Tripartite pact set to restore dignity to Johannesburg High Court precinct

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed the signing of a historic tripartite agreement between the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and Jozi My Jozi to revitalise the Johannesburg High Court precinct.

This comes as justice minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, alongside Deputy Minister of Public Works, Sihle Zikalala, and chairperson of Jozi My Jozi, Professor Maurice Radebe, signed a landmark agreement on Friday. It is reported that this project will soon see a different Johannesburg High Court precinct.

According to Macpherson, this project also seeks to address longstanding maintenance and safety challenges that have affected the precinct, with crime being at the centre of complaints from prosecutors, lawyers, and other professionals who work within this part of the Joburg CBD.

Reacting to the agreement, Macpherson said he was first approached by Jozi My Jozi following the organisation’s successful partnership with the City of Johannesburg, which demonstrated the value of structured collaboration to improve urban management and restore essential public spaces.

According to all the parties involved, the new agreement will allow Jozi My Jozi to improve maintenance, safety, cleanliness, and the user experience at the High Court.

This, in turn, will ensure a functional and dignified environment for court users and legal practitioners.

Macpherson revealed that following these engagements, his department will work closely with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to draft a structured, legally compliant partnership framework that would allow for a coordinated approach to improving the precinct.

"This process culminated in the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding that creates clear roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms for all parties.

"The agreement enables Jozi My Jozi to support the precinct through targeted, non-intrusive interventions that enhance maintenance, improve public safety, and contribute to a cleaner and more functional environment - without interfering in judicial operations or replacing the responsibilities of the State," Macpherson stated.

City of Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, indicated that the initiative forms part of the city’s efforts in returning the inner city to its former glory.

“Reimagining Johannesburg's inspiring journey towards renewal. Today marked an exciting and hopeful milestone in our collective effort to restore and uplift our beloved city. This MoU reflects a heartfelt commitment to foster collaboration and partnership between the government and the private sector, working together to create a brighter future for all,” he said.