Mr Speaker, the beginning of the much awaited Oscar Pistorius trial was delayed yesterday for more than an hour due to what justice officials have called an interpreter problem.
International media have been covering in detail the events since Reeva Steenkamp's unfortunate death last year. Reporters and photographers from all over the globe have descended on our country and our shores to cover the case that has captured the world's attention.
Therefore, what happened yesterday was very unfortunate. The trial has attracted so much global attention that experts are convinced that it is not only Oscar who is on trial, but also our justice system.
Our courts are dogged by numerous problems resulting in cases taking too long to finalise. This is one of the high profile cases, but how many other courts are also dogged with interpreter problems, where people have the right to be heard in their home languages?
Yesterday was a perfect chance to demonstrate to the whole world that ours is not a dysfunctional court system, but the inability to get that right yesterday was an opportunity lost. We really regret that and we want the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to investigate the matter. Thank you.