Question NW1731 to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development:

Reply:

The department follows the following process for temporary relocation of court services during construction, additional accommodation, refurbishment, repair, and renovation projects at court facilities.

When such projects are to be implemented at court facilities, a comprehensive temporary relocation or decanting plan is meticulously drafted in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and all relevant stakeholders. The decanting location is typically situated within the premises of the existing facilities. This process is designed to ensure continuity of services and minimize disruption to court users. The execution of this relocation process follows a structured outline.

1. Assessment and planning phase - Where needs assessments, capacity analysis, stakeholder and community engagement and budgeting are undertaken.
2. Preparation phase – Setting up the mobile unit, developing service continuity protocols and communication plans.
3. Transition and relocation phase – User transfer and scheduling, equipment transfer, public servant relocation and orientation and conducting safety and compliance checks.
4. Operation phase – Monitoring and quality control, regular feedback collection and communication with the main facility being renovated.
5. Return transition phase – notifications of return to main facility and decommissioning the mobile units.

This detailed process is carefully planned and coordinated to ensure that judicial services remain uninterrupted and that users experience minimal disruption throughout the renovation or construction period. The Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service delivery while simultaneously improving our facilities.

a) An example of this process explained above is being followed with the Pretoria Magistrates Court where services continue to be provided whilst the court is undergoing renovations. Further reference can be made of the Galeshewe Magistrate Court building, the Department implemented a series of measures to maintain uninterrupted access to justice for the community. Initially, gazebos were erected outside the court building, enabling magistrates to proceed with scheduled cases despite challenging weather conditions. This approach demonstrated our commitment to minimizing disruptions to court proceedings.

Concurrently, alternative arrangements were made to accommodate essential services. The district court, one criminal court, and one family court were temporarily relocated to the Witdam Police Station, situated 2.5 kilometres from Galeshewe. This interim solution ensured continued access to critical legal services during the closure period.

As of February 2024, all court services previously housed at the Galeshewe Magistrate Court were transferred to the Kimberley Magistrate Court, located 6.5 kilometres from the Galeshewe Magistrate Court. It is important to note that this relocation does not affect the court's jurisdiction, as the former Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development had previously expanded the local limits to encompass the Galeshewe Sub-District.

Recognizing the potential transportation challenges this move may present, the Department implemented a support system. Members of the public who face difficulties in reaching the Kimberley Magistrate Court are being assisted with transportation using the Department's fleet. To ensure widespread awareness of these changes, the Department has taken proactive steps to inform the community. Notices have been strategically placed throughout the Galeshewe area, a comprehensive media statement has been disseminated across the community, publication in the local newspapers were posted and announcements made through the local radio station. These communication efforts aim to keep residents fully informed about the changes and provide clear guidance on accessing court services during the temporary closure.

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