By Lerato Mpembe
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) has announced that the Mpumalanga High Court will resume operations on Monday, 4 November 2024, following the recent closure due to identified health and safety concerns. This decision comes after a series of discussions and an agreement with relevant departments, aimed at ensuring the safety of all court users while addressing critical compliance issues.
The closure followed an inspection conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), which revealed specific issues with the court’s building structure, ventilation, and certification. On 30 October 2024, DEL issued a prohibition notice, mandating immediate corrective action. Since then, the DOJ&CD, in coordination with the Departments of Employment and Labour, Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Independent Development Trust (IDT), and the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), has been working to resolve the identified deficiencies and establish a plan to prevent future issues.
Key Safety Concerns and the Response
According to DEL’s findings, the following areas required immediate attention:
• Proper Ventilation: The inspection identified inadequate ventilation, crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of staff, judicial officers, and visitors.
• Structural Integrity: Concerns about the building’s structural integrity were raised, with the requirement to provide a detailed report confirming the building’s soundness.
• Occupancy Certification: The absence of a valid occupancy certificate highlighted compliance gaps that needed urgent rectification to meet legal standards.Following these findings, DOJ&CD and its partners presented a comprehensive plan to DEL addressing each area of concern. A temporary suspension of the prohibition notice was granted for seven working days, starting on Monday, 4 November 2024, allowing the High Court to continue its services while longer-term improvements are implemented.
Departmental Commitment to Public Safety
In a statement, the DOJ&CD emphasised its dedication to ensuring the safety of all individuals within the Mpumalanga High Court, acknowledging the importance of public trust in judicial infrastructure. “The department remains committed to resolving the issues raised by DEL, including ensuring the safety of staff, judiciary, and members of the public. The discussions are still ongoing between the parties, including the exchange of expert and technical reports to find a long-term solution to matters that were raised,” DOJ&CD stated.
This suspension period is seen as a critical window to implement immediate safety measures, as well as to engage in technical evaluations and expert consultations, ensuring a sustainable and safe environment in the long term.
Inter-Departmental Collaboration for Sustainable Solutions
The collaborative approach taken by DOJ&CD, DPWI, IDT, and OCJ in addressing the challenges at Mpumalanga High Court underscores a unified commitment to upholding health and safety standards. These departments have been proactive in engaging with DEL, offering continuous feedback and sharing progress updates on the action plan to meet the regulatory requirements.
Officials confirmed that expert assessments would be ongoing, with further technical reports and evaluations to address both immediate and future safety concerns. The DOJ&CD highlighted the importance of inter-departmental cooperation in maintaining the functionality and safety of court infrastructure, noting that this collaborative approach will serve as a model for addressing similar issues across the country.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
_______________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate