Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says upgrading and revitalising courts across the country is vital to ensuring that all South Africans have easy access to justice.
Kubayi was speaking during the signing of a historic tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Johannesburg High Court on Friday.
The collaboration includes, government, private sector and academia through Jozi My Jozi initiative.
She said justice can only be served effectively when courts function properly and remain accessible to the public.
“This gives hope to the most vulnerable people who are looking for justice,” she said.
“Who are saying ‘we have been done wrong can our government or our judiciary respond to what i have gone through'”
Kubayi added that the initiative will help keep justice offices in the city centre active and efficient.
“Many of our chambers are in Sandton and they should be here because its closer to our courts.”
She said moved away because they “found the City not to be safe that is whay they are in Sandton.”
The Minister also confirmed that similar court revitalisation projects will be rolled out in other parts of the country.
Public Works & Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson welcomed this signing.
“The Johannesburg High Court is a cornerstone of our justice system, and it is critical that its precinct is safe, functional, and welcoming to all who rely on it. This agreement demonstrates how public–private cooperation, when properly structured, can support the government in delivering a dignified and efficient environment for court users,” Macpherson said.
