Community members of Mitchells Plain no longer have to travel to Wynberg Magistrate Court to access Small Claims Court services, all thanks to the newly launched Mitchells Plain Small Claims Court.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, John Jeffery officially launched the Mitchells Plain Small Claims Court on Wednesday, 30 April 2014. This launch follows Deputy Minister’s promise made at an Imbizo at Oval North High School in Beacon Valley last year, that he would officially open a Small Claims Court in the area in 2014.
This milestone is part of the department’s strategic objectives in ensuring that a Small Claims Court is established in every magisterial district countrywide. “As the department we are committed to bringing justice closer to the people,” said Deputy Minister Jeffery.
To enable more people to gain access to justice, a substantial increase in the value of claims was gazetted by Government at the start of this month. This means claimants can now institute civil action for amounts of up to R15 000 and not R12 000 as was the case before. “With Small Claims Court, the process is simple and cost effectively,” explained Deputy Minister Jeffery. One of the major advantages of the Small Claims Court is that litigants can institute a claim at no cost, meaning that they do not have to pay attorneys.
Currently there are 293 established Small Claims Courts across South Africa. Presiding Officers in the Small Claims Courts, commonly known as Commissioners, are drawn from a pool of experienced legal professionals and academics, and act on a pro bono basis.
During the event eight legal practitioners, who will serve the area, were sworn in as Commissioners. “We appeal to community members to utilise these services offered to them,” said Deputy Minister. There are 353 Commissioners who service the province in 44 magisterial districts including Cape Town, Bellville, Wynberg, the Cape Winelands, the West Coast and Knysna, amongst others. Of the 353 Commissioners, 301 are male and 52 are female. Seventeen Small Claims Courts are still to be established across the province.
The department is committed to promoting, protecting human rights and ensuring that everyone has access to justice.
Enquiries:
Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 0836418141
E-mail: Mediaenquiries@justice.gov.za
