Deputy Speaker, the ANC-led government has again proved its commitment to improving access to justice for all our people by giving our country's regional courts the power to deal with civil cases. The new powers come as a result of the Jurisdiction of Regional Courts Amendment Act, which was announced by the hon President, Jacob Zuma, and came into effect on Women's Day.
The country's regional courts were established in 1952 to deal with serious criminal offences and to hand out harsher penalties. Cases that regional courts will now preside over include family disputes such as divorce, maintenance, adoption and matters relating to the custody of minor children. Disputes over movable and immovable property of between R100 000 and R300 000, which were previously dealt with by the high court, can now be heard in regional courts.
Regional courts will also have the power to deal with credit agreements between R100 000 and R300 000, as well as Road Accident Fund claims of between R100 000 and R300 000. The amendments in general increase access to justice for members of the public and in particular for women and children who go to courts daily for the resolution of family-related disputes.
The ANC-led government continues to find ways of improving access to justice for all our people. I thank you. [Applause.]