MADUNA MET WITH CHIEF JUSTICE

Issued by: Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development

10 April 2002

The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development met on 8 April 2002 with the Chief Justice of South Africa, the President of The Supreme Court of Appeal and the Heads of the High Courts. Issues relating of the administration of justice which were discussed included the following:

• Delays in the handling of criminal trials
• Backlogs in the courts
• The increase in the number of unmeritorious appeals from the lower courts.
• The future dispensation of the Labour Courts.
• Interim rationalisation of the areas of jurisdiction of the High Court, and the final rationalisation of the Superior Courts.

The Minister and the Chief Justice also reported on a meeting with President Mbeki, during which challenges facing the administration of justice were discussed, which included the following:

• Transformation of the judiciary, in particular the availability of suitable candidates for appointment to the Bench with the view to enhancing the representivity of the Bench of the High Courts. The President expressed concern in this regard and requed the Minister and the Chief Justice (in his capacity as Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission) to urgently address this matter.
• The salaries, conditions of service and working conditions of judges. The President took note of concerns in this regard and confirmed the Government's commitment to the establishment of a strong and independent judiciary which has an important role tlay in the development of our democracy.

The Minister confirmed furthermore, Government's commitment to assist, protect and respect the independence of the courts. The meeting took note of this commitment and expressed their appreciation for the Minister's assurance in this regard.