The upgrading of the Athlone Magistrate's Court will ensure that justice is serviced in a dignified manner. The court was refurbished as part of the department's programme of upgrading infrastructure. R13 million was set aside for this court. The erection of steel palisade fencing, the repair of the entire court roof, the installation of ventilation and air-conditioning systems are some of the many examples improved features in the court infrastructure.
Speaking at the inspection tour and official opening of the court, Deputy Minister Andries Nel said the opening of the court is a celebration of the improvements made at the court. He explained the previous lack of adequate security at the court posed a security risk to both the officials and members of the public. "We are mandated by the Constitution to provide proper court facilities and without these facilities there can be no justice," he said.
The court building is now also accessible to all, especially the physically impaired and aged. "The physically impaired and aged are the most vulnerable groups in our society so this upgrade will ensure that they too receive justice," Deputy Minister Nel said. Ramps have been installed in and around the building to afford everyone full access to the cash-hall, courts and other areas.
Urging the public to use the court the, Deputy Minister Nel said "It is important to note that our department and the Department of Public Works has delivered a court building that belong to the people in surrounding areas. We have to work together, with the public, to ensure that this building is properly utilised and combat crime."
The Deputy Minister then laid wreaths at the statues of Robert Waterwitch and Coline Williams. They were two anti-apartheid activists who were killed at the court in 1989 while protesting against the exclusion of black people in participating in the Tricameral Parliamentary elections.