The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is an organ of the South African Government. Its mandate is to uphold and protect the Constitution and the rule of law. The Department is responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in the interests of a safer and more secure South Africa. The core functions of the Department are ensuring equitable access to justice services; protecting and promoting the rights of children, women, the aged and people with (physical and mental) disabilities; improving the efficiency of the courts; developing legislation and promoting the Constitution; administering deceased and insolvent estates and the Guardian’s Fund; providing prosecution and legal aid services, providing legal advisory services and protecting the organs of the state from damaging litigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is a cornerstone institution in South Africa's criminal justice system, dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. Established under Section 179 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and further guided by the National Prosecuting Authority Act 32 of 1998, the NPA operates independently and impartially to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state. The NPA’s primary mandate is to institute criminal proceedings on behalf of the state.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is a key institution within South Africa's criminal justice system, dedicated to the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders. Established under the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, the DCS operates with a commitment to upholding human dignity and ensuring the effective management of the country's correctional facilities.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is a vital government department in South Africa, entrusted with the management of citizenship, civil registration, international migration, and refugee protection. Guided by the Constitution and various acts of Parliament and policy documents, the DHA plays a crucial role in upholding the rights of citizens and ensuring the orderly management of migration.
SAPS is the national police force of South Africa, established under Section 205 of the Constitution and governed by the South African Police Service Act of 1995. SAPS is dedicated to preventing, investigating, and combating crime, maintaining public order, and protecting and securing the inhabitants of South Africa and their property. SAPS mission is to prevent, investigate, and combat crime, uphold and enforce the law, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of South Africa and their property, and ensure a high quality of service to the community.
Legal Aid South Africa provides legal assistance to individuals who cannot afford their own legal representation. Their mission focuses on supporting poor and vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the rural poor. To ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, Legal Aid applies a 'means test' to determine eligibility based on an individual's income. Through their services, they strive to uphold justice and ensure equal access to legal representation for all South Africans.
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) is a pivotal institution in South Africa's judicial system, established to provide effective administrative and technical support to the Chief Justice in his capacities as Head of the Judiciary and Head of the Constitutional Court. Additionally, the OCJ is responsible for rendering comprehensive administrative, operational, and governance support to the entire Judiciary, ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the courts and upholding the rule of law.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) is a key government institution in South Africa, mandated by the Constitution to provide social assistance and promote social development. Section 27(1)(c) of the Constitution ensures the right of access to appropriate social assistance for those unable to support themselves and their dependents. The DSD is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all South Africans, particularly the most vulnerable.
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