Sun City:President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the necessity for justice systems that prioritize the needs of ordinary people by ensuring accessibility and responsiveness. Speaking at the International Conference on Access to Justice at the Sun City Convention Centre, he warned that justice, when inaccessible, delayed, or reserved for the privileged, undermines democracy.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of bridging the gap between constitutional promises and the actual experiences of individuals. He noted that while constitutional rights exist, they do not automatically guarantee the ability to exercise those rights, pointing out that discrimination, violence, and complex legal procedures still hinder access to justice.

The conference, themed "Strengthening People-Centred Justice Systems Deepening Democracy," brings together various stakeholders, including governments, the judiciary, and civil society, to address these challenges. President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for justice systems to be adequately resourced and independent, highlighting the roles of Legal Aid South Africa and technology in making justice more accessible.

He also cautioned against allowing technology to create a divide between those who are digitally connected and those who are excluded. Additionally, he called for justice to be genuinely accessible to all, warning against economic power shielding individuals from accountability and urging for stronger, independent courts and effective regulators.

President Ramaphosa urged the conference delegates to focus on making justice accessible to the poor and vulnerable, building accountable justice institutions, and measuring the impact of justice systems on people's lives. He called for a practical agenda for change to deliver measurable progress in justice accessibility.

Reflecting on the venue's transformation, President Ramaphosa noted its historical association with apartheid and emphasized the significance of gathering to advance justice and equality. As South Africa nears the 30th anniversary of its Constitution, he reiterated that justice must be a universal right, not a privilege for the few.