Cabinet has welcomed government’s recent engagement with leading members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
Last Friday’s engagement was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and held at the President’s official residence in Pretoria.
“[The Constitutional Court] is an important instrument in the protection of our Constitutional democracy.
“It is in this spirit that Cabinet welcomed the engagement between government and the judiciary led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and heads of courts – hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“The engagement focused on discussing the implementation of outstanding administrative measures to give effect to the Constitutional provisions of ensuring the judiciary, like Parliament, operates as an independent arm of the state,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a media briefing on Thursday.
READ | President Ramaphosa to meet with the Judiciary
Currently, the budget of the Constitutional Court is administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development whereas Parliament administers its own budget.
“Both the Executive and the Judiciary reaffirmed the shared commitment to building a stronger, more effective justice system, firmly anchored in the values of our Constitution,” she said at the post Cabinet briefing held in Cape Town.
Repatriating heroes
Turning to the launch of the second phase of the South African government’s exile repatriation and reburial project, Ntshavheni highlighted the importance of bringing back the remains of loved ones who died in exile.
Government has already announced that 58 indigenous Khoi and San ancestral remains will be reburied in the Northern Cape.
READ | Government to bring back 58 Khoi and San ancestral remains for reburial in SA
“While tracing, exhuming and returning back home the remains of liberation fighters who died in exile remains a focus, the initiative to bring home and rebury the remains of the Khoi and San from outside the country is important in the accurate recording of the ancestry of this country.
“The process of the reburial of the 58 ancestral remains of the Khoi and San that originated from the Northern Cape is at an advanced stage and consultations with the affected communities are underway.
“This initiative builds on the success of the repatriation of 49 former freedom fighters in 2024 and it is a testament to government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering a sense of unity and healing within the nation,” she said.
A joint delegation is expected to embark on a technical mission to Southern African counterparts, Angola, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe to “conduct further research, cemetery record inspections and grave mapping.” – SAnews.gov.za
