Minister Kubayi emphasises the importance of education to young women

By Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi

“Humility is the most important trait as a professional. Treat other people with respect at all times”. These were the words uttered by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) Mmamoloko Kubayi during her luncheon with 30 young female professionals, held recently in Pretoria.

Minister Kubayi hosted the luncheon as part of commemorating Youth Month, as well as marking the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

The 30 guests were selected following the Minister’s call for submissions of a one-minute video reflecting on the theme, “Why is the Constitution Important”, and its role in promoting democracy, safeguarding human rights, and driving active citizenry. Prospects submitted their videos by tagging the Minister’s and Departmental Social Media platforms.

The luncheon created a space for the young women professionals to network and engage in meaningful dialogue on Constitutional values. Some of the other guests invited by the Minister included Advocate Mojankunyana Gumbi, Advocate Kgomotso Moroka SC, and Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, Public Protector South Africa.

Advocate Gumbi emphasised the importance of the South African Constitution, stating: “We have a good and transformative Constitution, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise”.

The occasion also provided a platform for mentorship for the participating young professionals. Advocate Kgomotso Moroka SC advised the ladies on the characteristics of a leader. “Discipline and Respect is important for a professional and a leader.” She made a call to the esteemed young guests to do all they can in their professions to elevate this country into a better place for all.

The young professionals who heeded the call to submit their videos have been observed to be coming from different parts of the country and plying their trades in different impressive occupations. After the selection process three winners had emerged: Mumsy Phakela (Polokwane), Gontse Mawela (Pretoria) and Mapula Moshoeu (Johannesburg).

“Our Constitution is the best in the world and should be celebrated,” says Mumsy Phakela.

Mapula Moshoeu who was recently admitted as an Attorney indicated that she really benefited from this session: “I am currently unemployed and I was feeling demotivated. This session with Minister Kubayi has surely revived my love for law and I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Mapula.

On the matter of ethics, Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka shared with the attendees the importance of teaching ethics at home: “As a young girl my mother would take back whatever she found on my school bag which doesn’t belong to me,” said Advocate Gcaleka.

Minister Kubayi took the opportunity to share with the young ladies her personal experiences in life. “I am passionate about young women because I understand their pain,” said the Minister. She reiterated  that education is the only key to success in life.

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TRC Education Assistance Programme making dreams come true

By Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi

Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Higher Education and Training Assistance Programme continues to live up to its expectations of aiding TRC-identified victims and their qualifying relatives and dependants. To attest to this statement is Ms. Nontobeko Zungu (22) from Ndwedwe, Kwa Sonkombo, who has recently graduated from the University of Zululand.

Zungu was born and grew up in Ndwedwe where she was inspired to work hard towards achieving her goals and creating a better future for herself and family. “I come from a humble and supportive family where I was raised with strong values of respect, hard work, and perseverance, “she says.

She attended Magongolo Lower Primary School, then Enkumbeni Higher Primary and matriculated at Mzingezwi Secondary School. After matric she then enrolled at the University of Zululand for Diploma in Environmental planning and development. “With the assistance of TRC Programme I was able to complete my studies last year 2025,” explains Zungu.

Zungu is a TRC identified beneficiary through her grandmother who is a TRC-identified victim. “TRC Education Assistance Programme played an important role in supporting families like mine by helping us access educational opportunities and build a better future. The support made a huge difference in my academic journey and personal growth.” She says.

She further shared that transitioning from High School to University was a challenge for her. “One of the challenges I experienced at university was adapting to the workload and managing my time effectively. Moving from high school to university required a lot of discipline, consistency, and hard work.” She explains.

Zungu graduated from the University of Zululand for her Diploma in Environmental Planning and Development during the 2026 autumn graduation season. Her future plan includes building a successful career in Environmental Planning and Development.

To date the total number of students funded at higher education level is 2010 and the payments made to the beneficiaries in respect of this reparation is R140,966,501.84.

To qualify for HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING assistance

• The applicant must be a member of a household which earns less than R818 827,00 gross income per year.
• The applicant must be a member of a vulnerable household.
• The applicant who needs assistance must be enrolled in a public University/TVET College for undergraduate studies.

For more information visit www.justice.gov.za

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President Ramaphosa launches TRC Housing Assistance Reparations

By Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi

As the country celebrates 30 years anniversary of the Constitution, TRC identified victims whose homes were burned, and destroyed during the apartheid era can finally breathe a sigh of relieve.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Housing Assistance Reparations at Sonkombo Sports Field in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal Province recently.

