Case Explained: Johannesburg Society of Advocates supports High Court revitalisation efforts – Legal Perspective

The Johannesburg Society of Advocates (JSA) is supporting the initiative to revitalise the city’s high court, driven by a public-private partnership aimed at addressing years of infrastructure decay and enhancing security.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, earlier signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) together with Jozi My Jozi NPC to revitalise the Johannesburg High Court precinct.

According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the purpose of the MoU is to formalise collaboration between Government and the private sector to rehabilitate and maintain the high court precinct as part of the broader Jozi My Jozi CBD Project.

The department at the time explained that the partnership aims to improve functionality, safety, dignity, and user experience at the High Court and to demonstrate practical models for inner-city regeneration.

Nigel Redmann SC, Chairperson of the High Court Committee, meanwhile encouraged members of the Johannesburg Bar to bring this initiative to their instructing attorneys as well. In a notice to the society’s members, Redmann shared and outlined the initiative which has been in development for over a year and which is now being taken forward.

The work is focused on the internal environment of the High Court and is being undertaken in close coordination with court administration to avoid disruption to court operations.

Redmann explained that the initiative has been informed by weekly meetings between members of the Society’s High Court Committee and Jozi My Jozi over the past year to ensure alignment with the judiciary’s priorities and the daily needs of court users.

According to him, these engagements have secured the judiciary’s buy-in and have been shaped by input from judges, court staff, and legal practitioners who use the building daily. The proposed scope includes improved accessibility and safety within the building, upgrades to security and access control, refurbishment of court environments and shared spaces, and the modernisation of court operations and supporting infrastructure.

Redmann explained in the notice that at this stage the JSA and Jozi My Jozi will engage with members of the legal fraternity and law firms to share the context of the initiative, gauge interest, and explore opportunities for participation in a structured and transparent manner. Detailed scoping and cost validation will follow through an independent professional process, he said.

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