Traditional leaders to receive training by July

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will train traditional leaders on how to run traditional courts as from July this year. This was announced by Justice Minister Bridgette Mabandla during the launch of the Policy Framework on the Traditional Justice System in Nelspruit today.

The policy framework is aimed at recognising traditional courts by harmonising them with the constitution. The new framework will replace the Bantu Administration Act which is perceived to be unconstitutional.

Under the new framework, traditional courts will be incorporated into the legal system. The house of traditional leaders says this will help define the role of traditional leaders in the administration of justice. But lack of infrastructure and capacity are among the challenges.

"We have ongoing training with them on issues around gender and the question of legislatures on sex offences acts."

The parliamentary process of proclaiming the act will commence soon.