the parties about the aspects that seem unclear.
