Number of judges in Gauteng High Court has not increased since 2008
According to Judges Matter, the Gauteng division of the High Court alone handles more than 50% of all civil litigation in South Africa.
Picture: Rejoice Ndlovu/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The number of judges in the Gauteng division of the High Court has not been increased since 2008.
This is according to Judge president of the division, Dunstan Mlambo in a draft directive issued last week.
The draft, which is not yet final, seeks to have parties pursue mediation before litigation due to the overwhelming caseload currently burdening the division.
READ: Judge Mlambo issues directive seeking to make mediation mandatory in all civil trials
According to Judges Matter, the Gauteng division of the High Court alone handles more than 50% of all civil litigation in South Africa.
Despite this, the number of judges has not increased since 2008 according to Mlambo, who is at the helm of the division.
This places further strain on a system already under pressure as the number of judges fails to match the caseload.
The directive has added to growing calls for the Justice and Constitutional Development Department to address the shortage of judges in the country’s busiest division to ensure access to justice for all.