TRC Regulations relating to housing assistance were published in the Government Gazette on 16 January 2026, following approval by the President. These regulations provide for housing assistance per incident per household of approved listed beneficiaries.

“Today, we are marking the implementation of regulations that allow victims of apartheid identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process to receive housing assistance from the state. This reflects our commitment as a country to recognising and healing the divisions of our past, and to honouring all those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land.” Says President Ramaphosa.

He further explained that, Ndwedwe, occupies a place of profound historical significance as during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ndwedwe was one of the areas in KwaZulu-Natal most affected by political violence. “People were forced to flee their homes. Homes were burned and property was destroyed. Many innocent lives were lost. Families were rendered homeless and broken up.” He says.

The President mandated the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) to monitor the implementation of the TRC-Parliament approved recommendations.  The department then established a dedicated TRC Unit to monitor and coordinate the implementation process and report to Cabinet.

This is a nationwide Programme and applications have been received from victims across the country. The housing assistance may be granted to the approved listed beneficiary as; once-off housing grant or construction of a new house.

“Currently, the Department has received 941 applications for housing assistance. As at 18 March 2026, the total number of beneficiaries positively verified is 220 and all those positively verified have opted for the once-off housing grant.” Says Minister of DOJ&CD Mmamoloko Kubayi.

The cost for the reparations is covered by the President’s Fund as established in terms of section 42 of the TRC Act. The total amount ringfenced for Housing Regulations is R650 million.

As at 18 March 2026, the total number of approved listed beneficiaries positively verified in Ndwedwe is 220. The estimated total amount to be paid to 220 positively verified Ndwedwe beneficiaries to date is R40 316 540.00. “To respect their safety and privacy, representatives of traditional leaders will be receiving them on behalf of the beneficiaries today,” explains President Ramaphosa.

He further highlighted that government is committed to ensure that this process provides some justice for communities that are still bearing the cost of what happened in our past. 

Images supplied by GCIS

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Empowering the youth though internships

By Suzan Mphuthi

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) continues to empower the youth through their Internship Programme.  We caught up with 23-year-old, Ms Karabo Sekgololo, the final year student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) who is part of the 2026 intake as she takes us thought her journey as an Intern in Administrative and Information Management.
Can you briefly share with our readers a bit about your background, where did you grow up?
I was raised in Limpopo, where I cultivated strong values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance. Growing up in a community-focused environment motivated me to strive for my educational and career aspirations
Can you share with us some of your daily responsibilities as an intern?
As an Intern, my daily tasks involve assisting with administrative functions, managing documents and records, preparing reports, and facilitating communication within the directorate. I also engage in data entry, research activities, and ensuring that information is properly organized and readily accessible.
What does a just society mean to you?
To me, a just society is one in which every individual is treated fairly, equally, and with dignity, regardless of their background, gender, or social standing. It is a community where everyone has equal access to opportunities, education, information, and justice.
What would you say in your greatest strength, and how would you use this to guide the Department going forward?
One of my key strengths is my eagerness to learn and my ability to adapt quickly to various work environments. I am organized, dedicated, and capable of working effectively both independently and collaboratively. I pay close attention to detail and consistently strive to complete my tasks with professionalism and efficiency.
As an Intern, what would your message to officials be working together to achieve the Department’s mandate?
My message to officials would emphasize the significance of teamwork, effective communication, and mutual respect in reaching the Department’s objectives. By collaborating with commitment and professionalism, we can enhance service delivery and foster a positive work atmosphere.
What does youth month mean to you?
Youth Month serves as a reminder of the vital role young people play in shaping our nation's future. It also motivates young individuals to harness their voices, talents, and education to effect positive change in society.
Do you think the Constitution is important and why?

The Constitution upholds justice, equality, accountability, and human dignity. Its importance lies in its role as a guiding framework for governance, ensuring that government institutions operate in the best interests of the people.

