BY SETHABILE MYENI
MBABANE – A training of judicial officers on running Small Claims Courts was held last Friday.
It has been two years since Small Claims Courts started operating within the Magistrates courts in all four regions, and the public has shown great interest in this service.
UNDP Eswatini took it to their Facebook page that they supported the process of establishing the courts and the training of judicial officers.
According to an article published by Eswatini Times two years ago, micro money lenders (shylocks) were excited at the news of the establishment of these courts. They said clients will now pay their loans on time in fear of being hauled before court for petty monies.
It is said that this training included legal assistants, clerks, and commissioners, from all four regions of Eswatini. These courts were established to support litigants with claims of less than E20,000 to access justice without a lawyer.
“We hope the outcome of the training will not only help the judicial officers and the judges that can engage in this area, but we hope that it will provide more space and opportunities for more people to be able to access this service across the country”, said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Nessie Golakai.
Judge Jacobus Annadale urged the commissioners to raise awareness about the Courts so that the service reaches those who are the furthest behind. “Justice that can be obtained through the Small Claims Courts is the way to go for many people in this wonderful nation”, he said.
