48 magistrates appointed in transformation strategy

Acting Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Faith Muthambi has appointed 48 senior magistrates in various courts throughout the country, the department said yesterday.

“The appointments of an unprecedented number of senior magistrates will improve court management and increase efficiency at magistrate’s courts where the majority of our citizens come into contact with the justice system,” the department said.

“They will also play a crucial role as mentors for newly-appointed magistrates, especially as the Magistrate’s Commission commences with the process of appointing 214 entry-level magistrates.”

Muthambi, who was recently moved from the post of communications minister to take over as public service and administration minister, is standing in for Justice Minister Michael Masutha, who is recovering from an illness.

The department said the new appointments would assist to transform the judiciary.

“Of the 48 appointed candidates, 47 are black and 23 are women. With this round of appointments, the overall racial and gender composition of the magistracy has improved substantially. As a result, black magistrates comprise 1 000 of the 1 570 total number of magistrates in the country, 702 of the magistrates are women.” – ANA