Department Of Justice And Constitutional Development
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is a South African government department responsible for administering the country's justice system and upholding constitutional rights. The department's mandate encompasses the administration of courts, the promotion of access to justice, and the protection of constitutional democracy. It oversees the functioning of the lower courts, including magistrates' courts and regional courts, while also supporting the judiciary and ensuring the efficient delivery of justice services. The department plays a central role in developing and implementing legislation related to justice, human rights, and constitutional matters. Key functions include managing court infrastructure, providing support services to the legal system, and coordinating with entities such as the National Prosecuting Authority and Legal Aid South Africa. It also houses specialised units and programmes addressing issues such as maintenance enforcement, victim support, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The department works closely with parliamentary oversight bodies, including the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, which monitors its performance and budget. It collaborates with investigative bodies such as the Special Investigating Unit on matters involving corruption and maladministration. The department was formed through the merger of the former Department of Justice and the Department of Constitutional Development, reflecting the integrated approach to justice administration and constitutional governance in post-apartheid South Africa.
Department Of Justice And Constitutional Development Updates
Home Affairs and Constitutional Development establish priority court in Durban
17th June 2026 The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, has established a priority court to... →
Water committee warns of deepening crisis as municipalities fail to implement corrective water plans
10th June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed concern over Water Services Authorities’ (WSAs) continued non-compliance in... →
Water Committee raises alarm over municipal failure to implement corrective action plans
By: Natasha Odendaal 10th June 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has expressed concern over water services authorities’ continued non-compliance in submitting and... →
DA demands action on school violence epidemic
4th June 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged by new Statistics South Africa data showing that more than 1.1 million learners experienced violence at... →
Committee on Auditor-General calls for faster recovery of public funds
29th May 2026 The Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (SCOAG) has called for stronger coordination amongst law enforcement agencies in the fight against... →
Home Affairs Committee concerned about abuse of litigation in asylum and refugee applications
27th May 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs is concerned about the high number of asylum seekers and refugee applicants instituting litigation against... →
Kubayi declines extension on whistleblower Bill despite civil society requests 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd May 2026 Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has firmly declined to extend the window for public submissions on the draft... →
Parly committee flags SIU’s ‘inadequate’ funding model
By: Thabi Shomolekae 7th May 2026 The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has requested a dedicated, in-depth presentation on the Special... →
Justice committee raises concerns about SIU's funding model
7th May 2026 The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today raised serious concerns about the funding model of the Special... →
Parly committee warns SAHRC may become a ‘toothless’ body if powers not strengthened
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th May 2026 The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development expressed concerns that in the absence of a clear legal and... →
