Abstract: | The South African Foreign States Immunities Act 87 of 1981 came into force on 20 November 1981. The purpose of this Act was to bring the South African legal position into line with the international trend of awarding foreign states restricted immunity only. Contents: 1) The legislature's reaction. 2) The meaning of immunity. 3) Immunity from jurisdiction in South Africa (waivers - commercial transactions - contracts of employment - personal injuries and damage to property - ownership, possession and use of property - patents and trademarks - membership of associations - arbitration - admirality proceedings - taxes and duties). 4) Procedural aspects. 5) The immunity of separate entities. 6) Central banks. Notes. |