GROUNDUP: ‘Soul-crushing’ Master’s Office stuck in cycle of delays and dysfunction
The Johannesburg Master’s Office remains plagued by backlogs, delays and unreliable systems six months after GroundUp last reported on its dysfunction. Lawyers and officials also point to alleged bribery and a lack of permanent leadership, leaving families and businesses facing costly delays.
Six months after GroundUp reported on dysfunction at the Johannesburg Master’s Office, officials confirm no improvement, lawyers say. Lawyers and officials point to alleged bribery and lack of permanent leadership. The office in Marshall Street has not had a permanent Master since 2024. Delays in appointing executors leave beneficiaries unable to access funds or insurance bonds.
Lawyers described the process as “soul-crushing”. Despite digitization efforts, the office remains a "paper fortress" with files stacked floor to ceiling. Lawyers say online systems are often offline, forcing practitioners to submit paper forms. An attorney noted “it is an open secret that cash can allow you to jump the queue”. There are no clear signs in the building, and directory boards are inaccurate.
Practitioners must navigate corridors to find officials, as many doors lack nameplates. Security guards were helpful. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said the office meets key performance targets, issuing executor letters within the prescribed 15 working days for compliant applications. However, this does not account for delays in completing applications.
The department has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption but acknowledges ongoing reforms to improve access and accountability.
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