Latest news with #DepartmentofJusticeandConstitutionalDevelopment
Eyewitness News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Madlanga Commission to cost R148m over six months
JOHANNESBURG - The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System is set to cost almost R148 million over six months. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed the amount to EWN in a written email. During a briefing in Sandton on Monday, acting deputy chief justice and chairperson of the commission, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, informed the media he was not in a position to talk about the cost, directing all questions to the department. READ MORE • Madlanga inquiry: Application for evidence to be heard in-camera won't be granted easily • Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to work hard to meet deadlines set by Ramaphosa • Judicial commission of inquiry probing criminality in justice system to begin in August The judicial commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe allegations of corruption and collusion within the criminal justice system, made public by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The estimated cost of the Madlanga commission of inquiry into the criminal justice system has been set at R147.9 million. The budget will form part of the standard operating procedure to be tabled to Cabinet by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi for approval. According to the department, the budget and SOP will cover organisational, structure and reporting formats, information security and storage, monitoring and implementation mechanisms, compensation structures for commissioners, employees, legal professionals, and researchers, administrative costs, including office leases, digital infrastructure, and security arrangements. The department will also oversee the procurement process for the commission's operations, adding they've applied to National Treasury for a deviation from standard procurement processes and is currently awaiting a response. According to the commission, they are in the process of procuring a building in Gauteng as a venue for the commission over the next six months.
IOL News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
SAPS's political interference probe to cost R147. 9 million, says Justice Department
The Department of Justice has confirmed a R147.9 million budget for the six-month inquiry into allegations of political interference and corruption within SAPS Image: IOL Graphics The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has confirmed that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of political interference and shielding of criminals within the South African Police Service (SAPS) is estimated to cost R147.9 million over six months. 'We can confirm that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is responsible for the procurement process for services for the commission, in consultation with the commission chairperson and secretary,' said departmental spokesperson Terence Manase. The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The claims included interference by senior police officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, in politically sensitive investigations and the disbanding of elite anti-corruption units. Manase confirmed that due to time constraints, the department has applied to the National Treasury for a deviation from standard procurement procedures and is awaiting feedback. 'We have since applied for deviations from the National Treasury, but the amount that we have put on the table is what we estimate.' 'I did not check what could be the reason and challenge for the deviation,' he told IOL News. Manase said Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has expressed her intention to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or guiding framework for the establishment and operation of commissions of inquiry. 'The aim is to table this document at Cabinet for approval, thereby ensuring it becomes a government-sanctioned policy,' Manase said. According to Manase, the envisioned SOP will promote consistency, enhance efficiency, and ensure cost-effectiveness. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading It will cover key operational areas including: - Organisational structure - Reporting formats - Information security and access - Implementation and monitoring mechanisms - Compensation structures for employees, commissioners, evidence leaders, and legal teams - Administrative costs such as office leases, website setup, and security 'The SOP will provide a ready-made blueprint that can be followed whenever a commission of inquiry is announced by the president, eliminating the need to design processes from scratch each time,' said Manase. Justice Madlanga, a respected jurist and former Chief Justice candidate, addressed the media on Monday, assuring the public that preparations for the commission's work are well under way. Public hearings are expected to begin in August, although no specific start date has been confirmed due to ongoing evidence assessments and consultations. 'The fact that General Mkhwanazi made the allegations doesn't mean we are immediately ready for hearings,' Madlanga said. 'There must first be assessments and further consultations.' The commission is currently in its setup phase, including the procurement of a venue in Gauteng, where the hearings will be held. Once the location is finalised, the public will be informed, including how to submit information online to support the inquiry. Madlanga emphasised the importance of public trust and transparency, given the gravity of the allegations, and stated that consultation with the commission's first witness is imminent. Jeremy Michaels, spokesperson for the commission, opened Monday's briefing by pointing out the importance of punctuality, structure, and public accountability throughout the inquiry. The commission will run parallel to ongoing Parliamentary investigations, after mounting pressure from police unions and civil society groups for urgent presidential intervention to restore integrity within the SAPS. IOL Politics
The South African
18-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
If you're a woman and getting divorced here's GOOD news
South Africa's divorce laws are on the verge of a transformative shift, with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development introducing a new bill that promises fairer outcomes for thousands of spouses – particularly women – married without accrual. The General (Family) Laws Amendment Bill, 2025, introduced by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, aims to overhaul long-standing gaps in South Africa's matrimonial property regime, which have left many financially vulnerable in divorce or death. Currently, couples who married out of community of property and without the accrual system – common in unions after 1984 – have separate estates. In the event of divorce, the law provides no automatic right to share assets, even if one spouse made non-financial contributions, such as raising children or supporting a partner's career. For decades, this meant a spouse could leave a marriage with nothing, regardless of years of unpaid labour and emotional support. While courts could grant limited redistribution orders in some divorce cases, these excluded many marriages, especially older ones, and offered no relief in cases where a marriage ended due to death. The new bill addresses these inequalities head-on. It introduces redistribution rights in divorce proceedings for those previously excluded and, for the first time, allows asset claims when a marriage ends in death. This change follows a 2023 Constitutional Court ruling, which declared the existing system unconstitutional for discriminating against spouses – mostly women – who lacked financial bargaining power when entering marriage contracts. The legislation also proposes amendments to the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, expanding the role of the Family Advocate to better assist financially dependent spouses during divorce proceedings. This includes: Enhanced mediation support Legal guidance for non-earning spouses Protection for surviving spouses in intestate estates Legal experts say the changes will significantly help: Women married before the accrual system was common Homemakers or caregivers with no income Older South Africans whose marriages never accounted for financial inequality 'These reforms bring long-overdue justice to spouses who sacrificed careers or incomes for their families,' said family law specialist Lindiwe Mokoena. 