more accessible court systems on the cards 
6 November 2007
 
The Western Cape Justice and Constitutional Development Department's main goal is to "modernise" itself and create a system accessible to all which is "simpler, cheaper and faster", says its head.  The R219-million allocated for the department's 2007/08 financial year will be used for the operating of courts, compensation of employees, staff training and outreach programmes.

This was said at the Athlone District Advice Office last week where Hishaam Mohamed, regional head of the department, was invited to explain changes to the department and how the community could work with it.

"We have also extended our maintenance services to Saturdays, in order to accommodate the working single parent who cannot attend court during the week," Mohamed said.

Information desks had also been established at the main courts to help court users.  These desks were staffed by volunteers of Resources Aimed at the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, Women on Farms and Mosaic.

"The digital recording system improves the quality of recording court proceedings. It therefore reduces human error and a miscarriage of justice."

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