Polokwane Court ashes rose to the state of the art

By: Emmaculate Cindi and Patricia Moshibudi Motimele.

In order to ensure access to justice for all, the Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, together with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, officially opened the refurbished Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on the 10th of May 2024 in Polokwane, Capricorn District. The state of the art facility was destroyed by fire on the 19th of October 2012 due to unknown circumstances, and the reconstruction commenced on the 16th of October 2019.

The building has 10 courtrooms which comprises of five Regional, four District, and one Equality courtroom, as well as 18 holding cells. Now, Polokwane residents will experience efficient access to justice which is the cornerstone of the South African democracy, brought about 30 years ago. To correct past fire experiences, the court has been equipped with a fire room station backed with a generator in case of electrical disruptions, and sufficient water supply for when fire emergencies occur.

The R97.4 million refurbishment upgrade model is the first of its kind in the province, with the intention to expand it across the country because of its advanced technological specifications that include modern rooms for minors and gender based violence victims to testify in a more conjunctive and safe space during trials, in a victim-friendly court. Thus, the Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety exclaimed: “This is an inclusive facility that is able to cater to the vulnerable and the poor of the poorest.”

Minister Zikalala said that a lot of factors were considered before the finalization of the design and construction to not only promote justice, but factor in the safety elements. “This is a building that promotes safety for not only judicial officers, but for victims, witnesses, and the public as well. It has been designed to ensure inclusivity as it considers People Living with Disabilities in its design,” said Zikalala.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, expressed how much pleasure it brings him to be in Polokwane where the sun pierces the earth, to usher in an era of access to justice for all. “Access to justice is important, for it is not just a privilege but a human right,” professed the Minister.

“The legal system will be more responsive and accessible to every citizen, thus courts must operate without any limitation and delaying of justice to victims,” stated Lamola.

Not only has this project brought justice to the community of Polokwane and neighboring areas, but has created employment opportunities for those who need it. During the construction period, about 68 participants were trained on various trades such as general building and plumbing, with R34.2 million spent on Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The court will service Seshego, Polokwane, Lebowakgomo and Westenburg communities, to provide just and equitable solutions to the justice system. And as of Monday the 13th of May 2024, the court will officially service its clients at the new premises from 07:45 until 16:45 weekdays.