11 September 2006
The Department through the Regional Office in Gauteng held an open court day
on Saturday, 9 September 2006, as part of its continuous effort to improve the
courtâs case backlog and the maintenance system. Extra maintenance pay-out days
to help eradicate the high number of backlogs experienced in the Sebokeng
Magistrates Office was introduced and about 600 people were paid out their
monies and 50 new application were made through ABSA bank to receive their
monies electronically.
This initiative which is to be piloted in Sebokeng introduced the extension
of maintenance pay-out services to every first Saturday of each month to
eradicate the maintenance backlogs and reduce the congestion that the courts
are faced with as part of their normal working day and it will at the same time
reduce the inconveniences that are caused for the beneficiaries who from time
to time have to request for time off at their places of employment to come and
stand in long lines for maintenance payments.
The initiative, although piloted in Sebokeng, will also cater for
Vanderbijlpark over Saturdays that will be dedicated for maintenance payouts
only, therefore showcasing the principle of Batho Pele and making Justice
services available to the most vulnerable groups. Nearby offices such as
Alberton and Vereeniging, have committed personnel that will possesse the
necessary skills to assist.
This will not be a once-off event as plans are underway to run this pilot
for three months in Sebokeng to dedicate the first Saturday of each month for
maintenance payments. The need to extend beyond the three months will be
informed by the assessment of the pilot that will be conducted afterwards and
similar services will then be rolled out to other areas
Enquiries:
Lazarus Mothupi
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Cell: 082 4472 550
Issued by: Department of Justice
11 September 2006
