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

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

1. When we arrived as the usual Court at Francis Baard Street, we were told to go to the Court at Pretorious Street. When we got there, we were told to go back redirected back to Francis Baard Street. 2. We then waited until about 10:00 for electricity to come back. - It is amazing that till today such big Government Departments do not invest in Generators. 3. Again were were told that the toilets are also out of order. They need to stop working by 13:00, as such they won't be able to hear all the cases. 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 to see the Magistrate. 6. The defendant also did not come to Court.

I guess he know something I and my representing Lawyers did not know.

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

1. Even the Court Officer, Mr Muzunga and my lawyer did not appear to understand /agree with the "new 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 was unclear why the Male Magistrate made the decision after instructing us to wait for Magistrate, Ms Marx, who had already explained informed the Defendant of the consequences of his repeated pattern of skipping court and failing to pay Child Maintenance as stipulated in the Interim Court Order. The very Interim Court Order which the defendant increased to R1,500.00 in April 2025.

As far as I understand, the male Magistrate has sent the case back to Section 6 for reasons known only to him. Yet, Mr Muzunga and the Lawyer were afraid to ask or to explain to the Magistrate how long and how much it took for us to get to Section 10.   *Delays in Enforcement of Court Order* 1. Till today, I have not gotten a feedback from the the Investigator, Mr Maunatlala.

2. I was promised that the Sheriff will not return without something, even if it means seizing some of his many suits that can be auctioned for the child to get something. However, he came back with excuses.

3. 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 other essentials.

This action is also necessary to ensure that the Defendant takes the Court Order seriously this time around, unlike in 2017 when he came to Court looking dirty and carrying backpack - pretending to be homeless, which led to the Court Officer, Ms Lengweng to ask me what am I hoping to get from him, when he is looking like he ia homeless? I then withdrew the case but now I am not willing to entertain his tricks because he mentioned many times during Section 6 Enquiries infront of Mr Muzunga and the Lawyers that money is not a problem + I still have his current wife's WhatsApp note where she promised me she won't disappoint + his sister also promised me in July 2025 that she is talking on behalf of the family - I must give them chance, she will make sure that the child gets the support she deserves. Now she is not answering my calls and messages.   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 satisfaction to the Court Officers.