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Media briefing statement by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, Saturday, 06 December 2025

Good morning, members of the media, colleagues, and fellow South Africans.

I am joined by the Deputy Minister, Andries Nel, who is the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; the Acting Director-General, Kalley Pillay; and our Deputy
Director-Generals (DDGs):
DDG responsible for Court Administration, Lucky Charles Mohalaba. DDG responsible for Infrastructure and Security, Thabiso Thiti. CFO, Rofhiwa Irene Singo. DDG responsible for Corporate Services, Rhulani Ngwenya. DDG responsible for Constitutional Development, Shireen Said. Chief State Law Adviser, Susan Masapu. Head of Communication at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Bulelwa Makeke.

This is the team. We thought it important, as a portfolio, to do the briefing just to update the nation about a number of issues.

But before I start, let me first send my sincere condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe, who was known as Vlam, and who, as you would have seen, has been identified in communications as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

I will be addressing issues of witness protection and whistle-blower work later in the statement.
After this development, I interacted with Advocate Khumalo, who is responsible for security at the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System (the Madlanga Commission).

He indicated to me that Mr van der Merwe was offered protection, which he declined because he did not think he needed it and because he runs his own security company.
Furthermore, we are in agreement there is a need to review how witnesses are testifying at the Madlanga Commission following this incident, and to ensure the work is not compromised going forward.

We will appeal to the public and to our media colleagues for understanding, because we believe that at this point we must recognise, as patriotic citizens, that public interest information cannot supersede the right to life.

Initially, the Commission had intended to do certain testimonies in camera. They changed this approach after being threatened with litigation. We want to appeal that the Commission revisit this and reconsider the strategy so that there is no threat to witness safety.

I say this because we were concerned that the public and the media were able to identify Mr van der Merwe as Witness D.
I did not know; the Commissioners did not know who Witness D was, only those who worked directly to obtain the statement knew. This worries us greatly and is why we say there is a need to review how this is happening.

If it was known that it was Mr van der Merwe, but within a testimony his testimony could be linked to him while he was not formally identified, that shows there is a problem. Even if we pass legislation, if transparency supersedes protection, we will not achieve effective witness protection in this country, and our fight against corruption and organised crime will be compromised.

Ladies and gentlemen,
As the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, it is an opportune time for us as a portfolio to pause and reflect on our work and on the progress we have made in carrying the Department’s mandate.

The direction we follow in fulfilling the mandate was set 70 years ago in the Freedom Charter, which said among other things: All shall be equal before the law.
To achieve this vision, we must work hard to expand access to justice until it is available to all. The architecture of our justice system must make it the voice of the voiceless and the last line of defence for the poor and vulnerable against injustice and rights violations.

Such a justice system must be founded on functioning, strong institutions that are transparent, accountable, and enjoy the trust and confidence of the people.
Our progress should be measured by how well we have created functioning and strong institutions, and how far we have expanded access to justice.

The Seventh Administration, under the Government of National Unity, has challenged us to confront long-standing issues while laying a firm foundation for a justice system that is modern, transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all South Africans.

A FUNCTIONING DEPARTMENT

Government has long committed to strengthening the capacity of the state, and within the justice sector this begins with getting the basics right so that every member of the public receives efficient, reliable, and professional service when engaging with us.

Over the past year it became evident that the Department, like many institutions across government, had been managing several long-standing and well-known challenges.
These included pressures at the Master’s Office; recurring IT system constraints such as difficulties accessing emails; human capacity shortages; and, relevant to this report, operational weaknesses within the Office of the State Attorney.

These challenges did not emerge overnight; they were recognised by those who came before us, and important groundwork had been laid to address them. Our responsibility has been to build on that foundation, strengthen interventions, and accelerate reforms to ensure sustainable improvements aligned with the vision of a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
These challenges were further exacerbated by a lack of accountability in systems, monitoring and evaluation that was a bit weak.

We are bolstering digital transformation to modernise the Master’s Office for efficient services to ordinary citizens and executors.
This forms part of the digital pillar of Operation Vulindlela (OV) that was announced earlier in 2025 and is guided by the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government.

