Chairperson, hon members, special delegates and the MEC, in his absence, I need to say something about the support of MEC Strachan for the NCOP and his presence not only in this House, but also when the NCOP takes Parliament to the people. He is always willing and always there not just by being present, but by always also being active in our debates. He is a shining example for most of the other members.
The Jurisdiction of Regional Courts Amendment Bill is a section 75 Bill. It was referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs in terms of Rule 208(1) of the NCOP. The Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs dealt with the Bill in terms of Rule 210 of the NCOP and now submits its report to the House in terms of Rule 211 of the NCOP.
The Magistrates' Courts Act of 1944 establishes and regulates the structure and functioning of magistrates' courts which consist of district and regional courts. Being creators of statutes, these courts have jurisdiction only in respect of matters specified by statutes.
The objects of the Bill, amongst other things, are as follows: The Bill aims to bestow extended civil jurisdiction on regional courts. This includes jurisdiction to deal with all matters currently falling within the jurisdiction of divorce courts. The latter courts will be merged with and become part of regional courts. The proposed amendments will contribute towards enhancing access to justice for all and to transform justice, the state and the society.
By increasing the jurisdiction of regional courts, as envisaged in the Bill, judicial expertise of magistrates will also be developed further, thereby creating a greater pool of suitable candidates from which appointments could be made to the bench of superior courts.
We, as the select committee, made a few changes. I don't want to go through all of them as this Bill was in the ATCs of 25 June 2008, and the report is in the ATCs.
I thank the members of the committee for taking the time to consider this Bill. The committee supports the Bill. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Bill, subject to proposed amendments, agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.