Budeli v Ramolobela (2024/040218) [2025] ZAGPJHC 1320 (19 December 2025)

begin wrapper begin container begin header begin slogan-floater end slogan-floater - About SAFLII About SAFLII - Databases Databases - Search Search - Terms of Use Terms of Use - RSS Feeds RSS Feeds end header begin main begin center # South Africa: South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg South Africa: South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg You are here: SAFLII >> Databases >> South Africa: South Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg >> 2025 >> [2025] ZAGPJHC 1320 | Noteup | LawCite sino index ## Budeli v Ramolobela (2024/040218) [2025] ZAGPJHC 1320 (19 December 2025) Budeli v Ramolobela (2024/040218) [2025] ZAGPJHC 1320 (19 December 2025) Download original files PDF format RTF format make_database: source=/home/saflii//raw/ZAGPJHC/Data/2025_1320.html sino date 19 December 2025 REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA GAUTENG LOCAL DIVISION, JOHANNESBURG Case Number: 2024-040218 (1) REPORTABLE: YES / NO (2) OF INTEREST TO OTHER JUDGES: YES /NO (3) REVISED: YES/NO In the matter between: NKUMELENI ABSALOM BUDELI                                               Plaintiff and SOLOMON RAMOLOBELA                                                        Defendant JUDGMENT Nieuwoudt, AJ [1]  This matter became before me as an unopposed application for default judgement in which the Plaintiff is seeking – a.  Payment in the amount of R500 000.00 b.  Interest on the above amount at the prescribed rate c.  Cost of the suit [2]  On the initial reading of the papers I had some questions about the exact extend of the publication and the harm caused by the publication. [3]  During argument of the matter Adv T Dyasi who appeared on behalf of the Plaintiff referred me to a supplementary affidavit filed by the Plaintiff at Section 04-2 and further. Inter alia the Plaintiff confirms that his marriage relationship suffered due to the untruthful allegation of him having an extra marital affair with one Ms Nkomo-Ralehoko. [4]  I can accept that these allegations and publication caused strive in the family and put strain on the marriage relationship. [5]  The Plaintiff makes allegation that his reputation as businessman and politician suffered but he could not show to the Court any damages he suffered in his business or political activities because of the allegations and therefore the Court finds it difficult to quantify any damages suffered by the Plaintiff with regards this aspect. [6]  During argument of the matter it was clear that the article was published on Facebook and at the time of the publication at least 72 people where part of that specific Facebook group. The Plaintiff alleges that the article would have been further published but he is unable to proof that to the court. [7]  During argument the Court discussed the possibility with Adv Dyasi to make an order that the Defendant publishes an apology and retraction. After careful consideration the Court finds that such an order would be irregular as it was not asked for. [8]  The Court is satisfied that the Plaintiff has made out a case for defamation, but the Court is not inclined to grant damages in the amount of R500 000.00 especially in the lack of evidence as set out in par 5 and 6 supra. [9]  Therefore, the following order is made – 1. The Defendant is to pay the Plaintiff the amount of R100 000.00 within 30 days of this order. 2. The Defendant to pay interest on R100 000.00 at the prescribed rate from date of judgement to date of payment. 3. The Defendant to pay the costs of the suit. NIEUWOUDT, E ACTING JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT GAUTENG DIVISION, JOHANNESBURG Date of Hearing:                                  18 December 2025 Date of Judgment:                               19 December 2025 Appearances: For the Plaintiff                                    Adv TDyasi Instructed by:                                       Obert Ntuli Inc For the Defendant:                               No appearance Instructed by:                                       n/a sino noindex make_database footer start