ATC121119: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the Superior Courts Bill [B7-2011], dated 19 November 2012

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the Superior Courts Bill [B7-2011], dated 19 November 2012

The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, having considered the subject of the Superior Courts Bill [B6– 2011], (National Assembly – section 75, referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill), reports the Bill with amendments [B7B-2011].

The Committee reports the Bill further as follows:

1. The Committee is aware that the Bill continues to refer to certain places, which use different municipal names. However, until these place-names are officially changed in terms of the South African Geographical Names Council Act 118 of 1998, these names will be used. Once such name changes officially occur, the legislation should be aligned with the new name.

2. The Office of the Chief Justice was proclaimed a government department in September 2011, as a transitional measure, pending the establishment of an independent administration for the judiciary. The Bill clarifies that it is the Secretary-General of the Office of the Chief Justice, who bears responsibility for monies received or disbursed on account of the administration and functioning of the Superior Courts. The Committee understands that the process of establishing a separate vote for the Office of the Chief Justice is well underway. It welcomes this as a necessary step towards ensuring that the judiciary is optimally resourced to perform its judicial functions. This, the Committee believes, will contribute towards a more effective and efficient judicial system.

Report to be considered