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Office of the Family Advocate – reigniting family fabric

By Junior Kotu

Most African cultures do not permit fathers of children born out of wedlock to have access to their children without having paid lobola or some form of damages for the child. This issue is further compounded when the father and the mother break up. After much distress, most fathers who are separated from their children end up giving up on having access to them and ultimately accept the situation and sadly live with the reality of not being part of their children’s life.
Actions that are meant to uphold cultural practices are not always focused on the wellbeing and the best interest of the child.
The Office of the Family Advocate (OFA) helps to guarantee the bond between a parent or family member and child is not lost by assisting affected parents, family members or guardians to settle disagreements regarding custody, access and guardianship of children through mediation, especially during separation or divorce.
Situated in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), the Office of the Family Advocate deals with disputes between parents or family members over the parental responsibility and rights of children.
As a neutral entity that functions as an unbiased Family Law specialist focusing solely on the best interests of the child, the OFA not only consults parents or guardians concerned, but also interviews children to allow them the opportunity to be heard. This prevents the child from having to appear in Court, which may be an intimidating environment for minors.
Lack of funds cannot deter a father or family member to make use of the services of the OFA as they are free of charge and mediated cases do not proceed to trial, thus saving parties costs, time and emotional challenges associated with litigation.
After successful mediation on parent's disputes over parental responsibilities and rights, a parenting plan is drawn up in agreement with all the parties involved. A parenting plan is where parents are co-holders of parental responsibilities and rights including where and with whom the child is to live, the maintenance of the child, contact between the child and any of the parents or any other person and the schooling and religious upbringing of the child.
Parenting plans registered with the Family Advocate have the same legal effect as an order of court and courts or judicial officers are required by law to consider the report or recommendations of the Family Advocate when deciding as to what is in the best interest of the minor child.

Since its inception in 1990 and with offices in all nine provinces, the OFA has spearheaded the hard work of ensuring minor children have access to their families and their best interests are always considered regardless of disagreements, separation or divorce.

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What is the Guardian’s Fund?

By Suzan Mphuthi

The Guardian's Fund falls under the administration of the Master of the High Court. It is a fund created to hold and administer funds which are paid to the Master on behalf of various persons known or unknown, for example, minors, persons incapable of managing their own affairs, unborn heirs, missing or absent persons or persons having an interest in the moneys of a usufructuary, fiduciary or fideicommissary nature.  Each Master has its own Guardian's Fund.
The purpose of the Guardian’s Fund is to protect the funds of minors, persons lacking legal competence and capacity, known or unknown, absent as well as untraceable heirs. It is important to note that money which remains unclaimed in the Guardian’s Fund for a period of 30 years as from the date, upon which the person became entitled to claim it, is forfeited to the state.
1. What happens with the moneys when deposited in the guardian's fund?

• When the Master receives or accepts any money he/she must open an account in the books of the Guardian’s Fund in the name of the person to whom the money belongs or the estate of which that money forms part.
• If it is not known to whom such money belongs, the account may be opened in the name of the person from whom the money is derived, as the estate from which the money has been received, or the estate from which the money is derived, as the case may be. money in the Guardian’s Fund is invested with the Public Investment Commission and audited annually.

2. What is the position in respect of the payment of interest?

• Interest is payable on amounts paid into the Guardian’s Fund on behalf of any minor, persons incapable of managing their own affairs, unborn heirs
  and persons having an interest in the moneys of a usufructuary, fiduciary or fideicommissary nature.
• The interest is calculated on a monthly basis at a rate per annum determined from time to time by the Minister of Finance. The interest is compounded monthly.
• Interest is paid for a period from a month after receipt up to five years after it has become claimable, unless it is legally claimed before such expiration.

3. Can I claim any maintenance from the guardian's fund and if, how?

• An applicant can claim maintenance/allowance from the Guardian’s Fund. The Master may pay from interest, as well as up to R250 000 from the invested capital for maintenance, like school and university fees, clothes, medical fees, boarding and lodging and any other needs that can be fully motivated. Maintenance can be claimed by the guardian/ tutor/curator/person looking after the person of the account holder by way of an application on form J341 & J341A, supported by quotations and accounts.
• Payments can be made directly to the service provider, like schools, universities and bookshops.

4. When can an account holder claim the invested money and how?

• Minors
  A minor can claim the invested money, as well as the accrued interest on reaching the age of majority (on his/her eighteenth birthday, marriage or declaration of majority by the High Court). However, a Testator/Testatrix can stipulate another age when a beneficiary is entitled to the invested capital in their Will. Money can be claimed by the beneficiary when entitled by way of an application on form J251, supported by a certified copy of the account holder’s identity document/passport/ marriage certificate/order of court and verification of fingerprints of applicant.
  
