JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 August 2026 – Civic organisation Jozi My Jozi is calling on the private sector to help fund the restoration and rejuvenation of the Johannesburg High Court building. The project is expected to cost R360 million.
Jozi My Jozi chairman Professor Maurice Radebe made the appeal at an event in Johannesburg on Thursday evening. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson attended alongside senior members of the judiciary.
They included Deputy Chief Justice Dunstan Mlambo, Acting Deputy Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court Lebogang Modiba and retired Deputy Judge President Roland Sutherland.
“Revitalising the court building and its surrounding precinct is an important project in itself, but what it symbolises is vital – the reaffirmation of all South Africans’ constitutional right to justice,” Radebe said.
“When we think of that right, we often think first of crime and the right to a fair trial in a public court. But equally important is the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.
“In fact, our Constitution does not express the right to justice as a standalone right, but separates it into the right of access to courts and the right to administrative justice. For both of those rights to be realised, we need well-functioning court buildings that offer dignity to all who use them.”
The landmark Johannesburg High Court serves hundreds of people each day. They include litigants, legal practitioners, witnesses, court staff, members of the public and the media.
Many currently contend with failing lifts, unreliable ablution facilities and interruptions to power and water supplies. Inadequate seating has also affected conditions inside the building.
Infrastructure failures can disrupt the administration of justice. Water shortages forced the court to close in February 2025, causing delays for people who depended on its services.
Internal and municipal fire safety inspections also raised serious concerns about parts of the building in 2023. Inspectors identified severe safety risks and described some areas as a “death trap”.
A major fire could have consequences beyond the physical building. The loss of court records, for example, could severely affect cases and the wider administration of justice.
Macpherson described the Johannesburg High Court as one of the great institutions of South African democracy. He said ensuring that it remains accessible and functions properly sends a clear message about the importance of the rule of law.
“The story of the Johannesburg High Court is the story of citizens and government coming together for a higher purpose, to deliver the judgment that Johannesburg deserves: that is, its success,” he said.
Funding for the Johannesburg High Court restoration will support repairs and upgrades to the building’s internal systems. Planned work includes mechanical and electrical systems, finishes, ablution facilities, lifts and seating.
The court has 42 courtrooms, including 18 designated for criminal matters. The project also proposes back-up water storage, electrical power and air conditioning to protect proceedings from service interruptions.
Jozi My Jozi is also seeking financial support for a modernised security system inside the building. The organisation has appointed Henry Fagan Consulting Engineers & Project Managers to manage the refurbishment. The 100% black-owned company has more than 40 years of industry experience.
Its previous work includes projects at the Parliament precinct, Cape Town Stadium, the Castle of Good Hope and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
Shaun McFarlane, director of programme management and project management officer at Henry Fagan, said the firm was “extremely excited” to partner with Jozi My Jozi on the Johannesburg High Court restoration.
“The true test will come after the ribbons are cut,” he said. “We hope to breathe new life into this great city.” Macpherson said Jozi My Jozi’s wider work in Johannesburg had “turned civic pride into action”.
The organisation has restored the Nelson Mandela Bridge in partnership with Absa and the Queen Elizabeth Bridge with First National Bank. It has also hosted Main Street Sundays open-street festivals as part of its efforts to revitalise Johannesburg’s city centre.
Macpherson said those initiatives demonstrate that “decline doesn’t have to be inevitable”. “Something special is happening in Johannesburg; the sentiment is changing,” he said. “If Johannesburg can get back on its feet again, it can reach for the stars.”
Project managers plan to complete the Johannesburg High Court restoration in phases so the court can remain operational. Jozi My Jozi also intends to schedule much of the disruptive work during court recess periods.
The building’s heritage status requires additional planning before major structural work can begin. Project managers will first complete a stage 1 technical assessment, covering initial scoping and desktop studies.
The assessment will include condition audits and proposed interventions. Its findings will determine the sequence and final scope of the restoration.
A closed request for proposals has already gone to specialist professional teams. A cross-functional review panel is evaluating the submissions and will announce the team appointed to conduct the technical assessment.
Jozi My Jozi’s project management office will coordinate the programme, providing funders with a single point of accountability for delivery.
Mlambo described Jozi My Jozi as “a true partner to the bench” and urged businesses to support the Johannesburg High Court revitalisation. “This is an investment in the rule of law,” he said.
How to support the project
In encouraging private sector funding, Professor Radebe said, “There are many worthy causes competing for the attention and resources of government and business. But some investments are about more than the immediate return. Some investments are about the kind of society we want to build. This is one of those investments.
“We are asking you to invest in the rule of law, the dignity of citizens, the independence and effectiveness of our justice institutions, and ultimately, the constitutional promise of South Africa.”
Companies, foundations and individuals who would like to pledge their support and contribute to the funding of the project can contact Jozi My Jozi at contactus@jozimyjozi.com or visit www.jozimyjozi.com.
