Fire extinguishers that have not been serviced for years, smoke detectors that never worked and faulty air-conditioning greeted the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development yesterday when it visited the office of the Master of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.
To make matters worse, the committee was deeply concerned about the manner in which files are stored. The committee conducted a walkabout at the office and found rows and rows of files in a room. Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola said, “It looks like it would be difficult for anyone to find a file in that room but that is not a major concern. We are worried because there are no fire extinguishers in the room, nor have the smoke alarms in there ever worked. This is a serious hazard, as they a storing valuable document, hard copies, and if it is lost just image how our poor and vulnerable people will struggle.”
The committee called for urgent action on filing system and urged the landlord of the building, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to find a quick solution. Committee Member Ms Mathibe Mohlala also wanted to know how soon the fire extinguishers could be replaced or serviced.
Meanwhile, Mr Nqola referred to media reports about serious IT challenges at this Masters Office, with a security breach being detected last year and several more of such breaches earlier this year. The office indicted that having its own server would assist in stopping hackers. “They informed us that fortunately, there was no money lost due to the security breaches. They might not be so lucky next time, so we need to address it speedily,” Mr Nqola said.
The committee also visited the Chatsworth Magistrates Court as part of its week-long oversight programme in KZN. The committee programme also includes visits to the provincial Public Protector’s office and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), as the committee has received numerous complaints about the KZN SAHRC.
During the visit to the Chatsworth Magistrates Court, the committee was impressed with the facility’s cleanliness after a renovation a few years ago. “The infrastructure is good; the cleanliness is on point. However, we need to guard and ensure we do maintenance on time. Where the work is still under warrantee, like the leaking roof, we need to get the contractor in to fix it,” Mr Nqola emphasised.
The committee also expressed concern that, as at the Umlazi Magistrates Court visited earlier, the metal detector machines at the entrance of the court were not working. The air conditioners at both courts were also not working. “We need to do regular maintenance. We need to report and follow up when things are not working,” Mr Nqola noted.
Committee Member Mr Sibonelo Nomvalo said that it seems the courts have no proper servicing and maintenance plans for the buildings that are serving the poor and vulnerable. Another Committee Member, Ms Nomasonto Motaung enquired about the equity demographics at the court.
Mr Nqola said the committee found it strange that the renovations at both the Umlazi and Chatsworth magistrates courts started at the same time, but only one remains a renovation project years later. “The two project started at the same time. One is less than R100 million whilst the other is over R200 million. Yet, you only completed the most expensive one and the Umlazi one remains a renovation project for years. The question then arises, will the people of Umlazi think they are not as important?”
Another Committee Member Mr Tshiamo Tshotetsi said the DPWI must explain why the project were handled differently.
The oversight visit continues today.
Rajaa Azzakani
26 March 2025
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