'It levels the playing field for thousands who were previously sidelined by outdated laws.' The bill is now heading to parliamentary debate and public consultation, expected to take place in the coming months. If passed, it will modernise South Africa's divorce law, making it one of the most progressive in protecting vulnerable partners in the country's democratic history. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
South Africa to get TWO new significant laws
South Africa's justice system is on the brink of significant reform as two landmark Bills – one targeting international fugitives and the other revolutionising divorce law – make their way through parliament. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, under newly appointed Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has introduced legislation aimed at aligning South Africa's legal framework with global standards while addressing domestic inequities in family law. At the heart of the reform is the International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Amendment Bill, which will allow South Africa to fully cooperate with international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) – a gap previously exposed in high-profile cases involving leaders like Omar al-Bashir and Vladimir Putin. The bill introduces audio-visual testimony from foreign witnesses and experts – modernising a system that, since 1996, has relied solely on in-person procedures. This change is expected to speed up investigations, reduce costs, and enhance accessibility. More significantly, the bill gives South African authorities the legal standing to arrest and extradite individuals at the request of international bodies, not just sovereign states. This closes a critical loophole that previously left the country in murky legal waters during global diplomatic stand-offs. Parallel to the international law changes, the General (Family) Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 aims to correct decades of inequality for South Africans – particularly women – trapped in unfair matrimonial regimes. The proposed legislation will allow for a fair redistribution of assets in divorces where couples were married out of community of property and without the accrual system introduced in 1984. It will also allow for redistribution claims when a spouse dies – an option previously unavailable under the law. These changes follow a 2023 Constitutional Court ruling that found the existing marriage laws to be unconstitutional, citing unfair economic consequences for non-working or caregiving spouses. The bill will further amend the Mediation in Certain Divorce Matters Act, expanding the role of the Family Advocate to better protect financially vulnerable individuals during divorce proceedings. This marks a move toward holistic family support, especially in cases involving older women who were unaware of the financial risks associated with their marriage contracts. Both bills are now on a legislative fast track, although public consultations and parliamentary debate are expected in the coming months. Legal experts have hailed the proposals as long-overdue, noting their potential to enhance justice, accountability, and fairness across the board. 'These changes represent a critical step in modernising our legal system,' said one Johannesburg-based family law attorney. 'We are finally giving voice to those previously sidelined – both in global justice and at home.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Justice system under fire: Community slams inaction on GBV
Quick read: A heated community dialogue was held at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Residents say a weak and slow justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV). Social activist Mabotse Mothiba shared a recent case of an elderly woman assaulted by her son — who still walks free. Residents say local teens involved in a fatal incident also faced no legal consequences. Men in attendance said police mocked or dismissed them when reporting abuse by female partners. Police Commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe urged victims to report abuse consistently. Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane acknowledged GBV complaints and pledged to improve accountability. Full story POLOKWANE – A lenient and often unresponsive justice system is fuelling crime and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. That was the strong message from residents during a heated community dialogue hosted at Ngoako Ramahlodi by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on Thursday. Community members, including social activist and Westenburg CPF member Mabotse Mothiba, shared first-hand accounts of frustration, fear and injustice, blaming local law enforcement for failing to act swiftly on serious GBV cases. Minister Mamoloko Khubayi-Ngubane led the dialogue, which formed part of Mandela Month efforts to engage communities and strengthen justice systems across the country. Mothiba recounted a recent incident involving an elderly woman who was assaulted by her adult son. 'I found her lying in the street late at night. 'The next day, I went to her house and the son just laughed at me. He's still walking free. Nothing has been done,' she said. Her experience, she added, highlighted how law enforcement's inaction emboldens abusers and discourages whistleblowers. Other residents echoed these sentiments. 'One pointed out a case where local teens caused a death but were neither charged nor cautioned. 'These kids are still roaming the streets like nothing happened. It sends a dangerous message,' a resident said. The dialogue also shone a light on the gendered stigma surrounding GBV. Several men in attendance revealed how they were ridiculed or dismissed by police officers when attempting to report abuse from their female partners. 'We are mocked and not taken seriously because we don't fit the stereotype of a victim,' one man said. Law enforcement representatives in attendance, including provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe, acknowledged these concerns but urged victims to report abuse consistently. 'When victims remain silent, it weakens our efforts to bring justice and hold perpetrators accountable,' one official said. The minister admitted the department had received multiple distress calls from the region, flagging a rise in GBV-related incidents. 'That's why we're here, to listen and to find practical solutions,' Khubayi-Ngubane said, adding that the dialogue aimed to help restore faith in the justice system and address the urgent need for reform. She also committed to ensuring follow-ups and accountability, noting that no South African should feel unsafe or unheard when seeking justice. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