OV is the flagship structural reform programme in government. Cabinet adopted the Roadmap in 2025 as the blueprint for modernising public services.
Through this public–private partnership, we have done a deep dive into our dysfunctional ICT systems.

I must appreciate the support from the business sector and Business Against Crime, who, when we called them, rushed to assist us because of the lack of capacity and resources we faced. We were not able to deal with all the challenges on our own.
As you would have seen previously, ICT capacity issues and systems were a major challenge.
But equally, we faced constraints in the personnel required to drive key interventions.

Through our work with partners, we identified that the department had about 22 vendors whose contracts were poorly managed and inadequately monitored.
We found contracts that had been repeatedly renewed without added value or accountability, and in some cases, vendors were not held accountable for non-delivery
An example is a contract that expired five years ago but was repeatedly extended without proper evaluation.

What worries me is the brazenness and attitude of some service providers working with the Department.
When their contracts end or are not extended, some threaten litigation or send intimidating emails, even to me, to interfere with procurement.
This is deeply worrying, a system where people became brazen in wrongdoing.

We are turning the corner, and that is why some pushback is emerging in ICT reforms.
We will pay attention and, where necessary we will continue to open cases. Between myself and the Acting DG, we have approached law enforcement agencies in various instances because we believe these matters warrant investigation.

We do this to build institutional integrity and capacity, which is central to a functioning department as we know, ICT is most critical to our work.

MASTERS OFFICE

The strategic partnership with the private sector will also focus on the turnaround strategy for the Master’s Office, which we have accelerated.
We have developed this turnaround plan, begun by my predecessor, and accelerated it. ICT has been a major issue.

Through private partners, we deployed Standard Bank SAP specialists (SAP being a key system within Masters). They have helped resolve payment process challenges, stabilise payment processes, and restore operational integrity.
In this area, we continue to uncover instances of theft from our system in the Guardian’s Funds, where monies were withdrawn from casinos and churches. Some monies were irrecoverable even after working with the FIC.

We are pleased that work is stabilising and we are seeing fewer instances of fraud. Previously, for example, the department could lose more than R17 million in a two-week or monthly period. The partnership is turning around these outcomes.

OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY

The Offices of the State Attorney are currently under-capacitated, a challenge that has persisted since the office’s establishment and has been aggravated by long-term financial constraints. Predecessors tried to fill capacity gaps, but it remained insufficient.

Recruitment has been a major challenge. We have started to reposition the Office of the State Attorney to strengthen the state’s legal capacity and improve litigation processes.
One reform already underway is the establishment of a dedicated team to focus on Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Appeal matters, so the Bloemfontein office is not overloaded with all litigation while also handling appeals that require specialised skills and people who understand the appeal process as State Attorneys.
Similarly with the Constitutional Court, you would have either Pretoria or Johannesburg offices dealing with those.

We do believe this will help relieve pressure. Many of our employees work excessive overtime and long hours, and we have seen related health impacts. We are paying attention to staff wellbeing; the legal sector has raised this concern.

I must report that historical delays in payments for legal services have been addressed, we are now up to date, and large backlogs of unpaid invoices of more than six months have been resolved.

Interventions included appropriate delegation of payment authority; only invoices with compliance issues now delay payment.
This matter had been in the public domain and has been resolved.

ACCOUNTABILITY

On accountability, we have taken decisive steps in internal processes.
As raised in Parliament regarding those facing disciplinary action, I can confirm disciplinary processes are underway for the DDG of ICT and other Heads of Security; they have been formally charged and are undergoing processes.

The Director-General’s matter has been transferred to Minister Creecy to handle; the department and I are updated on progress.
I have made myself available to testify in the disciplinary process and provided my dates of availability when requested so these matters can conclude.
I can confirm that about 164 labour relations cases were finalised in 2024/25. We also recorded 54 dismissals for corruption, maladministration, fraud, theft, dishonesty and other misconduct.

We reiterate zero tolerance for corruption and fraud. Several matters have been referred for criminal investigation, within ICT, the Master’s Office, and the Office of the State Attorney.
We are beginning to implement Special Investigating Unit (SIU) reports related to the Master’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney.

