TLI 4801 MAY/ JUNE 2026
EXAM PORTFOLIO
100% ANSWERS
FOOTNOTES INCLUDED
, TLI4801 Portfolio Exam - Semester 1 2026
TECHNIQUES IN TRIAL AND LITIGATION
MODULE CODE: TLI4801 — SEMESTER 1 PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION RESPONSE
QUESTION 1: CIVIL PRACTICE
1.1 (a)(i) Effectiveness of a Letter of Demand
A letter of demand (or interpellatio) is a fundamental, cost-effective initial step in debt collection and
commercial litigation. While it does not carry the formal judicial authority of a court summons, it is highly
effective for several reasons. First, it formally places the debtor in default (in mora), which establishes
the specific date from which interest begins to accrue in terms of the Prescribed Rate of Interest Act 55
of 1975, provided the underlying contract has not already fixed a date. Second, it serves as an
inexpensive filter mechanism that allows undisputed liquidated debts to be resolved swiftly without
initiating expensive, adversarial court actions. Third, it prevents a situation where a defendant
immediately complies with a summons and argues they should not be burdened with the plaintiff's legal
costs because they were never given prior notification of the outstanding debt. Therefore, given that
there is only one outstanding installment, advising the client to send a letter of demand is highly
appropriate, practical, and standard professional practice before initiating litigation.1
1.1 (a)(ii) Formal Letter of Demand
MANEQ (PTY) LTD
Registration Number: 2018/987654/07
12 Commercial Avenue, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1685
Tel: (011) 555-0192 | Email:
BY HAND AND REGISTERED POST
Date: 24 May 2026
The Managing Director
Zema Plastics (Pty) Ltd
45 Industrial Crescent,
Pretoria North, 0182
Sir / Madam,
RE: LETTER OF DEMAND — OUTSTANDING PAYMENT IN TERMS OF THE PURCHASE AND
SALE AGREEMENT / TWO HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINES
1. We act on behalf of our client, Maneq (Pty) Ltd ("our client").
Page 1
EXAM PORTFOLIO
100% ANSWERS
FOOTNOTES INCLUDED
, TLI4801 Portfolio Exam - Semester 1 2026
TECHNIQUES IN TRIAL AND LITIGATION
MODULE CODE: TLI4801 — SEMESTER 1 PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION RESPONSE
QUESTION 1: CIVIL PRACTICE
1.1 (a)(i) Effectiveness of a Letter of Demand
A letter of demand (or interpellatio) is a fundamental, cost-effective initial step in debt collection and
commercial litigation. While it does not carry the formal judicial authority of a court summons, it is highly
effective for several reasons. First, it formally places the debtor in default (in mora), which establishes
the specific date from which interest begins to accrue in terms of the Prescribed Rate of Interest Act 55
of 1975, provided the underlying contract has not already fixed a date. Second, it serves as an
inexpensive filter mechanism that allows undisputed liquidated debts to be resolved swiftly without
initiating expensive, adversarial court actions. Third, it prevents a situation where a defendant
immediately complies with a summons and argues they should not be burdened with the plaintiff's legal
costs because they were never given prior notification of the outstanding debt. Therefore, given that
there is only one outstanding installment, advising the client to send a letter of demand is highly
appropriate, practical, and standard professional practice before initiating litigation.1
1.1 (a)(ii) Formal Letter of Demand
MANEQ (PTY) LTD
Registration Number: 2018/987654/07
12 Commercial Avenue, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1685
Tel: (011) 555-0192 | Email:
BY HAND AND REGISTERED POST
Date: 24 May 2026
The Managing Director
Zema Plastics (Pty) Ltd
45 Industrial Crescent,
Pretoria North, 0182
Sir / Madam,
RE: LETTER OF DEMAND — OUTSTANDING PAYMENT IN TERMS OF THE PURCHASE AND
SALE AGREEMENT / TWO HEAVY DUTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINES
1. We act on behalf of our client, Maneq (Pty) Ltd ("our client").
Page 1
