Justice Denied? Judge van Zyl’s 12-Year Delay Sparks Outrage

Imagine waiting more than a decade for a court to decide your case.

That was the grim reality for parties in a matter before the Pietermaritzburg High Court, where retired KwaZulu-Natal High Court Judge Anton van Zyl handed down judgment on 26 April 2025—more than 12 years after reserving it in December 2012. This marks the longest outstanding judgment in South African legal history and has reignited urgent concerns about judicial accountability and the consequences of prolonged delays.

Van Zyl, who retired in August 2021, left behind eight reserved judgments, including this one. Despite breaching the Judicial Code of Conduct, which requires judges to deliver reserved judgments within three months, he has offered no explanation for the staggering delay.

In July 2024, the Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) ruled that van Zyl could not face impeachment due to his retirement, though a disciplinary inquiry may still issue a warning or fine. The outcome has sparked widespread frustration. For the affected litigants, the delay meant years of costly uncertainty—with no recourse.

But this is not an isolated case. As of early 2024, more than 1,300 judgments were reserved across South African courts, with many delayed for six months or longer. For businesses, families, and individuals, justice delayed can mean financial ruin, emotional distress, and the erosion of faith in the legal system.

So where does this leave us?

South Africa’s courts are under strain, and judicial accountability remains in sharp focus. The question now is: How many more delays will go unchecked?

Have you been affected by a delayed court decision? Share your experience in the comments or contact LVA for legal advice and support in navigating slow-moving litigation.