Parliament, Thursday, 30 March 2023 – The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services concluded the first day of a four-day oversight visit programme in the North West Province by visiting the Mahikeng High Court where it met with the Judge President Ronald Hendricks and thereafter conducted a walkabout at the court.
Explaining the purpose of the oversight visit at Mahikeng High Court, the Chairperson of the committee, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe, said the oversight was informed by the numerous complaints the committee received last year about the state of various courts and correctional centres.
The committee applauded the Judge President for his management of the court and urged the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to fast-track the roll-out of the court online system, so that it can address the case backlog. The department indicated that plans are underway to roll out such a system in the new financial year.
The committee was concerned by the court’s paper-based record system, which it said is a risky and unreliable system to store files, particularly when files are misplaced. The Judge President informed the committee that plans are under way to digitise the records filing system.
At Molopo Regional Court, the committee was met by Acting Regional Court President Judge Winnie Malane, who pointed out that infrastructure challenges are one of the court’s primary concerns. The committee informed the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure that the court needs serious attention, as it is unacceptable that the court is inaccessible to the people living with disabilities. Furthermore, the children’s waiting room needs immediate attention. Another concern for the committee is that detainees walk past a court room and in front of witnesses. This is unacceptable and must be corrected, as it might pose risk to victims.
At Rooigrond Correctional Centre, the committee heard about various challenges, including water shortages due to alkaline-clogged water pipes. The proposed solution is the completion of a water purification plant. Three contractors were sourced to address the issues with water supply, however their services had to be terminated due to non-delivery.
The committee advised the Department of Correctional Services to become more self-sufficient in dealing with its challenges that arise from the slow pace of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in dealing with the various issues. Rooigrond Correctional Centre is particularly unhappy with the slowness with which the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure addresses their concerns.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR BULELANI MAGWANISHE.
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Name: Yoliswa Landu
Parliamentary Communication Services
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E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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