Initially there were two applications for leave to appeal, one brought by the first respondent, the Minister, who at the hearing was represented by Adv. BR Tokota (SC) assisted by Adv. M Gwala and the second application was brought by the second respondent Gen. Mthandazo Berning Ntlemeza (“Ntlemeza”). 

Ntlemeza was represented by Adv. N Dukada (SC) assisted by Adv. Z Madlanga.  Because the applicants had, in their counter-application, challenged the constitutionality of section 18 of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013 (“the Act”) and had sought an order declaring the said section unconstitutional and invalid to the extent that it removed judicial discretion and peremptorily required an applicant to satisfy all the requirements of subsections 18(1) and (3) in order to execute and enforce an order, the fifth respondent, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (“the Minister of Justice”), joined the fray. Adv. F Kerachi represented the Minister of Justice. 

Her role was merely to take care of the interests of the Minister of Justice insofar as such interests related to the challenge to s 18 of the Act.