South Africa’s courts are grappling with severe operational disruptions caused by load-shedding, water outages, and crumbling infrastructure — issues that have, at times, forced court closures and delayed justice.

In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged the widespread challenges affecting court operations. She outlined the department’s comprehensive plan to tackle these setbacks and ensure the justice system remains functional.

Eskom requested to exempt courts from load-shedding

The department said it has prioritised backup power solutions to counteract load shedding’s toll on court operations.

“A total of 460 projects have been registered with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to install generators at key court service points. Currently, 153 courts have fully operational backup power, 24 are under construction, and 235 are in the site clearance phase for installation or upgrades.

“The department has launched a pilot programme to introduce solar power and inverters at selected courts, aiming for long-term energy resilience,” reads the statement.

The department said all new court infrastructure projects now include backup power systems to prevent future disruptions.

A formal request has also been sent to Eskom to exempt courts from load-shedding schedules, emphasizing their essential role in the justice system. A response from the power utility is still pending.

Tackling Water Outages

The department said water supply disruptions have also affected court operations.

The department is rolling out backup water solutions, including tanks, boreholes, and pumps, at various locations:

• 176 water projects have been registered.
• 43 courts now have backup water systems installed.
• 8 projects are currently under construction, with the remaining projects in the planning phase.

Revitalizing Court Infrastructure

Aging, deteriorating infrastructure has worsened the operational strain on courts. To address this, the Justice department, in collaboration with DPWI, is rolling out a planned maintenance and renovation programme:

“Over the last five years, six courts have undergone major renovations. Under the Repair and Renovate Programme, 12 courts have received substantial refurbishments to improve facilities.”

Kubayi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring courts remain operational, regardless of ongoing infrastructure challenges.

“We cannot allow power cuts, water shortages, or aging infrastructure to stand in the way of justice,” she stated. “Our efforts are aimed at protecting the constitutional right to access justice for all South Africans.”