Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel, MP, opened a Small Claims Court at a ceremony in Balfour, Mpumalanga this morning. The ceremony was attended by leaders in local government, the judiciary, the legal profession and civil society as well as 600 residents of Balfour.
Nel dedicated the Small Claims Court to the memory of Gert Sibande, also known as, "The Lion of the East", a trade unionist and leader of the ANC who played a leading role in the 1959 Potato Boycott, protesting the treatment of farmworkers, as well as the campaign leading to the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955.
"It is significant that this Small Claims Court is opened less than two weeks after we celebrated the fifteen years of our democratic Constitution. The Freedom Charter for which Gert Sibande worked so hard provides that, “all shall be equal before the law” and that, “all shall enjoy equal human rights.” These are foundational values of our Constitution."
He emphasised the importance of access to justice for all in ensuring that the provisions of the Constitution are realised.
The opening of the Small Claims Court in Balfour coincided with the establishment, by proclamation, of yet another such Court in Mpumalanga, at Eerstehoek, bringing the total number of functional Small Claims Court in Mpumalanga to 27. The Department is working hard to establish Small Claims Courts in the five outstanding districts in the province.
President Jacob Zuma referred to the role of Small Claims Courts at the Access to Justice Conference convened by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo in July 2010.
Nel said, "We are proud that a further 17 Small Claims Courts have been established since the call by the President at the Access to Justice Conference in July last year, bringing the total number of Small Claims Courts to 241. We aim to establish one in each of our 384 magisterial districts."
Small Claims Courts provide accessible and cost-effective justice to those seeking adjudication of dispute involving amounts up to R12, 000.00. Claimants are assisted by Clerks of the Small Claims Courts to initiate proceedings. The parties represent themselves as no legal representatives are necessary or allowed.
The Balfour Small Claims Court sits every Thursday and has since its establishment successfully heard various cases ranging from money lending to society disputes.
Nel thanked those legal practitioners who serve as Commissioners of Small Claims Courts on voluntary basis, without any compensation. He urged all members of the profession with the requisite five years of experience to follow this example.
"We call upon the community of Balfour and surrounding areas to fully utilise these services as they are available to them free of charge. It is our Government's commitment to ensure that all enjoy access to justice."
Enquiries:
Chester Mpane
Cell: 082 370 9532
E-mail: pmpane@justice.gov.za
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Hon Andries Nel, on the launch of the Small Claims Court in Balfour, Mpumalanga on Friday, 17 February 2012
