South Africa’s Honourable Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, has highlighted the importance of institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in spearheading the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the justice system.
Minister Lamola made these remarks during a Special Guest lecture titled ‘Legal education and its role in achieving social justice in South Africa,’ held by the University’s Faculty of Law as part of the Institution’s celebrations marking 30 years of Democracy in South Africa, on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
UJ’s role in social justice
In his address, Hon. Minister Lamola commended UJ for its pivotal role in promoting social justice and fostering critical thinking among its students. He stressed that legal education plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to advocate for legal reform, ensuring access to justice, and promoting human rights and equality.
Reflecting on the transformative journey of both UJ and South Africa over the past three decades, Minister Lamola urged the Faculty of Law to produce graduates who are not only adept at legal analysis but also actively contribute to building a better future for society.
He stressed that social justice is an ongoing endeavour that requires continuous commitment and intervention. “The next phase of 30 years of freedom should be to deepen and advance socio-economic rights to create an equal society. Universities must be rooted in the everyday experiences of South Africans, this is where education and social justice interact,” said Minister Lamola.
Reforms in Justice System
He highlighted the need for reforms in the criminal justice system and civic procedures, pointing out the importance of integrating digitisation and modernisation to ensure quicker access to justice when he announced the Department’s intent to amend the Criminal Procedure Act to create a victim-centric criminal justice system compatible with the ethos of South African society. “The Act is an act of 1977, it has been amended several times, but we have found it still not compatible with the ethos of our society particularly to create a victim centric criminal justice system,” said Minister Lamola.
Furthermore, Minister Lamola suggested that the future of legal procedures would involve extensive digitisation and the integration of AI, stressing the role of universities as catalysts for innovation in this domain and urged stakeholders to view the pursuit of social justice as a fundamental way of living, emphasising the importance of everyday actions in advancing societal equality.
The Public Lecture was attended by esteemed dignitaries including Advocate Doctor Mashabane, Director-General; UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi; Prof Kathleen van der Linde, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law; and Prof Puseletso Letete, Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning.
Watch a Special Guest lecture here:
