South African courts would remain open during the country's 21-day lockdown as a result of Covid-19, but only to a limited extent, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said on Wednesday. 

Mogoeng said via a statement that he had delegated the authority to make customised directives to all of the heads of superior and lower courts.  

This would enable courts to remain open and operational to a limited extent, as determined by the head of each court after consultation with their colleagues. 

During the lockdown, the following would be accommodated: the filing of papers and hearing of urgent applications, bail applications and appeals or matters relating to violations of liberty, domestic violence, maintenance and matters involving children.  

In addition, the chief justice said that although the constitutional court and other superior courts were presently on recess, they would continue to operate to a limited extent to deal with urgent matters.