The topic was discussed on Thetha FM’s evening current affairs show called ‘Mahlasedi a letsatsi’ and Itumeleng Gorewang hosts the show.
What are ‘equality courts’?
Equality Courts are courts designed to deal with matters covered by the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000, also known as the Equality Act.
What do equality courts deal with?
- Equality courts look at equality before the law as everyone has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.
- Equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedom.
- To promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.
- The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
- No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3) National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.
Where does one find help in cases of unfairly discrimination?
- Equality courts are established to ensure that reported cases of alleged unfair discrimination are dealt with to ensure justice for all.
- The Equality Act provides for the establishment of Equality Courts to ensure the implementation of the Act. For the purpose of the Equality Act, every High Court is Equality Court for the area of its jurisdiction.
- The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has designated a large number of equality courts throughout the country, with equality clerks appointed to assist the public when lodging complaints of unfairly discrimination.
For more information about courts you can visit www.justice.gov.za
