Once again, South Africa has proven that it is a Constitutional Democracy which is governed by the rule of law. Amidst international skepticism and fears of escalating criminal activities, the country delivered a safe and secure 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament. A well coordinated justice system ensured that all the people suspected of criminal activities were apprehended and tried within a short space of time. This allowed the multitude of football fans to enjoy the skills displayed by their favourite teams, entertainment at the stadiums, the country's beautiful scenery and spirit of ubuntu.
The 56 dedicated courts contributed immensely towards the enhanced security system. These dedicated courts are part of the administration of justice plan, which was developed by the department in conjunction with all stakeholders of the Justice Crime Prevention Security (JCPS) Cluster. The plan took into consideration proper court infrastructure, adequate court administration staff and court security.
Since their official launch by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Radebe, these courts have been hailed by all for their swift justice services. Despite all the negativity prior to the World Cup tournament the department remained confident in its ability to administer effective and efficient justice services.
During the launch Minister Radebe assured South Africans and tourists that the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament will be contested and celebrated in a safe environment. "The Police Department is fully ready to attend to any security challenges posed by this tournament. Likewise, as integral to the JCPS, we made preparations with regards to ensuring justice in the event that various matters warranting prosecution arise," he said. "Let me reassure you that all law abiding citizens and visitors alike need not worry because of the stringent measures we will apply to ensure safety and security of both citizens and visitors coming here to watch this football spectacle," Minister Radebe continued.
The event was held at the Randburg Magistrate's Court, where an announcement was made of the 2010 FIFA World Cup dedicated courts.  Also attending the event were, among others the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Menzi Simelane; soccer legend, Lucas Radebe; 2010 Local Organising Committee Chief Executive, Danny Jordaan; and FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke.
The dedicated court rooms ensured that the normal judicial services for South Africans are not disrupted. These court rooms dealt with all the criminal and civil related cases arising from the tournament.  Subsequent to the event, criminal activities ranging from theft, ambush marketing, trespassing, house breaking, driving under the influence of liquor, fraud, assault and bomb threats were heard and a greater proportion of these cases were concluded. A higher percentage of the cases were concluded with a conviction. One of the various cases that ended with a conviction is the issue of a Nigerian national, Kunle Benjamin, who was found in possession of FIFA World Cup tickets. Benjamin was arrested and convicted on a charge of possessing stolen property and sentenced to three years imprisonment without the option of a fine. The success of these dedicated courts is a result of creativity in deployment of resources, high level co-ordination among all personnel in the court system, and supervision of investigation and prosecutions of cases. The various treaties that South Africa has signed with many countries and multilateral institutions around the world also played a role to the success of the courts. South Africa is signatory to various treaties relating to the attainment of justice and equality in various fields of human rights activities. As a result, South African law is synchronised to international law and the laws of other countries, thus making it difficult for criminals to find a hiding space around the globe.
During the launch of these dedicated courts, the Minister had also highlighted the significance of these international treaties in fighting crime.  "As partners in this global endeavour of fighting crime, we have pulled all stops to ensure that the judiciary puts its shoulder to the wheel to fasttrack the prosecution of foreign nationals who, wittingly or unwittingly, may be caught up in criminal activities. The full might of the law will be applied to anyone irrespective of country of origin, who may act or get involved in acts that may undermine our laws as well as the successful hosting of this very important FIFA World Cup," the Minister explained. The commitment and endurance of the court officials, who have had to operate for extended hours, also played a significant role in the smooth running of the court process. Their courage is exemplary and should inspire all of us to work hard to ensure that the notion of access to justice for all is realised.
Speaking at the same event, the Department's Chief Operations Officer, Dr Khotso De Wee thanked SASSETA for providing funding that ensured that volunteers are trained. "Through a legacy project of recruiting volunteers, a pool of about 290 unemployed youths was trained in the accredited Customer Service Management course. I wish to thank SASSETA for funding this project," he explained. These volunteers have contributed immensely in ensuring that dedicated courts deliver on their mandate to ensure swift justice during the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.  True to Advocate Menzi Simelane's affirmation during the event, the prosecutors dealt with all matters that were reported during the World Cup.
The Department is committed to preserve all elements that led to the success of these dedicated courts to improve on the criminal justice system. A comprehensive assessment will be done to identify successful elements which will then be incorporated into the normal criminal justice services.