STRENGTHENING CAPACITY IN THE CORE PILLARS OF JUSTICE

We have significantly strengthened capacity within the Magistracy, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Court Interpretation Services, and across the portfolio, including the Office of the Sheriff, where vacancies persisted for a long time.

A central pillar is the Aspirant Prosecutor Programme, which combines rigorous theoretical training with practical courtroom experience. This year we graduated 343 aspirant prosecutors.
Approximately 161 NPA posts that previously existed have been progressively advertised and are now being filled to close the capacity gap. This also ensures that even when we employ section 38 appointments, there are permanent staff members available for us to transfer those skills to.

Again, in the next area of work, you would have noted that the President has assigned me, as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, together with other panel members, to chair the process for recruiting the next National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

This work is underway. Next week, we will be conducting interviews to determine whether any of the candidates are fit for purpose and suitable to be recommended to the President.
I must indicate, ladies and gentlemen, that it was disappointing when we received the Curriculum Vitaes. The majority of qualified and fit-and-proper persons did not avail themselves.
This is a question we continue to grapple with as a portfolio and as the leadership of the country: what will it take for these professionals to come forward and be willing to serve the nation?
We ultimately had only six suitable candidates. As I explained last week, this was not a shortlist, these were simply the only individuals who met the requirements out of the 35 applicants.
This is something we are pausing to reflect on. As a panel, we have asked ourselves what more can be done.

We have therefore decided that we will make comprehensive recommendations to the President on matters that need to be considered, issues related to security of tenure, protection of the office, and, importantly, attracting talent, including reviewing the remuneration package to ensure we draw suitable candidates to serve in this critical role.
We will address the nation in this regard once the process has been concluded.

We have also addressed interpreters, ensuring they are properly robed to maintain professionalism and court decorum, as legal practitioners had raised concerns about their presentation.
To reinforce judicial capacity: following the Magistrate Commission’s work, we received recommendations for the appointment of 68 Regional Court Magistrates who will begin training with the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI) from 1 February 2026.

Those appointments have been confirmed and I have signed the appointments and certificates.
The Magistrate Commission has finalised 68 Senior Magistrate appointments, which we are currently concluding. I will sign their appointments and certificates once available.
They have also advertised 198 district magistrate posts to be filled next financial year.

This is crucial to reduce reliance on acting magistrates, acting appointments create jurisdictional and accountability challenges.
This matter has been raised with us, and this area is delegated to the Deputy Minister, who is responsible for lower courts. Most of the time, the challenge is that there are no clear mechanisms or jurisdiction to hold acting magistrates accountable when issues of ethics or conduct arise.

This is why it is important for us to ensure adequate capacity through the appointment of permanent magistrates. This not only strengthens accountability but also ensures that court rolls can move efficiently because there are dedicated officials available to manage the work in their courts.
Additionally, over time, many offices have not had permanent sheriffs appointed. To address this, we have appointed 68 sheriffs across the country as part of capacitating the system and ensuring end-to-end functionality within the justice value chain.

ADVANCING THE CONSTITUTIONAL IMPERATIVE OF A SINGLE, INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY

You will recall that the President announced government’s commitment to a single, full institutional independence of the judiciary.
This reform is not symbolic, it is a fundamental structural shift toward a more independent judiciary to strengthen our democracy.
The model will place judicial governance and court administration under the Office of the Chief Justice, which will assume Executive Authority.
The Secretary-General of the Office of the Chief Justice will become the Accounting Officer.

This work is underway. We have been meeting with the Heads of Courts to refine our approach and to agree on the phased implementation.
Legislation will be developed once the policy areas have been clarified and finalized, enabling us to implement this effectively.
In this area of work, we have also recently engaged with the magistracy.

We agreed that they will use the foundation document, the Ngoepe Report, to consult widely within the profession. They will provide us with feedback in January, and based on that feedback, we will be able to finalize the process and begin drafting the legislation.

