The small farming Community of Ashton, situated 250km north-east of Cape Town in the Overberg area, have for the first time in their history a dedicated court building to render justice services.
The spacious court, which was completed in October 2010 at a cost of R7.6 million, was officially opened today by the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe.
Ashton and a periodical court of Montagu reside together with Robertson, McGregor and Bonnievale in the Langeberg Local Municipality. All these courts will be demarcated into a single magisterial district to conform to local government boundaries. The main seat will be Robertson while Montagu and Bonnievale will serve as local seats and Ashton as the Local Circuit Court, within Montagu.
The officially opening of the court gives meaning to the spirit and letter of the country’s supreme law, the Constitution of our Republic, which dictates that justice must be accessible to all the people irrespective of their population density, gender, geographical location, race or economic status.
This periodical court, which has been fully functional since November 2010, will provide all other justice services with the exception of civil litigation. The community will no longer be required to commute the 25km to the Main Seat located in Montagu to access masters and maintenance services.
Maintenance beneficiaries in Ashton will now access the funds in the cash hall located in their periodic court or receive their rightful dues through the full functioning Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). The EFT system, which was initiated as part of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Operation Isondlo project, allows for beneficiaries to receive their funds directly into their banking accounts. Recently all maintenance files of people residing in Ashton have been transferred to the newly built court, making it easier for the affected parties to follow up on their application.
The recent finalisation of the transfer of Ashton maintenance files to the new court, will have positive impact in reducing the case backlogs and providing for quicker finalisation matter before the courts. This will bring about the necessary efficiency levels deserved by all who must receive services from our courts, including the Ashton community.
The delivery of a fair, just and equitable justice is critical in maintaining the social, economic and political balance. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development remains aware that proper administrative support will enable the court to play a meaningful role in the social and economic development of the Ashton, which has for many years served as a critical business area.
Ashton was initially established as a railway trading post under the name Roodewal, following the creation of railway lines from Worcester into the coastal areas in 1887. In honour of the railway engineer Job Ashton of the New Cape Central Railways (Ltd), who participated in that project, this place was renamed Ashton and to date, it has been known by that name.
Over the years, this place has tremendously grown into a viable community, with agriculture at the centre of economic activities of this town. By 1949, a canning factory was established and by 1956 Ashton was conferred a Municipality status.
Speaking during the official opening of the court, the Minister expressed the Department’s confidence that “the court will form an integral part of the overall development of this place [Ashton] going into the future”.
Minister Radebe also pleaded with the community and officials to respect and protect as their own the building from vandalism which has been observed in other parts of the country.
Furthermore, he reminded officials to always observe Batho Pele principle and serve the community with passion and dignity.
Minister Radebe concluded the day through a meaningful and direct interaction with members of the community, during which they had an opportunity to share their views and experiences on the initiatives undertaken by government to enhance access to justice.
During the interaction, the Minister reiterated the Department’s resolve to extend services closer to the communities.
Enquiries:
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 3333 880
E-mail: ttlali@justice.gov.za
Ashton Community to access Justice closer
