System reform

“Interventions that form part of the turnaround strategy include the implementation of drastic measures to stamp out corruption, the implementation of electronic financial transactions to improve turnaround times, online databases to address the credibility of the administration of insolvent estates, automation of masters' services, the rollout of the ICMS Masters (Integrated Case Management System) to all masters' offices, as well as the implementation of an effective communication strategy on the work of the masters' offices.”

Radebe said the emphasis on the electronic fund transfer payment system, where payments are made directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts, seeks to increase efficiency, while reducing fraud and corruption in the handling of third-party funds.

”We are also taking initiatives to enhance the capacity of the court administration through the Court Capacitation Project of the Justice Sector Strengthening Programme, which is an 18-month USAID-funded project being implemented by the National Centre for State Courts to DJCD.”

The minister said the objective of the project is the provision of operational and technical support with the view of improving and strengthening court management, integrated case flow management systems and court automation.

“The project will lend support towards crafting a model in line with international best practices on court management, which includes developing a cadre of professional court managers and improved court processes and systems.”

SITA involvement

The minister also said the integrated interventions of the justice, crime and prevention (JCP) cluster to fight crime and corruption have begun to bear fruit.

The cluster adopted eight outputs and some have shown visible impact. These include the use of integrated ICT systems to combat cyber crime; and systems integration and modernisation.

The State IT Agency's management turnaround strategy is earmarked to increase the pace of integration across the justice system partners, improving the efficiency of the courts and combating violence against vulnerable members of society, added the minister.

Online judgement

The Court Records Off-Site Storage system was introduced as part of the department's modernisation programme.

It provides a system that improves the management of court records. It creates an opportunity to alleviate filing space challenges in the courts, and provides easy access to court records for the public, the judiciary and members of the legal fraternity.

Radebe also said closely associated with the department's modernisation programme is the virtual library project that makes it more convenient for judicial officers and other court officials at all courts to obtain court judgments and publications online, without the need to have a hard copy in court.

Criminal link

“The JCP cluster is rolling out the Audio Video Remand (AVR) system for awaiting trial detainees.”

The minister this week rolled out the system in Mitchell's Plein. The launch of the AVR initiative came about after noting that 80% of awaiting trial detainees are transported to courts for the mere purpose of postponement.

“The chain duties of signing them out from correctional centres, their transportation to courts and back to correctional centres, are not only time-consuming and, thereby, delay court hearings due to late arrivals, but also take up many of the human resources, which could be optimally used otherwise. Section 159 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 was amended to enable this innovative solution.”

The AVR will be utilised in the postponement of certain criminal cases against accused persons who are in custody awaiting trial via a high-quality audio-visual link between the correctional centre and the court.

The AVR system concept provides for an accused who is over the age of 18; is in custody in a correctional centre; has already appeared before a court; has been remanded in custody pending his or her trial; and is required to appear or be brought before a court in any subsequent proceedings (whether before, during or after the trial or conviction and sentence).

This system is used where no evidence is to be led or any argument is to be heard for the purpose of a further postponement of the case; or consideration of release on bail.

IT allowance

A total budget of R13.5 billion has been allocated to the department for the 2011/12 financial year.

The 2011 budget sets out R180 million for increasing regional capacity; R490 million for building new courts; and R175 million for implementing legislation concerning vulnerable groups.

The renewal and modernisation of ICT infrastructure will receive R210 million for this financial year.