Chief Justice Warns of Justice System Threats

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has cautioned that court delays, underfunded infrastructure, and weak security are placing South Africa’s justice system under severe strain.

Speaking at the J20 Summit in Sandton on Wednesday, where judicial leaders from across the globe gathered, she highlighted the urgent need for reforms to safeguard both communities and the courts.

Maya stressed that heavy case backlogs leave individuals and communities vulnerable, turning court delays into more than just administrative frustrations. For people challenging unfair dismissals or communities defending land rights, these delays amount to a denial of basic human rights.

She also drew attention to security failures that have placed lives at risk. One of the most shocking examples, she said, was the killing of Dingalo Moya Kinzo, a witness in a murder trial, who was shot dead inside Wynberg Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town earlier this year.

Calling for stronger oversight of court resources and infrastructure, Maya said greater administrative autonomy is essential for the judiciary to establish tailored safety protocols and ensure courts operate efficiently.

While some reforms are already in progress, she stressed that without adequate support and resources, the system cannot protect the public or judicial officers, nor can it deliver justice in a timely and effective manner.