The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has successfully concluded its two-day inaugural Justice Forum, aimed at creating an environment of collaborative governance and unified service delivery in the department.
Held at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane, the forum brought together senior leaders from across the department, including Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Andries Nel, the Director-General, Advocate Doctor Mashabane executive management, provincial heads, and senior officials from the Master’s and State Attorney’s Offices.
In her closing remarks, Kubayi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s justice system through decisive leadership, institutional reform, and improved service delivery.
“Our focus must be on getting the basics right. Functional systems, responsive leadership, and a collaborative approach are fundamental to restoring public confidence and delivering accessible, efficient justice services,” Kubayi said.
Moving forward
The department noted that a central theme for the forum was modernisation and reform of the Guardian’s Fund.
A central theme of the forum was the modernisation of the Master’s and State Attorney’s Offices, which continue to experience systemic inefficiencies, including backlogs, outdated processes, and capacity shortfalls.
Kubayi confirmed that comprehensive turnaround strategies will be implemented across the country, with a strong focus on digital transformation, leadership accountability, and service excellence.
The forum acknowledged the need to restore public confidence in the Guardian’s Fund, which has been affected by cyber-related incidents in recent years.
The meeting also agreed on measures to strengthen security, improve oversight, and digitise operations to safeguard the integrity of the fund.
A report was presented to the forum on the challenges at the State Attorney’s Office, including “high staff turnover and escalating litigation costs”.
In response, the forum adopted a resolution to implement a centralised, streamlined organisational model supported by improved staffing structures, better use of technology, and tighter controls on the briefing of legal practitioners.
The meeting resolved that the Office of the Solicitor-General will be fully capacitated to ensure effective coordination of litigation on behalf of the State.
On the issue of human resources, the forum reached resolution to “reinforce a culture of ethical leadership and accountability across the department”.
“[The forum] endorsed the centralisation of senior management appointments, updates to human resource policies, and the strengthening of provincial execution committees.
“In alignment with national anti-corruption efforts, the Forum welcomed the introduction of lifestyle audits for senior managers, following a presentation by the Head of the Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Andy Mothibi," the department said.
The forum concluded with a clear set of resolutions for the 2025/2026 financial year, laying a strong foundation for a justice system that is accessible, people-centred, and grounded in integrity. – SAnews.gov.za
