3. The Department's mandate is to uphold and protect the Constitution and the rule of law. It is responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in the interests of a safer and more secure South Africa. An effective justice system is essential for the rule of law, and is crucial in the fight against crime. Its core functions are to: . Comply with its statutory mandate. . Display sound management of its resources. . Promote the Constitution to ensure effective citizenship and community empowerment. . Develop, implement and promote justice policies and legislation . Expand justice systems and processes to ensure access and proximity to communities living in rural and township areas. . Transform justice and the judicial system. . Administer the Courts to ensure fair and effective conflict resolution. . Protect and promote the rights of vulnerable groups. . Administer deceased and insolvent estates, the Guardian's Fund, trusts and curatorship. . Collaborate with cluster partners to prevent, control and fight crime. . Support the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid South Africa, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Public Protector to fulfill their responsibilities. . Ensure that the procurement of legal services responds to the national imperative of economically empowering previously disadvantaged persons.