Justice Department moves to restore Court services disrupted by floods in Limpopo and KZN

Operations at several Magistrate's Courts in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal have been temporarily disrupted following the recent flooding incidents across South Africa.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development says damages include roof leaks, electricity outages, structural damage, and washed-away access bridges, preventing both staff and the public from reaching some courts.

Despite these challenges, the department emphasised that services continue to be rendered in the majority of courts.

“The Minister has already engaged with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure as well as other stakeholders to speedily mitigate the challenges encountered," the department said.

"Members of the public will be kept abreast of all the developments in this regard and the temporary arrangements that are being made in the interim.”

The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring access to justice.

“The Department reiterates its commitment of providing access to justice services and will continue to work with stakeholders to speedily restore services at the affected courts.”

The floods have hit multiple provinces, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu‑Natal, Eastern Cape, and North West, leading the National Disaster Management Centre to classify the Limpopo floods as a national disaster under the Disaster Management Act.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the classification.

“This classification has come at the right time when the extent of the damage to our infrastructure is becoming visible to all and access to some areas is slowly opening," said Ramathuba.

"We need all the assistance we can get to rebuild Limpopo after these devastating floods, and the help we need from national departments and agencies would be made possible through this classification.”

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