Proposed relocation of the seat of the High Court of the Eastern Cape Division from Makhanda to Bhisho
The Department of Justice in 2021, appointed a Committee on the Rationalisation of Areas under the Jurisdiction of the Divisions of the High Court. The Committee, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, Dikgang Moseneke, has released an interim report on its assessments and recommendations.
Among the recommendations in the report is that the seat of the High Court, currently located in Makhanda, be moved to Bhisho. Such a move, if finalised and implemented, would have devastating socio-economic impact Makhanda and its continued survival. Rhodes University is opposed to the relocation of the Seat of the High Court and/or the amendment of its jurisdiction, if such an amendment will reduce the jurisdiction of the High Court. If such a change is effected, the already economically depressed small town will struggle to survive. Rhodes University is working with all other role-players to seek an audience with the Committee with a view to persuade it to reconsider its preliminary recommendation in respect of the Seat and the jurisdiction of the Makhanda High Court.
The interim report is open for public comments until 31 January 2023.
A previous process to move the High Court from Makhanda to Bhisho was initiated in 2010. Our collective efforts, working with a wide variety of social partners in our community including non-profit organisations, businesses, religious organisations and educational institutions successfully advocated against the plan. At the core of these previous efforts to advocate for the court to remain in Makhanda was a local committee called the Makhanda High Court Action Committee (HCAC).
In the light this renewed process, the HCAC has been revived and has begun to work towards advocating once more, for the High Court not to be moved from Makhanda.
The HCAC is working on making formal submissions supported by an economic impact study, to the Committee. However, should any other person, or entity, want to make their own submissions to the Committee they are encouraged to do so at the following address:
Mr Makena Moagi
The Committees Secretary
Private Bag X81
Pretoria
0001
Street Address: Momentum Centre 329, Pretoria Street (c/o Pretorius and Sisulu Streets), Pretoria
The HCAC has further developed a petition to gather signatures in support of the High Court remaining in Makhanda. Colleagues who would want to sign on this petition can do so on this link. Further to that, to support the coordination efforts and any required process of engaging with the Committee, the HCAC is also receiving donations which can be made to:
Wheeldon Rushmere & Cole Inc. Trust
Absa Bank, Grahamstown,
Acc No: 404 959 3189
Ref: S25363/Your name
Should there be someone who wants to get in touch with the HCAC, they may do so via email (makhandahighcourtaction@gmail.com) or telephonically (046 622 7005/ 083 997 1554). Should anyone want to get more information on the Committee's interim report, or to read a summary of the previous submissions made in 2010 to the then Minister of Justice opposing the move, this information can be found here.
ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNICATION AND ADVANCEMENT ON BEHALF OF RHODES UNIVERSITY
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