I must indicate that this work is not undertaken by the Department of Justice alone. It is a multi-task, multi-institution, multi-department effort within government.
It involves the Presidency, the Office of the Chief Justice, National Treasury, the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and the South African Police Service.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND MODERNISING COURT INFRASTRUCTURE

During our visits to courts and service points across the country, the Deputy Minister and I met staff who continue to serve with exceptional dedication despite difficult conditions, including ageing infrastructure, security pressures, staff shortages, limited tools of trade, long-term temporary appointments, and extended working hours without incentives.
Their resilience and commitment to the Batho Pele principles of public service are truly inspiring, and I remain deeply grateful for their service and dedication.
These are frontline staff who continue to heed our call to serve and to uphold the highest standards of public service.

Too often, the public assumes that public servants are simply people who are corrupt, yet there are many men and women who work diligently and with great integrity.
We have therefore committed, together with various partners, to improving our infrastructure. This includes working closely with Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Correctional Services to strengthen service delivery.

In this regard, we are rolling out public-private partnerships. You would have seen the work we undertook with Jozi My Jozi at the Johannesburg High Court, where we launched a partnership to upgrade the Johannesburg precinct because of financial shortfalls that limited our ability to complete this work alone.

In areas where water supply has been a challenge, we have installed water tanks and will continue doing so. In remote courts, we are also rolling out solar installations to ensure consistent electricity supply.

To strengthen security measures, we are working with SAPS, while also ensuring that scanning equipment is operational at court entrances. We are balancing the deployment of security personnel, and we have been engaging with Correctional Services, Metro Police—particularly in urban metros—and SAPS to ensure adequate protection within court precincts.
We have also provided security for presiding officers who face threats, ensuring protection both at their workplaces and, where necessary, at their residences. Similarly, where NPA prosecutors are identified as being at risk, we extend protection services, with our security teams conducting ongoing assessments.

Significant progress has also been made in modernising the Small Claims Courts system to expand access to justice at grassroots level. Key achievements include:

DRIVING LEGISLATIVE REFORM TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTION AND MODERNISE JUSTICE

Ladies and gentlemen, as we move into the area of modernising our courts, our focus is on transitioning to a digital environment to ensure that information is protected and that our systems operate efficiently.

I am aware that there are calls for us to fast-track the rollout of Court Online in the lower courts, and this is indeed work that will be prioritised and addressed.

INTENSIFYING THE FIGHT AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE (GBVF)

The next area I want to address is our work in fighting Gender-Based Violence.

We remain firmly committed to this cause. I want to express my appreciation to all staff members and the broader Justice family who responded to our call for the charity drive—donating a toy and a book for children who are victims of gender-based violence.

These items were collected across the country during October, and yesterday, employees of the Department—led by myself and the Deputy Minister—visited centres nationwide to donate these toys. This contribution by the Justice team symbolises our belief that one book, one toy, can help build one future for children affected by gender-based violence.
In driving reform in this area, we remain committed to ensuring that the National Register for Sexual Offences (NRSO) is released publicly in a comprehensive manner. The review of this area has begun, and consultations are underway to facilitate its public release.

While awaiting the legislative review, we have strengthened capacity by appointing approximately 60 individuals across provinces to improve turnaround times for issuing verification certificates for those listed on the Sexual Offences Register. This ensures that individuals working with children and other vulnerable groups are properly vetted and cleared.
Ladies and gentlemen,

In the area of sexual offences, we have also committed to upgrading 40 courts designated to handle these matters, as announced during our visit to the Free State on Thursday. In addition, 16 more courts have now been designated as Sexual Offences Courts.

Today’s briefing coincides with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. While this campaign underscores our national commitment to ending GBVF, our message remains clear: every day must be a day of activism.

The President has consistently condemned violence against women and children and reaffirmed South Africa’s intention to classify GBVF as a global crisis. It is in this context that we reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.

Over the past year, the Justice Cluster has made significant progress, including expanding Thuthuzela Care Centres from 62 to 66; maintaining a 70% conviction rate for sexual offences; and ensuring that 72% of convicted offenders are entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders within 10 days.

We have also strengthened our specialised courts, with 79 of the 92 Sexual Offences Court sites now operational.

