THE LIFTING OF SUSPENSION OF THE JOHANNESBURG COURT INTERPRETERS

11 October 2002

Following the meeting between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (represented by the Director General Adv Vusi Pikoli, Regional head Mr J B Skosana, Mr Motshweni and Mr Segooa) and NEHAWU, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development would like to inform the public about the lifting of the suspension on the Johannesburg Court interpreters who were suspended for taking part in an illegal action against the department. The suspension is being lifted from the 14 October 2002 on the following conditions:

• That they unconditionally discontinue with their industrial action that led to their suspension;
• That they do not, in any manner, interfere with witnesses or potential witnesses who are likely to testify at the disciplinary hearing against them;
• That they do not, in any manner whatsoever, disrupt the smooth running of the courts or service delivery at the offices of their station or any other office of the Department of Justice.

The letters indicating that their suspension is lifted will be served, as agreed with their Union, together with the notices summoning them to appear before the disciplinary enquiry on Thursday 17 October 2002.

On the other matter, the department would like to announce that, through its Language Services Transformation Unit, will be holding a Workshop for Interpreters on the 14 October - 16 October 2002 in Durban. This is an important workshop and the first of its kind where interpreters will be working on the National Action Plan.

ISSUED BY MEDIA SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT