23 Apr 2019

Judges have been implored to simplify court processes for the benefit of litigants.

Delivering a keynote address at an induction seminar for newly appointed judges on April 23, Acting Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr. Nonofo Molefhi said litigants approached courts because they were aggrieved and wanted their disputes to be adjudicated fairly, impartially and timeously.

“They are not overly-concerned with philosophical arguments but rather in the expedious resolution of their disputes so that they can move on with their lives.

It is therefore necessary for judges to as much as possible simplify the processes of court and create a relaxed yet firm environment that does not deviate from established procedures and processes,” he said.

Mr Molefhi said when making decisions, judges must ensure that judgments were not only formal, clear and informative but also free of jargon.

He therefore pleaded with judges to always communicate in simple and plain English and only resort to Latin where necessary and inevitable.

“A judgment which is not clear can be difficult to enforce,” he said emphasising that clarity and simplicity in communication could not be over-emphasised.

In addition, the minister cautioned judges against delays in delivering judgments which he said could have serious negative implications.

For example,  he said, judgments reserved for too long could impact negatively on the ease of doing business and service delivery, erode public confidence as well as affect personal safety and security of litigants.

Nonetheless, he said while the adage ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ remained true, it was equally important for judges not to rush through decisions as ‘justice hurried is justice buried’.

Minister Molefhi implored judges to maintain a high degree of integrity as their conduct and demeanour in and out of court had a bearing on public confidence and perception.

“The public holds judges in high regard and considers them to be upright and of high standing without blemish. In essence, as judges you are the beacon, compass and moral fibre of society,” he said.

In his welcome remarks, Chief Justice Terence Rannowane indicated that the purpose of the seminar was to equip the newly appointed judges with the requisite judicial skills in order to facilitate efficient and effective performance.

Mr Rannowane said the seminar was also intended to promote excellence through judicial education.

He challenged the new judges to avoid accumulating many reserved judgements and abide by the set time limit of delivering reserved judgments within a period not exceeding three months.

The chief justice said there was need to sensitise all judicial officers on topical issues of national and international importance such as money laundering.

Corruption and money laundering, he said, not only destroyed national economies but could also be used to finance ills such as international terrorism, coups and the toppling of legitimately elected governments.

The newly appointed High Court judges include Justices Omphemetse Motumise, Chris Gabanagae, Tshegofatso Mogomotsi, Reuben Lekorwe, Matlhogonolo Phuthego, Ookeditse Maphakwane, Gabriel Komboni and Itumeleng Segopolo. ENDS