Madam Deputy Speaker, this statement is about the opening of the Small Claims Court in Alexandra, as well as the guidelines for the commissioners and clerks. The ANC welcomes the opening of a Small Claims Court in Alexandra by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, hon Andries Nel, last week.
This court will provide residents of Alexandra with a speedy, simple and accessible forum to resolve their disputes. Residents no longer have to travel to Randburg to lodge their complaints. There is a need for such courts in townships and rural areas.
On the same day, the department launched the guidelines for commissioners and clerks. Commissioners are appointed from amongst the ranks of practising attorneys and advocates, retired magistrates, as well as legal academics. They are appointed on a voluntary basis and, therefore, do not receive any remuneration from the department. These legal practitioners are volunteers.
Malibongwe igama lamavolontiya, malibongwe! [Let the name of volunteers be praised!]
Small Claims Courts are a powerful mechanism to provide access to justice, especially for the poor. These courts are based on speed, simplicity and cost-effectiveness. They are created to eliminate time-consuming adversarial procedures before and during the trial.
These courts deal with civil disputes of up to R7 000, and no legal representatives are required or allowed to appear on behalf of the litigants. The recently launched court will play a major role in the lives of the residents of Alexandra and the department plans to embark ...
The ANC commends the department for its endeavours to improve access to justice for all our people. Thank you. [Time expired.]