Sihlalo, umbiko engiwuphetheko ufundeka bunjesi: [Chairperson, the report-back that I have reads as follows:]
The new Court for Galeshewe residents. Many South Africans, particularly the poor, interact with the judiciary system at local courts; hence, the ANC is of the view that more resources should be allocated to lower courts to improve their capacity and accessibility.
Therefore, we welcome the opening of the R58 million Galeshewe Magistrate's Court by the Justice Minister, Jeff Radebe.
This initiative gives the residents of Galeshewe, near Kimberley, access to judiciary services on their doorstep. The court was built in 2009 and began operating in 2010. Since opening, the court has dealt with 647 maintenance cases and 1 949 domestic violence cases. On average 1 800 beneficiaries receive maintenance at this court every month.
Through the court, more than 100 residents of Galeshewe are being offered services such as applications for divorce, protection orders, maintenance, estates, and payments of traffic fines. In addition, the court deals with regional criminal matters, as well as equality and small claims court cases.
The court will also address the problem of case backlogs. The additional court rooms will result in more cases being speedily and efficiently dealt with and finalised.
The ANC believes that these initiatives, although not in the first instance, will strengthen our justice system and provide effective and efficient services to our people. Ngiyathokoza. [Thank you.] [Time expired.] [Applause.]