Residents of Kagiso no longer will have to travel 17km to get access to basic judicial services, all thanks to the newly revamped Kagiso Magistrates’ Court.
This is part of commemorating Human Rights month and an endeavour to bring justice to the people.
“As you all will know, the struggle for democracy was a struggle for justice, freedom and human rights,” said Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe at the launch of the court on Tuesday 18 March.
The opening of the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court was well timed since South Africans are celebrating 20 years of democracy this year.
Kagiso Magistrates’ Court is the 29th Branch Court to be converted into a full-services facility during the fourth administration since the advent of democracy in 1994.
“By revamping this court we ensured that the community of Kagiso no longer will suffer the indignity of having to commute to the far-away court in town to access services relating to civil claims, family law, maintenance and deceased estates,” explained Radebe.
The court buildings house two regional courts, three district courts, one civil court; two family courts and one children’s court.
Through the Access to Justice Programme the department aims to harmonise the magisterial districts within the constitutional dispensation with a view to accelerating the transformation of the justice system and building an equal and just society.
Minister Radebe appealed to the community of Kagiso to protect the court facilities against vandalism.
“Today marks an important day as we commit these world-class facilities to the people of Kagiso and the newly developed surrounding areas. As with all public facilities, they cost a lot of taxpayers money to build and we are confident that you will handle them with the care they deserve,” said Radebe.
Following the proceedings the Minister interacted with community members about justice-related issues.
