Justice department needs R1.6 billion to overhaul court infrastructure

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said on Wednesday that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development requires R1.6 billion to build new courts.

Kubayi was addressing the National Assembly to answer questions on the work done by the Department of Justice and observations made by her department after visiting courts across the country.

She said the department had identified challenges in infrastructure, safety and security issues, human resource capacity and tools and trade.

Speaking specifically on infrastructure, Kubayi said her department had engaged with the Department of Public Works and Treasury to put together plans to fix the failing infrastructure at courts.

“In some of the areas we have had courts being closed down on the basis that the buildings have been non-compliant,” she said.

“When we looked at what court infrastructure is needed, we currently have been allocated R400 million out of the R1.6 billion that is needed to be