Bringing justice to the people

Highlights of the State of the Nation Address

The R1 billion investment in a state-of-the-art High Court in Limpopo will go a long way to help communities to access justice.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) has opened Limpopo’s first state-of-the-art High Court.

Previously, residents would have to travel as far as Pretoria to get legal assistance.

The department aims to build two new courts a year to reduce the shortage of court infrastructure in many parts of the country and increase access to justice.

The newly built courts have special facilities for women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Court Manager Jacky Shibodze said she is humbled to be the court manager of the Limpopo High Court.

“I would like to take this opportunity to urge the community to love and protect the court and to handle all facilities with care.”

The Limpopo Division of the High Court of South Africa is a superior court of law that has general jurisdiction over the Limpopo province.

Services offered at the Limpopo High Court:

Office of the Family Advocate - The Family Advocate assists the parties to reach an agreement on disputed issues including custody, access and guardianship of children. If parents are unable to reach an agreement, the Family Advocate evaluates the parties’ circumstances in light of the best interests of the child and makes a recommendation to the Court with regard to custody, access or guardianship.

Master of the High Court - The Master of the High Court serves the public in respect of deceased estates, liquidations (insolvent estates), registration of trusts, tutors and curators, as well as administration of the guardian’s fund (on behalf of minors and mentally challenged persons).

Legal Aid South Africa - Legal Aid South Africa enables those people who cannot afford to pay for legal fees to be assisted with free legal representation.

The Sheriff of the court -The Sheriff is an impartial and independent official of the Court appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development who must serve or execute all documents issued by our courts. These include summonses notices, warrants and court orders.

*Emmah Maluleke works for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

“The Year of Oliver Reginald Tambo: Unity in Action Together Moving South Africa Forward.”