Magistrate appointments vital for justice in South Africa

IN A justice system already stretched to breaking point, the appointment of magistrates is not a side issue - it is central to ensuring access to justice in South Africa, says Judges Matter.

- ZELDA VENTER

The research and advocacy project dedicated to enhancing transparency and accountability within South Africa’s judiciary was commenting as the Magistrate’s Commission will interview more than 290 candidates from May 5 for posts at these courts across the country in a bid to address the workload of magistrates in the lower courts.

The Magistrates Commission has published a shortlist of the candidates, which Judges Matter said is a critical development.

“With only around 2000 magistrates currently serving more than 60 million people, these appointments will shape the delivery of justice for millions of South Africans - particularly the most vulnerable”

Judges Matter believes that magistrates are the judiciary’s front line. They are the ones South Africans encounter when reporting gender-based violence, when family disputes end up in court, when bail is granted or denied, and when criminal matters are heard.