Draft article: awaiting review and approval by Elmoné Smith.
Why a chronology matters
When a matter has gone on for months, the facts are usually spread across emails, messages, letters and memory. A chronology puts them in one place, in order. It helps you explain the matter clearly, shows where information is missing, and saves time in any consultation or handover.
What to include
Each entry should have a date, a short description of the event, who was involved and where the evidence is. For example (an illustrative example, not a real matter):
| Date | Event | Who | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2026 | Lease agreement signed | Tenant, landlord | Lease, p. 1–12 |
| 1 Apr 2026 | Notice of rent increase received | Landlord’s agent | Email, 1 Apr |
| 4 Apr 2026 | Tenant queries increase | Tenant | WhatsApp, 4 Apr |
| ? | Reply from agent (date unknown) | Landlord’s agent | Missing: request copy |
How to create one, step by step
- Gather everything in one place: documents, emails, message exports, photos and notes.
- List every event that has a date, without worrying about order yet.
- Sort by date, oldest first.
- Keep to one event per line, described in plain, neutral words.
- Add the source for each entry so it can be checked.
- Separate facts from opinions. Record what happened. Keep your views in a separate notes column.
- Mark the gaps: unknown dates, missing documents, replies you don’t have.
Working with WhatsApp messages and emails
- Keep the original messages on your phone or computer. Don’t delete anything.
- WhatsApp lets you export a chat. An export keeps dates and times together.
- If you use screenshots, make sure the date and the sender are visible.
- For long email threads, note the date and subject line of each relevant email.
Common mistakes
- Mixing commentary into the facts.
- Leaving out events that don’t help your side. An honest chronology is a more useful one.
- Entries with no source, which can’t be checked later.
Need help?
Preparing chronologies and factual summaries is part of ESLC’s matter and evidence organisation service, for individuals and for attorneys.
This article is general information about South African law and practice. It is not advice on your particular situation. ESLC provides consultancy and support services and does not provide court representation.