We have ensured full implementation of the NPA’s Sexual Offences Policy Directives (Part 27). These require prosecutors to consult complainants within 22 days, take prompt investigative decisions, and explain all available protection measures.

The directives further restrict prosecutorial bail powers in domestic-related sexual offences and require comprehensive information-gathering prior to bail hearings. Prosecutors must seek appropriate bail conditions, for example, compelling the accused to vacate a shared home—and ensure that complainants understand how to report any breach. Where prosecutors decide not to oppose bail, they must explain their decision directly to the survivor. Together with the Domestic Violence Policy Directives (Part 28), these measures reinforce a justice system grounded in survivor protection, transparency, and accountable prosecutorial conduct.

Further progress includes upgrading 40 Domestic Violence Courts, appointing 103 intermediaries, and distributing 150 wheelchairs to improve access for vulnerable court users.
Important policy reforms have also advanced, including tabling the National Policy Directives on Domestic Violence and enacting the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act. Draft regulations for Hate Crimes and Hate Speech were published on 28 November for public comment until 28 January 2026.

As we move forward, we remain guided by the principle that justice restores dignity. South Africa owes survivors of GBVF safety, respect, and compassion, and our work must continue with urgency.

We also continue strengthening protections for LGBTIQ+ communities through the National Task Team on SOGIESC matters, co-chaired by government and civil society. The NTT’s Rapid Response Team actively tracks hate-crime cases and coordinates support across departments to ensure swift intervention.

LEGISLATION REVIEW

In moving to the next area of focus, I want to address our work on the review of legislation.
I must indicate that we are currently reviewing the Criminal Procedure Act, which is now at its final stage in terms of proposed amendments.

We are also amending the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Act to strengthen the work we need to advance through the SIU.
In addition, we are amending the Legal Sector Codes and implementing key provisions of the NPA Amendment Act, particularly those relating to oversight and accountability. This includes regulations that will provide for strengthened oversight over the NPA.

The new legislation we are introducing is called the Protected Disclosure Bill. This Bill is intended to provide comprehensive protection for whistle-blowers. We will not refer to it as the Whistle-Blower Bill—it is the Protected Disclosure Bill.

The Bill seeks to establish clear mechanisms to protect whistle-blowers and connect these protections to existing infrastructure, including the Witness Protection Programme. As you know, the current law limits Witness Protection to individuals with matters before court. This framework will now be expanded.

There have been longstanding calls for enhanced whistle-blower protections, including the possibility of incentives, and the Bill responds to these concerns. The Bill has been completed and is currently undergoing legal evaluation and the SIAS process in Cabinet. It is with the technical team of the JCPS Cluster.

We expect to finalise the process within the last quarter of this financial year, after which it will go to Cabinet and then be submitted to Parliament for processing. I will also be writing to the Leader of Government Business to request that its prioritisation, given its urgency.

STRENGTHENING INTERNATIONAL JUDICIAL COOPERATION AND MUTUAL LEGAL ASSISTANCE

The next area of work I want to highlight relates to Mutual Legal Assistance.
In the past, there were complaints and concerns regarding the Mutual Legal Assistance process and certain court decisions. We have reviewed our processes as a department, and we believe we are now in full compliance with the court order, which has enabled us to continue with this work.

We have written to countries whose letters were previously unsigned by the Minister, as I announced in October, to ensure these processes are regularised.
I must indicate that we have now successfully signed 35 Mutual Legal Assistance Agreements and Treaties on Judicial Cooperation and Support with various countries. This is important because Mutual Legal Assistance and extraditions cannot be done effectively without such agreements in place.

This strengthened framework is reflected in recent successes, including the extradition of the two accused in the AKA case from the Kingdom of Eswatini back to South Africa.
We remain committed to reviewing and strengthening the process in relation to the Bushiri matter to ensure extradition is ultimately achieved. We are aware that although we initially won the case, the decision was later overturned.

We have received a summary of the judgment, though not yet the full judgment. Each country operates differently, and once the full judgment is received, the NPA will study it and determine the next steps.

