The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, will host the Access to Justice International Conference from 11 to 13 November 2026. It will take place at the Sun City Convention Centre in the North West Province.
The year 2026 marks the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996— a Constitution that transformed South Africa from an unjust society built on colonial domination and apartheid exclusion into a democratic, human-rights-based state founded on dignity, equality, and freedom for all.
The 30-year milestone offers an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the journey of constitutional democracy, acknowledge its achievements, confront its challenges, and renew the social contract that binds citizens, communities, and the State. In the three decades since 1996, the Constitution has proven remarkably resilient: it has anchored political stability, enabled a vibrant civil society, and provided a moral and legal compass through times of turbulence and transformation. Yet, it also faces new tests. Persistent inequality, corruption, gender-based violence, unemployment, and erosion of trust in public institutions which have placed the promises of 1996 under strain.
As part of the commemoration of this milestone, South Africa will host an International Conference on Access to Justice, advancing dialogue on building inclusive, accessible, and responsive justice systems. Access to justice is not only a legal principle but a prerequisite for human dignity, equality, the rule of law and sustainable development.
Without meaningful access to justice, rights remain theoretical, institutions lose public trust, and vulnerable communities are left behind. Ensuring equal access to justice for all is therefore central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) and building peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies.
The hosting of an International Conference on Access to Justice therefore seeks to address the urgent need for sustained international dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in strengthening justice systems. The conference will provide a strategic platform for governments, judiciaries, academia, civil society, international organisations, and development partners to:
- examine emerging justice challenges;
- share comparative experiences and best practices;
- promote innovative and people-centred justice solutions;
- explore how digital transformation, legal aid and alternative dispute resolution can improve access to justice;
- strengthen institutional cooperation; and
- develop practical and actionable strategies to improve access to justice for all, particularly vulnerable and underserved communities.
The conference will further support regional and international commitments to strengthening the rule of law, advancing judicial transformation, and building accessible, inclusive, efficient, and resilient justice systems. More importantly, the conference will serve as a platform to promote cooperation and exchange of good practices.
Minister Kubayi said. "Access to justice cannot be separated from access to the broader social and economic rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Through this conference, we want to strengthen partnerships and encourage innovative approaches to access to justice, including improved access to legal aid, digital justice services, alternative dispute resolution and more responsive support systems for victims of crime. Our collective ambition must be to build justice systems that people can access, understand and trust."
Participants will comprise heads of United Nations agencies and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ICC Deputy Chief Prosecutor and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Representatives. Ministers in attendance will include those from SADC and BRICS countries. Judicial officers, prosecutors, civil society representatives and academics will also contribute to the discussions.
The programme will feature a gala dinner, a high-level segment and expert panel discussions. These discussions will seek to translate shared experiences into practical reforms that uphold dignity, protect rights and improve justice services.
For more information on the conference and programme visit https://www.justice.gov.za/conferences/2026-ACJ/index.html
Media enquiries:
Ms Palesa Rammitlwa
Spokesperson to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
Cell: 064 933 3628
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