FROM BANTU DIVORCE COURTS TO DIVORCE COURTS: A SUCCESSFUL EXERCISE IN LEGAL TRANSFORMATION

In order to establish Family Courts in South Africa, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development established a Court Task Team 1997. During September 1998 Pilot Project was launched by serve as test sites for possible nation-wide implementation. This project flowed from “Justice Vision2000” national strategy. The aim make justice accessible families urban, rural even isolated communities, providing co-ordinated integrated family services all parties involved law disputes under one roof. establishment motivated following aims: afford wide specialized protection help fundamental unit society, bring about access disputes, improve quality andeffectiveness service delivery this area (Chaskalson 4). With formation Project, vision defined court structure which has its own identity, is community, sensitive needs operating according simple procedures, offering counselling mediation support pleasant user-friendly environment. formation, it envisaged that each Centre will have two components, litigation component. provides encompasses alternative ways resolve without appearing court, such counseling group conferencing. component offers ranging maintenance, domestic violence, Children’s Court, deceased estates, Advocate services, divorces desk. Divorce form an integral important part FamilyCourt Project. These courts were originally instituted 1929 entertain divorce actions between black people. so-called Black section 10 Administration Act (38 1927) Amendment (9 1929).