President Ramaphosa Meets Judiciary to Strengthen South Africa’s Justice System
Executive and Judiciary Collaboration
President Ramaphosa was joined by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister Andries Nel. Other Cabinet members in attendance included Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Minister in the Presidency), Enoch Godongwana (Minister of Finance), Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi (Minister of Public Service and Administration), and Dean Macpherson (Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure).
Chief Justice Maya was accompanied by senior Judiciary members such as Justice Mahube Molemela (President of the Supreme Court of Appeal). Also attending were Judge President Cagney Musi (Free State Division of the High Court), Judge President Dunstan Mlambo (Gauteng Division), and Judge President Pule Tlaletsi (Northern Cape Division).
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Prioritising Independence and Capacity
The meeting built on ongoing engagements between Chief Justice Maya and Minister Kubayi. She is leading a multi-departmental initiative to address critical issues raised by the Judiciary. This initiative prioritises improvements in court infrastructure, human resources, security, and the safeguarding of judicial independence. Collaboration is ongoing with the Ministers of Finance, Public Works and Infrastructure, and Public Service and Administration.
President Ramaphosa emphasised the principle of the separation of powers, stating:
“Within the principle of the separation of powers, each arm of the State has a responsibility to cooperate with, and provide support to, the other arms of the State in giving full effect to our Constitution. It requires, in particular, that we create conditions in which each arm of the State can fulfil their respective mandates without hindrance. It is an opportunity to develop common approaches on issues that are critical to the effective functioning of the Judiciary. At the core of our deliberations is our shared commitment to safeguarding and entrenching the independence of the Judiciary and ensuring that it has the space and means to administer justice.”
Key Focus Areas
Participants focused the discussions on advancing the process to ensure a unified and institutionally independent judiciary. They also explored ways to enhance the capacity of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and High Courts. Additionally, they addressed the need to improve court infrastructure, human resources, and security.
Chief Justice Maya emphasized the significance of the meeting. She pointed out that it occurred just days before the 30th Anniversary of the Constitutional Court’s establishment, which dignitaries from around the world will celebrate on 20 June 2025.
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Commitment to Continued Engagement
Both President Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Maya welcomed the collaborative tone of the engagement. They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue between the Executive and the Judiciary. This renewed determination aims to transform South Africa’s justice sector into one that is resilient, secure, and accessible to all.
The engagement between President Ramaphosa and the Judiciary marks a critical step towards strengthening South Africa’s justice system. By prioritising judicial independence, infrastructure, and collaboration, the government and judiciary are working together. They ensure that the justice system remains robust and effective for all South Africans.