The threat to move the seat of the High Court from Grahamstown to Bhisho sparked some serious debate at a public meeting that took place last week in Grahamstown.
The threat to move the seat of the High Court from Grahamstown to Bhisho sparked some serious debate at a public meeting that took place last week in Grahamstown.
Annette Lovemore, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament led the discussion with the support of a few political representatives.
Estates Division director Les Reynolds, explained that the Bill is endorsed by the Cabinet and will result in raised legal costs for the average person, no doubt leaving a number of government officials smiling.
Grahamstown has been the seat of the High Court for 141 years, so “losing it would be like lobbing off one of Grahamstown’s legs” said Reynolds.
This will also have a severe effect on Rhodes University, being one of the best Law schools in the country, as they rely heavily on the courts for training and expertise.
Furthermore the legal system generates substantial wealth for Makana Municipality, and in turn the city and its residents. With so many strongly opposed, “we need to people to sign petitions” said Reynolds.
These words fell on an eager crowd as everyone nodded in agreement, not yet ready to accept the detrimental impact this will have on their livelihood.
“If we have to march through the streets we will,” declared Reynolds, adding that the DA needs to handle these objections effectively and ethically.
Lovemore says the DA are pushing for legislative committees to have public hearings and not just to consider public opinion on paper.
“People don’t think there is much point in raising their voices any more,” said Lovemore, “It is time that South Africans realise that our power lies in our vote.”
