Urgent Concerns: Disorganization and Delays at Child Maintenance Court (19 November 2025)

I was shocked and disappointed by the severe disorganization at the Child Maintenance Court on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

1. Attendees were first sent to Schoeman Street, then redirected back to Pretorious Street. 2. We waited until 10:00 for electricity to come back. It is amazing that till today such big Government Departments do not invest in Generators. 3. The toilets were also out of order. 4. When the roll call finally began. My file was again missing from the pack for the day. 5. We also discovered the court was double booked, so we couldn't go in for Section 10. 6. The defendant did not come to Court, and the matter was postponed unnecessarily.

*My observation when we were at the Magistrate's office to request a new date: *

1. Even the Court Officer, Mr Muzunga did not appear to fully agree with or understand the Male Magistrate’s reasoning behind subpoenaing the Defendant just to appear on January 29 merely to have the process explained.

2. This decision seems to unnecessarily drag the process, despite the Courts themselves complaining about limited resources.

3. I saw lack of urgency of securing outstanding payments and school fees for January 2026 does not appear to be recognized.

4. It is unclear why the Male Magistrate made this decision after instructing us to wait for Ms Marx, who had already explained the Defendant’s repeated pattern of skipping court and failing to pay.

Right to Request Clarity 1. I wish to know whether I had the right to respectfully request clarity or remind the Male Magistrate of the progress we have already made?

2. As far as I understand, he sent the process back to Section 6 for reasons known only to him.   *Enforcement of Court Order* 1. I was promised that the Sheriff will not return without something. However, he came back with excuses.

2. The proceeds are urgently needed to cover the child's: - School fees: R6,300/month. - Matric exam fees: ~R8,000. - Matric Dance costs. - Seasonal clothes, - Money for toiletries, hair and Tuckshop.

# The Child requested me to pursue education with father’s contribution, unlike her brother who struggled without support. Hence, I respectfully request the Sheriff to go back to seize, even the defendant's suits, if it calls that.

This action is also necessary to ensure that the Defendant takes the Court Order seriously.   Strategic Consideration Given the current job overload for Courts, I appeal to Department of Justice to consider adopting a business strategy similar to Mr XRepo’s, which has proven effective and popular. Many clients appreciate regaining their dignity through timely results, and such a strategy would enhance both complainants satisfaction and pride and job satisfactionto the Court Officers.