Bells HardingstoneThe Labour Court of South Africa is a specialist court with a status equivalent to the High Court. It is the forum responsible for adjudicating matters arising from labour relations and employment laws. For those needing to engage with the court in Johannesburg, understanding its current location, the scope of its cases, and how to reach the relevant offices is crucial, especially as the court is undergoing significant changes in 2026.
Labour Court Johannesburg Location Cases And Contact Details
Current Location and Access Due to Renovations
It is vital for all visitors and litigants to note that the Labour Court’s premises in Braamfontein are currently undergoing renovations, which are expected to be completed by June 2026. As a result, no physical court proceedings are taking place at its usual location. All operations have been temporarily relocated according to Directive 03 of 2025.
The permanent address for the Labour Court of South Africa, Johannesburg, remains:
86 Juta Street, Arbour Square Building, 6th and 7th Floors, Corner of Juta and Melle Streets, Braamfontein, 2001.
However, until renovations are finished, the following temporary arrangements are in place for different court functions.
Court Functions & Temporary Locations
| Function | Temporary Location / Mode | Address / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Functions & Registrar’s Office | 5th Floor, 86 Juta Street | Braamfontein. Includes front desk services, filing, and general enquiries. |
| Trial Hearings | Gauteng Division of the High Court | Pritchard & Kruis Street, Johannesburg. Courtrooms 8C, 8D, or 8E. |
| Weekly Trial Roll Call | Virtual (Microsoft Teams) | Fridays at 09:45. Invitations sent by the judge’s clerk. |
| Unopposed Motions, Contempt, Interlocutory Matters | Land Court | 18 Hill Street, Ferndale, Randburg. |
| Opposed Motions | Virtual (Microsoft Teams) | — |
| Urgent Applications | Virtual (Microsoft Teams) | Unrepresented litigants may access facilities on the 5th floor at 86 Juta Street with one day’s prior notice. |
Types of Cases Heard
The Labour Court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters arising from key labour legislation, meaning these cases cannot be heard by the ordinary High Court. The court adjudicates disputes relating to:
The Labour Relations Act (LRA), 1995: This includes cases about unfair dismissal, unfair labour practices, collective bargaining, trade union rights, strikes, and lockouts.
The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), 1997: Matters concerning working hours, leave, and remuneration. The court also has concurrent jurisdiction with civil courts over general breaches of employment contracts.
The Employment Equity Act (EEA), 1998: Disputes relating to unfair discrimination, affirmative action, and reasonable accommodation in the workplace.
The Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), 2001.
Recent cases from early 2026 illustrate the court’s scope, which includes reviewing CCMA arbitration awards, enforcing or striking down restraint of trade agreements, granting urgent interim relief, and determining its own jurisdiction in various disputes.
Contact Details and How to Reach the Court
Given the temporary relocation, using the correct contact methods is essential.
For Complaints About Delayed Judgments
If a judgment is unreasonably delayed, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). The guidelines state that judgments should ideally be delivered within three months.
Telephone: +27 (0)11 838 2010
Fax: +27 (0)11 838 2023
Email: [email protected]
Physical Address (for complaints): The Complaints Desk, Office of the Chief Justice, 14th Floor, Edura House, 41 Fox Street, Johannesburg, 2000.
General Court Administration
For general enquiries, filing, and matters related to the Registrar’s Office, your first point of contact should be the administrative hub on the 5th Floor of 86 Juta Street in Braamfontein.
Online Resources
Law Library: A comprehensive repository of recent Labour Court judgments can be found at lawlibrary.org.za.
SAFLII: The Southern African Legal Information Institute (www.saflii.org) also hosts a database of judgments.
How to File a Case
Initiating a case in the Labour Court is a formal process. It is highly recommended to seek legal advice, but the basic steps are as follows.
Referral to the CCMA First: For most unfair dismissal disputes, the matter must first be referred to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) or a relevant Bargaining Council. Only after conciliation fails and a certificate of non-resolution is issued can the matter be referred to the Labour Court for review or adjudication.
Filing a Statement of Claim: A case begins by filing a statement of claim with the Registrar’s Office at the temporary location (5th Floor, 86 Juta Street). This document must set out the facts of the case, the legal basis for the claim, and the relief sought.
Required Forms: The court uses specific forms prescribed by the Labour Court Rules. These can often be obtained from the court’s administrative office or online legal resource sites.
Court Fees: There are nominal court fees for filing processes. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount with the Registrar’s Office, as fees are subject to change.
Service on the Other Party: The filed documents must be formally served on the other party (the respondent), after which proof of service must be filed with the court.
Important Practical Information for Visitors
Navigating the temporary arrangements requires some additional planning.
Parking: For visits to the temporary administrative offices at 86 Juta Street, Braamfontein, there are public parking garages in the area, but they can fill up quickly. For trial hearings at the High Court in the CBD, secure parking is available at nearby commercial lots, such as those adjacent to the High Court building. It is advisable to arrive early to find parking.
Security Protocol: Both the 86 Juta Street building and the High Court have strict security. You will be required to pass through a metal detector, and all bags will be searched. It is best to avoid bringing large bags or any prohibited items. Cellphones are generally allowed but must be switched off in the courtroom.
Directions and Maps
Temporary Administrative Hub (86 Juta Street, Braamfontein): You can find this location on Google Maps by searching for “86 Juta Street, Braamfontein.” It is near the Constitutional Court and the University of the Witwatersrand.
Temporary Trial Venue (Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg): The High Court is located at the corner of Pritchard and Kruis Streets in the Johannesburg CBD. It is a short walk from the Gautrain Park Station.
Virtual Hearings: For virtual hearings, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. The court will provide specific meeting links or dial-in details.
Legal Representation
While the Labour Court allows individuals to represent themselves, the proceedings are formal and can be complex. It is often advisable to seek legal representation from an attorney who specialises in labour law. You can find a qualified labour law attorney through the Law Society of South Africa or the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Before approaching the Labour Court, it is important to remember that many workplace disputes are first dealt with by the CCMA or a Bargaining Council. These bodies are designed for conciliation and arbitration of disputes like unfair dismissal, and their processes are generally less formal and more accessible than the Labour Court.
Example Email Template for Court Enquiries
When emailing the court or the Office of the Chief Justice, including all relevant information in your first message can speed up the response. Here is a simple template you can use.
Subject: Enquiry regarding Case Number [Your Case Number] / General Enquiry
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to enquire about [state the reason for your enquiry, e.g., the status of a filing, the date for a hearing, a complaint about a delayed judgment].
My details are as follows:
Full Name: [Your Full Name]
Case Number (if applicable): [Your Case Number]
Contact Number: [Your Phone Number]
Please let me know if you require any further information from me.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Summary of Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Permanent Address | 86 Juta Street, Braamfontein, 2001 |
| Temporary Admin Office | 5th Floor, 86 Juta Street, Braamfontein |
| Temporary Trial Venue | Gauteng High Court, Pritchard & Kruis Street, CBD |
| General Enquiries | 5th Floor, 86 Juta Street (in person) |
| Complaints (OCJ) | +27 (0)11 838 2010 / [email protected] |
| Online Judgments | lawlibrary.org.za / www.saflii.org |
This guide provides a comprehensive overview for anyone needing to interact with the Labour Court in Johannesburg in 2026. For the most current information, always check for updates on the official websites or contact the Registrar’s Office directly.