23/06/2026
Under the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, most commercial debts in South Africa become legally unenforceable after three years from the date payment was due (not the invoice date, but the date the debtor first defaulted). Once that window closes, a debtor can raise prescription as a complete defence in court, and you lose the right to recover, regardless of how clear-cut your claim is. The good news is that prescription can be interrupted by a partial payment, a written acknowledgement of debt, or the issue of a summons.
At Mosdell Pama & Cox, we help creditors identify where they stand before that clock runs out: https://tinyurl.com/4ja39m4x
