The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (PEPUDA) enables Equality Court complaints by anyone who has suffered unfair discrimination, hate speech, or harassment. Equality Courts are designated Magistrate's Courts and the High Court. Remedies include orders to cease conduct, damages, apologies, and community-service obligations. Claims must be initiated within reasonable time of the incident.
When to hire a discrimination & human rights attorney
- You have experienced discrimination outside the workplace context.
- Hate speech has caused harm and you want redress.
- A business has refused service on a prohibited ground.
- Housing or credit has been denied based on a protected ground.
- You need to defend a PEPUDA complaint.
What to expect
PEPUDA complaints are made on Form 2 at the designated Magistrate's Court. The process is more accessible than ordinary civil litigation - informal, fast, and low-cost. Remedies are broad and discretionary. Hate speech cases (online and offline) are increasingly common and take significant public interest.
Typical fees
Equality Court representation: R15,000-R60,000. Complex or systemic cases in the High Court: R80,000-R400,000. Self-representation is possible for simple matters.
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