Six months on, Joburg Master’s office no better

Six months after an initial report highlighted the issues at Johannesburg Master's Office, the situation remains unchanged according to sources. The office, located in Marshall Street, has been operating without a permanent master since 2024. The inefficiency and corruption at the office has caused significant delays in handling matters such as estate administration, trust deeds and insolvency cases.

These delays can leave individuals and businesses in a state of uncertainty, potentially leading to substantial financial losses. Lawyers we spoke to expressed frustration at the lengthy application processes, stating it can take months to receive a letter of executorship, which is necessary to access funds or insurance bonds. This delay can leave beneficiaries in a difficult position.

Lawyers also reported that they have considered applying for court orders to force the Master to make a decision, but the added legal costs are already a burden for grieving families. The office is plagued with a backlog of cases, and there is no end in sight. Despite efforts to go digital, the office remains reliant on paper, with files packed floor-to-ceiling and overflowing into corridors.

Lawyers noted that even when the digital systems are online, they are often unreliable and offline. Some practitioners continue to submit paper forms due to the unreliability of the online system. The office's "free" services claim is misleading, as bribes are still solicited. Practitioners said that officers often ask, "What will you do for me so that I can get it done for you?"

Many legal professionals and members of the public succumb to the temptation of bribery, adding to the problem by pushing back those who are already waiting for their turn. The building is poorly organized, with few signs and inaccurate directory boards, making it difficult for practitioners to navigate. Support staff were found to be helpful, but the situation remains dire for those seeking justice.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJCD) has not commented on the matter. Previously, they had claimed that the office was meeting its key performance targets, but these claims do not account for the delays caused by the office's internal processes. The DOJCD stated that they are collaborating with Home Affairs to improve the stability of their online platforms, but it remains to be seen if these reforms will make a difference.