By Bukamuso Sebata
Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela has pleaded with the National Parliament to keep the Seat of the High Court in Makhanda. He highlighted the potential loss of jobs and destruction of livelihoods that could result from such a move.
This is after the Committee charged with rationalisation of the country’s courts recommended in its final report that the seat should move to Bhisho, the capital of the Eastern Cape. The Committee, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, proposed in its interim report that the provincial court seat be moved to Bhisho and that the Makhanda High Court’s territorial jurisdiction be reduced by about two-thirds.
This decision has received a lot of resistance from the community of Makhanda, including the business sector, education institutions and other stakeholders arguing that it would have a devastating effect on the city and reduce the workload of the Makhanda High Court from 100% to 8%.
Professor Mabizela drew attention to the deeply concerning ramifications of the proposed relocation of the seat of the Eastern Cape High Court. He said this move will cause job losses estimated between 5000 to 8000, which will add to the already existing high unemployment rate in Makhanda.
“We are deeply saddened and feel that we have not been heard regarding the final recommendations, which effectively suggest that the Seat of the High Court should be relocated from Makanda to Bhisho. Not only that but the area of the jurisdiction of the Makhanda High Court will be significantly reduced,” said Professor Mabizela.
Prof Mabizela has been at the forefront of advocating for the seat to remain in Makhanda. Two weeks ago, the Makhanda High Court Action Committee met with the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola. Prof Mabizela said the Action Committee was pleased and optimistic after their meeting with the Minister, who encouraged them to send in more submissions to make their case. The Vice-Chancellor had emphasised the tremendous adverse effects this move would have on the town economically, socially, and intellectually.
“This is not just about the relocation of the Seat; it’s also about the reduction of the jurisdiction of the City’s High Court. It will be a matter of time before that court shuts down, which is very problematic for us. We are undeterred as the Makanda High Court Action Committee in our commitment in helping our government understand the plight of the poor and vulnerable people of Makhanda. We believe that keeping jobs and protecting livelihoods is the centre of advancing social justice. Our constitution demands us to do that,” added Prof Mabizela.
Vice-Chancellor Mabizela vowed that the Action Committee would work tirelessly to persuade Minister Lamola and the government to retain the seat of the High Court in Makhanda and to also work with them in the “reconfiguration of the areas of jurisdiction so that the court remains viable”. He continued to say that the “poor and marginalised Makhanda citizens are not children of a lesser God. They deserve to have their plight heard, they deserve an opportunity of employment, and they deserve an opportunity to provide for their families”.
He said this move would place thousands of livelihoods at significant risk. “A loving and caring government of the people elected by the people will do the right thing and keep the Seat of the High Court in Makhanda,” said Prof Mabizela. He added that the Action Committee is ready to engage with the Minister and any person who cares about the lives and the livelihoods of the people of Makhanda and the advancement of social justice.
“The Eastern Cape has four High Courts in Gqeberha, Makhanda, Mthatha, and Bhisho. The seat of the High Court situated within the Makhanda High Court serves as a central hub for the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 President’s administration. This location holds considerable influence over substantial cases across the Eastern Cape. Makhanda is a city already grappling with a 40% unemployment rate, and this will add to those woes,” concluded Mabizela.