- The Department of Justice commits to improving access to justice in South Africa through digital modernisation and enhanced court services.
- Expansion of Sexual Offences Courts and survivor support centres aims to better protect victims of gender-based violence, especially in rural areas.
- Strategic skills development and legislative reform will help build a capable, equitable justice system aligned with constitutional values.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has placed access to justice in South Africa at the heart of its plans for the 2025/26 financial year, as Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi presented the department’s Budget Vote on Parliament on 9 July 2025.
Despite facing a significant budget shortfall of nearly R1 billion, Kubayi emphasised that the department’s commitment to transforming the justice system and improving service delivery remains firm. The budget, totaling just over R25 billion, must stretch to cover essential operations, from salaries and transfers to capital projects and operational costs.
Modernising justice delivery
One of the central pillars of the department’s strategy is modernising how justice services are delivered. Kubayi highlighted partnerships with the private sector and other government agencies such as SARS and Home Affairs to introduce digital solutions aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility within the Masters’ offices.
This move to digitise is expected to simplify processes that have traditionally been slow and bureaucratic, thereby enhancing the experience for ordinary South Africans who rely on these services during vulnerable moments, such as administering estates or securing legal documentation.
The Office of the State Attorney, a key player in defending the state’s legal interests, is also undergoing a major turnaround. Capacity building and system overhauls are underway to ensure this office can meet the demands of complex litigation, particularly cases heading to the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.
Courts and services that protect and empower
A major focus in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide is the expansion of Sexual Offences Courts. Kubayi announced the establishment of 16 additional courts, especially targeting rural areas where access remains limited. Alongside this, two new Thuthuzela Care Centres will be set up to provide critical support services to survivors of sexual violence.
Efforts to protect victims extend to ensuring protection orders are served promptly, within 24 hours of issuance, by court clerks, a move that seeks to minimise delays that too often expose survivors to further harm.
Honoring the constitutional promise
This year marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitutional Court, a living testament to the ideals enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the Constitution. Kubayi reflected on the court’s symbolism as a “beacon of equality and justice”, a reminder of the country’s long journey from apartheid to democracy.
The department is also prioritising the urgent review and repeal of outdated colonial and apartheid-era laws. These legislative reforms are critical to ensuring that justice services are truly equitable and accessible for all, including vulnerable populations such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Investing in skills and transformation
To build a capable and responsive justice system, the Bridget Mabandla Justice College is undergoing a strategic repositioning. New specialised schools and training programs are being introduced, covering areas such as prosecutions, forensic and cybercrime investigations, alternative dispute resolution, constitutional law, and human rights.
Kubayi stressed that these investments are crucial for developing a justice sector that can meet modern challenges and provide high-quality service to the public.
A vision for access to justice in South Africa
Drawing on the words of Nelson Mandela from the Court’s inauguration 30 years ago, Kubayi reminded the nation that the rights enshrined in the Constitution are not mere words on paper, but the foundation of South Africans’ collective dream for freedom and justice.
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