,Page v
Preface
The law of damages is that part of the law which indicates how the existence and extent
of damage as well as the proper amount of damages or satisfaction are to be determined
in the case of delict, breach of contract or other areas of law providing for the payment
of damages.
This book provides a general and comprehensive introduction to the theory and
practice of the law of damages (and certain related areas of law) and was written with a
view to the needs of practitioners, lecturers and students. Our main object is to offer a
systematic and analytical discussion of the practical principles of the law of damages. We
have tried to maintain a healthy balance between practical rules and theoretical
principles.
The material is divided into four parts: first, the general principles and terminology
regarding damage and compensation; secondly, the assessment of damages in cases of
breach of contract; thirdly, the determination of the quantum of damages and satisfaction
in certain cases of delictual and other forms of liability; and, fourthly, certain procedural
and other general matters.
The third edition updates the second edition in the light of new authority and literature.
The extent of the revision is evidenced by the fact that the book has grown by more than
100 pages. This edition deals with new legislation affecting the law of damages, including
the Road Accident Fund Amendment Act 19 of 2005, the National Credit Act 34 of 2005
and the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. It examines a large number of important
Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal and High Court judgments, as well as
academic contributions relating to most fields of the law of damages in both delict and
contract. Generally, cases and materials available to us up to September 2011 have been
considered.
The third edition of the book is the first to appear without the collaboration of Professor
PJ (Hans) Visser, who co-authored the first two editions. Professor Visser passed away in
2007. While Hans Visser’s significant contribution to South African law has been fittingly
honoured in the memorial volume Vita Perit, Labor Non Moritur-Liber Memorialis: PJ
Visser (edited by Trynie Boezaart and Piet de Kock, and published by LexisNexis in 2008),
we pay tribute here to his pioneering work as principal author of the first two editions
of Law of Damages and Skadevergoedingsreg. His ongoing contribution to the law of
damages is reflected in this third edition by the incorporation of his views as published in
law journals since the previous
Page vi
edition. Hans Visser’s exceptional intellect, insight, analytical thought and
industriousness—but even more his collegiality and friendship—are sorely missed.
We express our appreciation to Linda van de Vijver and the rest of the editorial team
at Juta & Co for their invaluable assistance.
Pretoria
January 2012
,Page vii
Contents
Preface
PART I
GENERAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF LAW OF DAMAGES
CHAPTER 1
DEFINITION, NATURE AND SCOPE, OBJECT, SYSTEMATICS,
SOURCES, HISTORY AND TERMINOLOGY OF LAW OF DAMAGES
1.1
DEFINITION
1.2
NATURE AND SCOPE
1.3
OBJECT
1.4
SYSTEMATICS
1.5
SOURCES OF CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AND SATISFACTION
1.5.1
Introduction
1.5.2
Delictual remedies
1.5.3
Liability without fault and liability based on risk
1.5.4
Legislation
1.5.5
Breach of contract
1.5.6
Contract and realization of risk (insurance contract)
1.5.7
Claims based on a right of recourse or adjustment
1.6
ASPECTS OF HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH AFRICAN LAW OF
DAMAGES
1.6.1
Importance of historical development
1.6.2
Roman law and Roman-Dutch law
1.6.3
Influence of English law
, 1.6.4
Development, problems and future of South African law of damages
1.6.5
Influence of Bill of Rights
1.7
TERMINOLOGY: SOME BASIC CONCEPTS AND EXPRESSIONS IN LAW OF
DAMAGES
1.7.1
Problems regarding terminology
1.7.2
Definitions of some basic concepts and expressions
CHAPTER 2
CONCEPT OF DAMAGE
2.1
DEFINITION
2.1.1
Element of diminution or reduction
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2.1.2
Causal element
2.1.3
Interest element
2.1.4
Normative element
2.1.5
Time element
2.2
BRIEF NOTE ON ORIGIN AND NATURE OF MODERN CONCEPT OF DAMAGE
2.3
EXTENT OF CONCEPT OF DAMAGE
2.3.1
General
2.3.2
Damage consists of patrimonial as well as non-patrimonial loss
2.3.3
Relationship between patrimonial and non-patrimonial loss
2.3.4
Relevance of distinction between patrimonial and non-patrimonial loss
2.4
DAMAGE AND WRONGFULNESS (UNLAWFULNESS)
2.4.1
Introduction
2.4.2
Connection between wrongfulness and damage
2.4.3
Distinction between wrongfulness and damage
2.4.4
Wrongfulness without damage