• Usufructuaries / Fidei commissaries
  In the case of usufructuaries/fideicommissaries, those entitled to the interest can claim the accrued interest on a monthly basis by way of a
  written application (J341) giving full particulars of the instrument, which created the usufructuary/fideicommissary interest. The owner can claim the invested capital when entitled thereto (usually after the death of the usufructuary/fideicommissary) by way of an application on form J251 & J251A, supported by a certified copy of the death certificate and beneficiaries identity document/passport, banking details and verification of fingerprints of applicant.
  
• Untraced or undetermined beneficiaries
  In the case of untraced or undetermined beneficiaries, money can be claimed by the beneficiary when the account comes to his/her attention. The application must be made on form J251, supported by a certified copy of the account holder’s identity document/passport and verification of fingerprints of applicant. (The latter can be done at any Master’s Office as well as various Magistrate Courts).

5. How do payments take place?

• Money/interest/maintenance is paid by EFT deposit in the payee’s banking account.

6. What happens with the money if not claimed in time?

• After the lapse of a period of 30 years after the money has become claimable, the money is forfeited to the state. Every year during September the Master advertises accounts that have been unclaimed in the Government Gazette.

7. How will I know that I am entitled to money in the guardian's fund?

• The Master advertises in the Government Gazette every year during September all accounts that have become claimable. Each account is advertised three times.

8. What is the administration costs for account holders?

• The Master administers all funds in the Guardian's Fund free of charge and no administration cost is paid by account holders.
• The only commission that the Master claims - and pays over to the Receiver of Revenue - is a 5% commission on dividends paid to the Guardian's Fund by trustees and liquidators on behalf of missing creditors in insolvent estates.

9. Tracing agents

• A practise whereby persons search the registers of unclaimed monies, seek out the persons entitled thereto and obtain cession of their rights is prohibited by a direction of the Minister of Trade and Industry in terms of the Harmful Business Practice Act 71 of 1988. Notice 69 of 1965 (Government Gazette 16193 of 27 January 1995) declaring unlawful any agreement whereby a person cedes to any person charges, sets off against any debt or alienates in any other manner, his right or title to any claim against the Guardian's Fund. Any person is prohibited for instituting a claim in any Court of law based on such an unlawful agreement. Therefore, if money is claimed on behalf of a person / institution by a trading agent the cheque must still be made payable to the person / institution reflected in our records.
• No tracers are allowed to collect cheques on behalf of beneficiaries.
• No posting of cheques will be done.

For any complaints or enquiries relating to a master's matter, kindly contact the relevant Master’s Office where the matter has been reported, directly, e.g. Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town etc.

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An overview of various careers in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

By Dudu Diraditsile

Human Resource (HR)

Human Resources manages employees in the department. It is responsible for hiring and recruitment, payroll, training, performance reviews, employee relations, and Organisational employee wellness development and design.

Career opportunities / Common positions:
Human Resource Officer, Human Resources Development Manager, Development and Design, Training Officer, Employee Relations Officer / Manager, Chief / Work Study Officer, Human Resources Administrator. 

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Human Resources Management / Development, and Public Administration.

Related duties:
Organisational development and Design, Human Resources planning for the department, address employee relations, Human Capital Development, provision of employee wellness programs, recruitment and selection. 

Finance

The finance section manages daily financial processes and decision-making. It is the backbone of the department which provides financial stability, budget control and effective financial management.

Career opportunities / Common positions:
State Accountant, Auditor, Budget Analyst, Finance Controller, Finance Administrator, and Payroll Officer, Financial Manager.

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration and Public Administration.

Related duties:
Manage accounting processes, financial reporting, budget preparation and forecasting, establish internal controls and manage operational systems and financial procedures.

Communication

This unit is dedicated to managing internal and external communication, promoting the department’s image, creating public awareness and ensuring effective information sharing.

Career opportunities / Common positions
Communication Officer, a writer, editor, Graphic designer, Printing and Publication officer, Public Relations Officer, Researcher, Media liaison officer, social media coordinator, Photographer, content creator and events coordinator.

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Journalism, Social and Digital Media Studies, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Photography and Graphic design.

Related duties:
Manage internal and external communication, manage social media platforms, coordinated events and awareness campaigns, design communication materials, prepare media statements, write articles, create content for publications, promote department’s image.

Facilities Management

Is responsible for ensuring the Department’s buildings, infrastructure, and accommodation needs are effectively planned, developed, maintained, and managed to support service delivery. The Directorate provided strategic and operational oversight of court facilities, offices and related infrastructure throughout the country.

