How to Clear Your Name After a Default Judgment Against You: Rescission of Judgments
05 January 2026, Hesri Eloff
Most people
only become aware that a default judgment has been granted against them when
the sheriff arrives with a... warrant of execution or when their credit
applications are unexpectedly declined. A default judgment is usually issued
when a defendant fails to enter an appearance to defend or does not attend
trial, and in the Magistrates’ Court, this is regulated by Rule 12. The
consequences are severe: adverse credit listings, attachment of assets, and, in
some cases, execution against property. A default judgment remains valid for
thirty years, which means taking corrective action is essential.