WHEN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM FAILS – AND WHY WE MUST NOT GIVE UP

Every day, across South Africa, people turn to the justice system for protection, resolution, and dignity. Yet, far too often, they are met not with justice, but with delay, failure, and injustice.

A client recently shared her story with us, a mother who, after one reckless night two decades ago, gave birth to a child. For the past 20 years, she has battled tirelessly for basic maintenance from the biological father. At one point, she obtained a garnishee order, only for it to be undone due to a simple clerical error by the court. That mistake erased years of progress and forced her to start all over again.

In another tragic case, a little girl was ripped from her father’s care due to false and unfounded allegations. The consequences were devastating. She was eventually placed in a so-called place of safety, where she suffered harm no child should ever endure. These events unfolded because the system failed at every step. Professionals who should have known better made decisions that placed a vulnerable child in greater danger.

These are not isolated stories. Across our country, we see instances where incompetence, under-resourcing, and unethical conduct turn our courts and institutions into something they were never meant to be, inaccessible, ineffective, and at times, unsafe.

But all is not lost.

At Gittins Attorneys, we believe in the oath we took: to uphold the law of South Africa, to serve with honesty and integrity, and to fight, fiercely, for what is just. We reject dirty tactics. We reject the idea that dishonesty is just part of litigation. When our opponents resort to unethical strategies, we will meet them with the contempt such conduct deserves.

We still believe in the system. The framework is there. The law is sound. What is needed are professionals who will not turn a blind eye. Who will step up when others look away. Who will restore trust, one case at a time.

To those who feel let down by the system, know this: there are still lawyers who care. There are still legal professionals who fight cleanly, who fight bravely, and who fight for you.

Justice is worth fighting for, and at Gittins Attorneys, that fight is far from over.