A STRENGTHENED FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION — NATIONAL AND GLOBAL COMMITMENTS

Fighting corruption remains a central priority of this Administration. This year, we strengthened alignment with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, and I have signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime on behalf of South Africa, deepening our global commitment to combating corruption, cyber-enabled crime, and international financial offences.

We advanced critical reforms to protect whistle-blowers, tightened the Section 38 appointment policy to support NPA capacitation, and strengthened oversight over the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC).

Support to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Special Tribunal has already resulted in the recovery of over R3 billion from corruption-related investigations this year. South Africa also continues to participate actively in G20 anti-corruption platforms.

These actions confirm that our anti-corruption efforts are not symbolic—they are structural, deliberate, and impactful.
Strengthening specialised units such as IDAC, the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU), and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has also been a priority, enabling the NPA to prosecute complex corruption and commercial crimes more effectively.

We remain deeply concerned about the safety of prosecutors, particularly after disturbing incidents this past year where some were killed or targeted. I am committed to ensuring that they are protected and supported.

Transparency and collaboration across the law-enforcement value chain remain central to building public trust.
Overall, we remain unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the independence of the NPA and ensuring that our justice system operates impartially, effectively, and in the best interests of the South African public—even in the face of intimidation and threats against those who uphold the rule of law.

Government is also intensifying efforts to combat trafficking in persons. South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country, making a coordinated response essential.
Through the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, along with the work of NICTIP, provincial task teams, and trained frontline personnel, we have strengthened victim-centred protection and rapid- response mechanisms.

In 2024/25, 234 victims were rescued and assisted, and 23 cases were finalised. Of these, 11 secured convictions on 146 trafficking-in-persons counts, resulting in:
• 34 life sentences, • 20-year sentences for eight accused, and • 10-year sentences for two accused.

These outcomes reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting victims, dismantling trafficking networks, and ensuring that perpetrators face long-term imprisonment.

ADVANCING TRUTH, HEALING AND HISTORICAL JUSTICE — TRC AND REPARATIONS

Over the past year, government has made major strides in restoring dignity and justice to families affected by apartheid-era atrocities.
The completion of the Gallows Exhumation Project has ensured that all political prisoners executed between 1960 and 1990 have been recovered and reburied with dignity. Work continues through the Exile Repatriation Project and the Missing Persons Project to locate those who died in exile or disappeared during the struggle.

We have advanced TRC-related reparations, including financial support, education funding, medical assessments, criminal investigations, and the near completion of several community projects. A Judicial Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Sisi Khampepe has also been established to investigate allegations of interference in TRC prosecutions.
A significant achievement this year has been the finalisation of regulations for TRC housing reparations, allowing implementation to begin, either through rebuilding or compensating for homes destroyed during apartheid, and enabling the rollout of the once-off R30 000 repatriation grant and associated benefits.

In the year under review, another key milestone has been the reopening of several major apartheid-era inquests. Acting on the recommendations of the National Director of Public Prosecutions, I authorised the reopening of the inquests into the deaths of anti-apartheid activists Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli, Mlungisi Griffiths Mxenge, the Cradock Four, Booi Mantyi, Nicholas Boiki Tlhapi, and Steve Biko, exercising the powers granted to me under Section 17A of the Inquests Act.

These cases, long shrouded in secrecy and unanswered questions, deserve full and transparent examination so that truth, dignity, and justice can finally prevail.
For me, reopening these inquests is both a legal responsibility and a moral obligation. It strengthens our democracy by ensuring that we confront historical injustices openly, rather than allowing them to remain buried. The conviction of two of the three accused in the murder of former student activist Caiphus Nyoka earlier this week brings welcome closure and justice for the family and for society at large.

Together, these milestones reflect my unwavering commitment to advancing TRC-related processes, deepening historical accountability, and honouring the memories of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

CONCLUSION

A great deal of work remains to realise the Freedom Charter’s vision that all shall be equal before the law. We will continue strengthening our institutions, capacitating them with the right skills, expanding access to justice for all South Africans, and building public confidence in the justice system.

Across all our priorities, our goal remains constant: to build a justice system that is independent, efficient, accountable, and centred on the needs of the people. We will continue this work with urgency and commitment.

I thank you