Issued by: Department of Justice
MEDIA RELEASE REGARDING A WORKSHOP HELD IN PRETORIA ON 30 SEPTEMBER 1996 ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE SHERIFFS' / MESSENGERS OF THE COURT PROFESSION
The Deputy Minister of Justice, Dr M E Tshabalala-Msimang, chaired a one day workshop in Pretoria on 30 September 1996 that focused on the functioning of sheriffs.
The objective of the workshop was to facilitate in-depth discussions between all the respective role players on the challenges that lie ahead for the sheriffs' pofession including the rationalisation of legislation pertaining to sheriffs, The workshop also facilitated the suggestion of the appointment of a working group, which enjoys the confidence of all involved. The draft Terms of Reference for the working group is to inquire into and report, with recommendations, on the challenges being experienced in the sheriffs' profession, with specific reference to-
- the rationalisation of the sheriffs' profession, with priority attention being given to finalising the Draft Sheriffs Amendment Bill in consultation all role players with the view to promoting the legislation in Parliament at the earliest opportunity during the 1997 session of Parliament;
- the training of sheriffs, particularly in the short term, pending the above-mentioned rationalisation; - the co-ordination and determination of functions having bearing on the sheriffs' profession, particularly the co-ordination of functions between sheriffs, attorneys and the judiciary and, where necessary, the Department of Justice and the South African Police Service;
- stream-lining the existing disciplinary measures relating to sheriffs, and
- addressing the promotion of representivity in the sheriffs' profession and difficulties experienced relating to entry into the profession.
The role players who attended the workshop included, amongst other, representatives of the Board for Sheriffs and the Institute for Sheriffs, representatives of the organised sheriff bodies in the various regions, representatives of the attorneys' profession such as the Association of Law Societies, National Association of Democratic Lawyers, senior representatives of the Department of Justice, Regional Representatives of the Department of Justice, the Department of Safety and Security as well as non-governmental organisations representing the community.
During the workshop all the role players committed themselves to reforming the sheriffs profession and to improve its image and efficiency. Trainng and upgrading representivity of the profession were identified as important areas. It also became apparent that a great need exists for closer co-operation between the relevant role players and that structures should be put in place to facilitate communication. The involvement of communities at grass root level was also emphasised as a priority. The South African Institute for Sheriffs has also undertaken to intensify and extend their training programmes for sheriffs and the Association of Law Societies also pledged their willingness to assist in providing training to sheriffs regarding office management a nd information technology. Commitments were also received from the different role players to make positive contributions towards the finalisation of the rationalisation of legislation pertaining to sheriffs.
The participants made positive contributions at the workshop and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Dr M E Tshabalala-Msimang, viewed the process as an important ste foward in order to increase the efficiency of this particular profession and to assist in enhancing the legitimacy of the rationalisation process.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE BY THE LIAISON DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
PRETORIA
30 SEPTEMBER 1996
ENQUIRIES: MRS MARIE SCHOUWSTRA TEL: (012) 323 9302 X2185 FAX: (012) 218 291