Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I would like to inform the hon member that I found that the small claims courts and the equality courts are successful initiatives of government that are aimed at improving access to justice for all. However, these courts should not be seen as special courts as they are normal, permanent courts established by legislation with specific goals in mind.
The former Chief Justice, Pius Langa, stressed that access to justice becomes an empty gesture and makes a mockery of the Constitution if it is not backed by mechanisms that are adequate for the enforcement of rights. In this regard, both the small claims courts and the equality courts play a vitally important role.
These courts are powerful mechanisms in aiding the provision of civil access to justice, especially for the indigent. These courts are based on speed, simplicity and cost-effectiveness, and they eliminate time- consuming, adversarial procedures regarding the resolution of disputes up to R7 000.
No legal representatives are required or allowed to appear on behalf of litigants in these courts. One of the objectives is to ensure that there is at least one functioning and active small claims court in each and every one of South Africa's 384 magisterial districts. We are just over the halfway mark in this regard. Currently, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has already established 211 Small Claims Courts, and the proclamation of a further three is imminent. Significantly and in keeping with our objective of ensuring access to justice for all, most of the newly established courts will be in rural areas.
Furthermore, we have initiated a campaign to familiarise various role- players with Small Claims Courts and popularise their usage amongst as many people as possible. As you would know, we have also made a call on all Members of Parliament to assist us in speeding up the establishment of Small Claims Courts by heeding the call, "One constituency, one Small Claims Court". Thank you.