The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) has confirmed that the Mpumalanga High Court will reopen for business on 4 November, following a temporary closure to address safety and compliance concerns.

The court was closed after an inspection by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), which flagged several health and safety issues. A prohibition notice was issued on 30 October 2024 due to findings related to inadequate ventilation, the need for structural integrity verification, and an occupancy certificate. These conditions prompted immediate intervention.

A meeting held on Saturday included the DOJ&CD, the DEL, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the Independent Development Trust (IDT), and the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). The collaborative discussion allowed the DOJ&CD to outline steps to address DEL’s findings.

Following these discussions, DEL granted a suspension of the prohibition notice for seven working days starting from today, allowing the court to resume operations while corrective measures are undertaken.

The DOJ&CD emphasized its commitment to resolving the issues promptly and ensuring the safety of staff, judiciary members, and the public. During this suspension period, the departments involved will continue to exchange technical reports and expert feedback to address the long-term requirements for the court’s safe operation.

The DOJ&CD assures the public that safety is paramount and is working on lasting solutions to meet all health and safety standards for the Mpumalanga High Court.