Justice department moves to help South Africans in remote communities access the courts (original) (raw)

South Africans in remote and under-served communities could soon find it easier to access the courts.

Justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced the implementation of what she calls long-overdue changes aimed at reshaping the country’s court system.

The move forms part of a Constitutional requirement to address apartheid-era boundaries that still force some communities to travel long distances in an attempt to seek justice.

Cabinet has given the green light for the implementation of the rationalisation of High Courts and Magisterial Districts.

From July, existing court infrastructure will be used to expand the reach of some high courts, while plans are also underway to establish additional local seats in places including Palm Ridge, Rustenburg, Welkom, Upington and Thembalethu.

Government has also initiated plans for a court near OR Tambo International Airport to deal with immigration-related matters.

Kubayi said that the process is about bringing the justice system closer to the people.

“We must intensify our efforts to achieve the constitutional imperative with regards to rationalisation of Magisterial Districts and divisions of the High Court. As we move with consolidation of court administration and judicial governance, merging magistrates and judges into a single judiciary to enhance independence we must also ensure that access to justice for all remains at the centre of our efforts.”

The changes will be implemented in phases, with government also looking to increase the number of judicial posts to address capacity challenges.