Career opportunities / Common positions
Property Management: Property Management Officer, Property Administrator, Facilities Officer, Real Estate/ Property Practitioner and Accommodation Planner.
Infrastructure Planning: Town Planner, Quantity Surveyor, Architect, Mechanical Engineer and Electrical Engineer.
Infrastructure Delivery Services: Project Manager, Construction Project Manager and Infrastructure Manager.

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Property Studies, Real Estate, Facilities Management.
Town and Regional Planning, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Built Environment Studies.
Project Management, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
Professional registration with bodies such as SACPCMP, ECSA, SACAP or SACQSP required on certain positions.

Related duties:
Manage accommodation and property related matters, including office and court accommodation, leases, municipal services and space utilisation. Manage long-term infrastructure planning and ensuring the Department’s future accommodation and infrastructure requirements are identified and incorporated into strategic planning. Monitor infrastructure projects, including new courts buildings, renovations, repairs, maintenance projects, security upgrades and other capital works undertaken by DPWI on behalf of the Department.

Security Management

Security Management aims to ensure that all employees within the department are able to perform their duties within a safe and secured working environment.

Career opportunities /Common positions
Chief/Deputy Security Officer, Divisional Security Commissioner, Provincial Security Commissioner, Cluster Area Security Commissioner, Administration Officer, Control Room Operator, Court Marshal Security Officer/Court Orderly, Security Officer, Data Capturer, Threat Analysis Investigator, Close-in-Transit Protection Officer and Security Breach Investigator.

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Security Management and or NQF6, refresher training on identification and screening procedures, CCTV monitoring and detection, Alarm systems response, incident management and reporting, Control Room Operator, Close Protection Management course, Tactical response operations, Courtroom Security Management, Project Management, Contract Management, Visitor Management systems, Security Advisory Course, Events Management and Forensic Investigations.

Related duties:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of physical and facilities security, national events coordination, disaster management, and business continuity programmes to strengthen programmes to strengthen organisational resilience, safeguard information and critical assets, mitigate security and operational risks to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted delivery of Justice services.

Coordinate and facilitate protective threats assessment investigations to all members of the judiciary and other supporting staff faced with potential danger or threats to their lives as a result of their legal duties.

Oversee, coordinate and ensure compliance with contractual obligations relating to outsourced security services and special projects awarded to various security providers, for security guarding and close protective security services, Cash-in-transit Services as well as the National Security Infrastructure

Develop and implement advanced innovative protective security technology solutions, technical, electronic systems installations, infrastructure maintenance strategies and approved court security designs to enhance the safety, functionality and resilience of the departmental and court facilities.

Legal Profession

The legal profession in the department serves to safeguard the rule of law, manage state litigations and help prevent costly legal challenges.

Career opportunities / Common positions
Assistant State Attorney, Family Advocate, State Law Advisor, Specialised Litigation (Advisory Services – State Law Advisors), Estate Controller, Master, Magistrate, Prosecutor, Registrar, Maintenance Officer, Legal Administration Officer.  

Typical educational requirements:
LLB degree, sometimes admitted attorney/ advocate

Related duties:
Provide legal opinions and advice to the department, drafting legislation, scrutinise contracts, agreements and policies to identify legal risks, state representation and contract management, ensures compliance with applicable laws, advice on litigation processes and procedures as well as advice on techniques and appropriate case law.

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

The ICT branch manages and support the department’s technology systems, communication networks, computer equipment and digital services to ensure efficient and secure operation.

Career opportunities / Common positions
System administrator, Business analyst, Tester (Quality Assurance), System manager, Project Manager, Network administrator, Server administrator, Developer, Cyber Specialist, ICT Service Desk operator and manager, Governance manager, IT Project Management, Unified Telecommunication and Audio visual.

Typical educational requirements:
National Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Certification help (ITIL V4/V5, Cobit, Prince 2).

Related duties:
The ICT Branch is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and maintaining ICT systems, applications, and technology projects that support the organization's operations and strategic objectives.

The Branch manages ICT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and service delivery to ensure reliable, secure, and efficient technology services.

It provides strategic leadership in ICT governance, digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and technology planning to align ICT investments and initiatives with business needs.

The Branch also oversees ICT related resources, vendor relationships, compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance organizational performance and service delivery.