The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr John Jeffery, MP will deliver a keynote address during the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of South African Sheriffs Society at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 28 May 2016.

This AGM which will be held under the theme “Sheriffs: the key to Civil Justice in South Africa” will also be a platform for Deputy Minister Jeffery to interact with the Sheriffs on issues affecting them in the execution of their duties.

Sheriffs play an important role in the criminal justice system as they serve court processes and execute warrants and orders of the court which are issued in terms of the Act and the regulations of the different Courts. They interact with and influence the work of lawyers, court officials, the police, the judgment creditors and debtors.

Early this year, the department appointed 32 Sheriffs country-wide to ensure access to justice and improved service delivery in our justice system. Of the appointed 32 Sheriffs, 19 were Africans (59%), 8 were white (25%), 4 are Coloured (13%) and 1 was Indians (3%).

The total number of permanent Sheriffs currently operating in the country is 304. Of these 304 Sheriffs, 124 are Africans (41%), 121 are Whites (40%), 22 are Indians (7%) and 37 are Coloured (12%)

Media is invited as follows:

Date: 28 May 2016
Venue: Radisson Blue Hotel
Time: 9h00

For media confirmations please contact Mr Andile Tshona on 073 566 3345 or Tshona_ab@yahoo.com.

Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 0836418141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za