On 14 May 2025, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban dismissed a summary judgment lawsuit seeking R27 billion in damages from the Department of Science and Innovations.
Self-represented plaintiff Melusi Christopher Ntuli submitted 921 pages outlining four distinct claims against the department, alleging unconstitutional violations of his intellectual property through its Grassroots Innovation Programme (GIP). However, the court ruled that his claims did not meet the legal threshold for summary judgment under the Uniform Rules of Court.
Presiding over the matter, Judge Robin George Mossop criticised the quality of the plaintiff’s pleadings, noting that Ntuli’s lack of legal training led to poorly articulated claims. The court struggled to assess the significance of his ‘chargeless electric engine’ and ‘PSDC motor,’ as technical inaccuracies and vague descriptions hindered proper evaluation.
The ruling highlighted that summary judgment, an expedited legal tool preventing frivolous defenses, only applies to liquidated claims, which require precise and quantifiable amounts. Since Ntuli’s unliquidated damages could not be swiftly determined, the court granted the Department of Science and Innovations leave to defend the case, setting the stage for a full trial at a later stage.
Beyond the unstructured pleadings, Ntuli faces further legal challenges, including jurisdictional concerns regarding the case's legal standing, non-joinder of the relevant minister, and failure to comply with legal protocols for lawsuits against state organs. These issues highlight the difficulties he will encounter as he pursues litigation without professional representation.
Concluding proceedings, Judge Mossop urged Ntuli to seek legal representation, emphasising that professional support would be critical in overcoming procedural obstacles. The court even offered to facilitate access to Legal Aid South Africa should the plaintiff require assistance.
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