The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has secured funding approval from National Treasury to recruit 50 additional judges as part of efforts to address growing delays in the country's courts. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed the development during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The move follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment during last month's State of the Nation Address to accelerate the delivery of justice. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana subsequently announced an extra R687 million in funding to strengthen the judiciary's capacity, two weeks after the presidential address.
Kubayi told the National Assembly that she and Godongwana had met with representatives of the judiciary to discuss not only specialised courts but the broader funding requirements of the justice system. "We have agreed with the Minister of Finance that we start with 50 judges additional to the establishment that is currently there so that we can build capacity," she said.
The minister emphasised that the work to enhance the administration of justice, in line with constitutional obligations, was already underway and would be undertaken in collaboration with the judiciary.
Kubayi also briefed parliament on progress regarding the government's fight against corruption. She revealed that the final report of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) is currently being processed. President Ramaphosa has instructed the Justice Minister to prepare the council's recommendations for tabling and discussion in Cabinet.
