The High Court Action Committee is still waiting to hear when an imbizo, proposed by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeffrey Radebe, will be held to discuss the planned move of the High Court from Grahamstown to Bhisho.
The High Court Action Committee is still waiting to hear when an imbizo, proposed by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeffrey Radebe, will be held to discuss the planned move of the High Court from Grahamstown to Bhisho.
Following the number of submissions made in opposition to the move, the Minister suggested holding an imbizo. Thereafter, the Committee was contacted by the Department of Justice to ensure that it got invited to the event, but has not heard anything of the event since July.
Despite this, the Committee plans to express its views at a parliamentary hearing on the Superior Courts Bill and encourages the public and other civic organisations to participate to make the case stronger.
The Minister indicated in his report to the ANC’s National General Council in Durban that much of the opposition from Grahamstown was based on a misunderstanding, suggesting that some citizens had thought government meant to close the High Court in Grahamstown altogether.
The Minister believes it is necessary to move the seat to bring it into alignment with the constitutional dispensation and to enhance access to justice. The Action Committee has responded saying that nowhere in the constitution does it indicate that the High Court should be seated in the provincial capital.
They also argue that the current boundaries of Bhisho and Mthatha High Courts are still defined by apartheid legislation and that this must change.
Apart from this, the Committee feels that the High court in Grahamstown is functional and efficient and that the funds should rather be spent on upgrading and improving access to justice in other areas. Not only this, but if the move goes ahead, even if the High Court is not completely closed, there will be a reduced number of cases heard and numerous jobs will be lost.
The Committee is encouraging Radebe to come to Grahamstown to discuss the matter.
