Stakeholders demand stability in Master’s offices

Persistent vacancies and outdated frameworks prompt calls for justice minister to intervene in the leadership crisis Despite acknowledging the deficiencies and challenges facing the offices of the Master of the High Court a year ago, it appears that Kala Pillay – who is Acting Chief Master and Acting Director-General (DG) of Justice and Constitutional Development – has made little headway in addressing the concerns.“It is surprising and disappointing that the vacancy of this position was not considered upon renewal of the previous Acting appointment, six months prior to the expiry of this appointment, especially as the Johannesburg Master’s Office is one of the busiest offices in South Africa,” she writes.

Outdated legislation According to Gascoigne, stakeholders have been waiting for directives from the Chief Master’s Office for more than a year.