Opt-Out
Opt Out of the Settlement
If you choose to opt out, you will not be bound by the Settlement (if approved) and you will not receive any Settlement payment. You also cannot object to the Settlement because it will no longer apply to you.
Opt-Out Deadline
15 March 2026
Your request must be sent by this date.Important: If you opt out, you will not receive any Settlement payment. You will retain any potential legal claims in your own right (subject to time-barring and other considerations under South African law).
If you do not opt out, you may still submit a claim for Settlement payment and, if the Court approves the Settlement, you will be bound by its terms.
How to opt out
To exclude yourself (“opt out”) from the Settlement Class, you must personally sign and send a written request to opt out stating:
“I wish to exclude myself from the Settlement Class in the VW Diesel Emissions Class Action Settlement in JAN LOUIS GROBBELAAR & 4 OTHERS v. VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD & 17 OTHERS (33802/18).”
You must sign the letter yourself; no one else (including a lawyer) may sign for you. Do not use electronic signatures (e.g., DocuSign/Adobe Sign).
Your letter must include
- Your full name
- Your physical address
- Your phone number
- The vehicle’s VIN (linked to your claim)
- A statement saying whether you own/owned or lease/leased the vehicle, including start and end dates (if applicable)
Send by the deadline
Your written request must be sent by 15 March 2026.
Where to send your signed request
1) Mail or courier
Make sure your envelope is postmarked by the deadline:
PostNet Suite #39Private Bag X18
Rondebosch, 7701
2) Email
Send a clear scanned copy or photo of your hand-signed letter:
Replace with your designated email address if different.3) Hand-deliver
Ebden House, Belmont Office Park12 Belmont Road, Rondebosch
Cape Town, 7700 View on map
Sample opt-out letter
You may use the template below. Remember: hand-sign the letter (no electronic signatures).
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City], [Province], [Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Spot Settlements – VW EA189 Diesel Settlement (Opt-Out)
PostNet Suite #39, Private Bag X18
Rondebosch, 7701
South Africa
Re: Opt-Out Request – JAN LOUIS GROBBELAAR & 4 OTHERS v. VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD & 17 OTHERS (33802/18)
I wish to exclude myself from the Settlement Class in the VW Diesel Emissions Class Action Settlement in
JAN LOUIS GROBBELAAR & 4 OTHERS v. VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD & 17 OTHERS (33802/18).
VIN: [Insert Vehicle Identification Number]
Vehicle status: [I own / I used to own / I lease / I used to lease]
Ownership/Lease dates: [Start date] to [End date or “current”]
I understand that by opting out, I will not receive any Settlement payment and I will retain any potential legal claims in my own right, subject to South African law.
Signature: _____________________________
Printed Name: __________________________