Justice Department implements measures to address power & water challenges at courts! The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has announced that it has put several measures in place to address power and water challenges affecting courts nationwide.
Over the past year, many court operations have been disrupted due to load shedding and water shortages, delaying case hearings and increasing backlogs in critical legal matters.
Generators Installed to Maintain Court Operations
To mitigate the impact of load shedding, the Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, has successfully installed generators at 153 courts across the country.
These generators ensure continuous power supply and allow courts to operate without major interruptions during scheduled power outages.
The move comes after several high-profile disruptions earlier this year, including:
- The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, which was forced to suspend operations due to extended power outages.
- The Johannesburg High Court, which had to halt proceedings due to water supply issues.
These disruptions severely impacted the adjudication of cases, worsening the already massive backlog in South Africa’s court system.
Minister Kubayi Outlines Additional Measures
In a written response to a parliamentary question, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi detailed the long-term solutions being implemented to prevent further disruptions.
According to Justice Department spokesperson Terrence Manase, the government has undertaken the following steps to address the power crisis in courts:
✅ Installation of Generators – The 153 backup generators now ensure uninterrupted power at courts during load shedding.
✅ Exploring Renewable Energy – The department is actively researching the use of solar power and other alternative energy solutions for sustainable long-term electricity supply.
✅ New Power Solutions for Future Court Infrastructure – Energy-efficient designs and backup power systems are being integrated into new court construction projects to minimize dependency on the national power grid.
✅ Engagement with Eskom for Load Shedding Exemptions – The department is in ongoing discussions with Eskom to seek exemptions for courts, given their critical function in the justice system.
Addressing Water Shortages in Courts
Beyond power challenges, the Justice Department has also been tackling water supply disruptions at courts, which have resulted in court closures and delayed hearings.
To address this, the department has implemented the following water mitigation strategies:
Installation of Water Tanks – Large storage tanks have been deployed at various courts, ensuring that there is a backup water supply in case of municipal shortages.
Boreholes and Pumps – The department has drilled boreholes at certain courts, providing an independent water supply to reduce reliance on municipal water systems.
Court Infrastructure Upgrades – Several courts are undergoing renovations to improve plumbing systems and upgrade water storage capacity.
Court Renovations and Modernization Efforts
As part of a broader effort to modernize court infrastructure, the Justice Department has begun a court refurbishment program to improve working conditions and enhance efficiency.
Multiple court facilities have already undergone renovations, and more projects are planned in high-impact areas.
Conclusion
The Justice Department is making significant strides in addressing the power and water supply challenges faced by courts across South Africa.
While these measures will help mitigate disruptions, long-term solutions, such as renewable energy integration, infrastructure modernization, and load shedding exemptions, remain crucial to ensuring a fully functional judicial system.
The government’s commitment to keeping courts operational is vital for protecting access to justice and ensuring that the country’s legal system remains efficient despite ongoing infrastructure challenges.