PROJECT Orbic Architects
The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, situated in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, is the first of its kind in the province. Designed by ORBiC Architects, a local firm, the High Court stands its ground as a monument in itself, a landmark that brings identity to the once-small town. Iconic in its own right, the building is visible from most areas in and around Mbombela and sits prominently on the N4 as one enters the city. The semi-circular shape is inviting to the public and welcomes one with a sense of comfort and support upon arrival.
The High Court in South Africa is a superior Court of Law. This Court of Law is divided into nine provincial divisions, some of which sit in more than one location. High Courts have jurisdiction over all matters; however, they usually only hear civil matters above a certain monetary limit and serious criminal cases.
Prior to its construction, legal matters for Mpumalanga were handled by the Gauteng Division in Pretoria, causing logistical challenges and delays. After years of interdepartmental planning, a brief was developed to create a High Court that would deviate from traditional norms and become a symbol of justice for a democratic South Africa.
The brief was to construct a High Court that did not conform to the usual and long-standing standards. Aiming for a significant yet functional building, this was to be the first of its kind in the new dispensation, a building that portrays a Court of Justice not only visually but through the way in which materials, both traditional and new, are utilised to resist decay and reduce maintenance, while ensuring the longevity of the building fabric.
With Jacques Terblanche as the principal architect, ORBiC Architects approached the project with a focus on two essential questions: What should justice look like when expressed through architecture? And how can the design of the space reflect the values and experiences of those who use it? These ideas guided every design decision, from the masterplan down to material choices.
The precinct includes both the High Court and the adjacent Mbombela Square, designed cohesively to ensure fluid spatial and operational integration. Lady Justice, sculpted and seated atop a stone recovered during excavation, marks the heart of the precinct. Radiating outward from this focal point are concentric circles, echoed in the landscape, façade, and circulation paths – reinforcing themes of unity, order, and equilibrium.
The building is divided into two functional zones: the Court Buildings and the Administrative Wing. The Court Buildings, known as the“ six coloured building blocks of justice,” contain twelve courtrooms. Their reduced scale speaks to the public’ s need for protection, while their symmetry and modularity represent equality under the law. These blocks are visually anchored by a curved concrete wall, reinforcing their strength and permanence.
In contrast, the Admin Building rises in scale and shelters the space between itself and the Court Buildings. Its curved roof and elliptical atrium, built entirely from concrete, symbolise the protective role of administration in upholding justice. The use of face brick façades and sloped concrete columns adds to the architectural drama while providing tactile contrast.
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