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President Cyril Ramaphosa has shortlisted four judges for the vacant Deputy Chief Justice role Dunstan Mlambo, Mahube Molemela, Cagney Musi, and Pule Tlaletsi. He's begun formal consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and political party leaders, as required by the Constitution. The post has been vacant since 1 September 2024 when the then Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya rose to the position of Chief Justice. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Researcher and advocacy officer at Judges Matter
Impeached Judge and uMkhonto weSizwe Parliamentary leader, Dr. John Hlophe has returned to the Western Cape High Court, following an application by the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Under Law. The parties approached the court in questioning the rationality of Parliament in endorsing Hlophe to serve in the Judicial Service Commission. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC Parliament reporter, Zalene Merrington
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing of 10 Western Cape High Court judges who filed official complaints with the Judicial Service Commission against Judge Mushtak Parker is currently underway after it was postponed by about four years owing to his health condition. Judge Parker is facing allegations of lying under oath and lying by ommission. If found guilty of misconduct, he could face impeachment for allegedly providing conflicting versions of an alleged assault by former judge John Hlophe. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Canny Maphanga..
The Judicial Service Commission in Malawi has launched an investigation into the country's judiciary over allegations of corruption. Judges and court officials, among others, are accused of wrongdoing. Josey Mahachi talks to Patrick Mpaka, President of the Malawi Law Society, DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Blantyre, and Wilberforce Asare, a Ghanaian judicial service analyst.
Karyn Maughn, News24 legal journalist weighs in on the Judicial Service Commission's conduct committee recommendation that former chief justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, face an impeachment inquiry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Day 6 of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews, independent legal consultant Chris Oxtoby joins John to discuss the JSC's recommendation of Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana as the replacement for impeached Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe. They also assess the progress as the JSC continues to interview candidates for four vacancies in the Western Cape High Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is holding interviews for the position of Judge President of the Western Cape High Court. The position has been vacant since the suspension of the last Judge that held that role, Dr John Hlophe. Since then Deputy Judge President, Patricia Goliath has acted in the role. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
John Maytham speaks to Dan Mafora, a Senior Researcher at the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC), about the start of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews for superior court vacancies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party has called off a planned picket outside the venue where the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is holding a series of interviews to fill over 50 vacancies at various courts in South Africa. Today's interviews have begun as the commission seeks to fill three vacancies in the Supreme Court of Appeal, after the commission received a green light to proceed following the Gauteng High Court's dismissal of the MK party's application to have today's proceedings postponed. The party has indicated that it will explore other legal avenues after an earlier court ordered the exclusion of MK Parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe from participating in JSC activities. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has denied a request by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party to postpone tomorrow's sitting of Judicial Service Commission, after an earlier court suspended the participation of the party's Parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, in JSC activities. In handing down judgement yesterday, Judge Stuart Wilson found that the decision of the JSC was rational as the body was bound by the order of the Western Cape High Court that temporarily interdicted Hlophe's participation in JSC duties. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to MK party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela...
Did the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) act lawfully or rationally when it declined the request by the uMkhonto weSizwe party to postpone its interviews. This was the primary question before the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg and one that it will have to make a determination on. The official opposition is seeking a declaratory order that the majority decision by the JSC was unconstitutional. The JSC is expected to conduct the interviews, which are meant to begin from Monday, to fill vacancies in various superior courts among them the position of Judge President of the Western Cape High Court - a role once held by Hlophe. Zoleka Qodashe reports...
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg is set to hear an urgent application from the MK Party today, seeking to halt next week's Judicial Service Commission interviews for new judges. The MK Party wants the interviews postponed until Judge John Hlophe's legal battles are resolved, arguing that proceeding without him would be unconstitutional. This follows an interim interdict issued by the Western Cape High Court last week, barring Hlophe from taking part in the upcoming proceedings. For more on this here is the Legal expert Nthabiseng Dubazana, from Dubazana attorneys.
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg is today hearing the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) political party's bid to interdict the upcoming October leg of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) sitting which is expected to begin on Monday the 7th of October. This comes after the Western Cape High Court ruling which suspended MK Party JSC candidate John Hlophe from participating in the proceedings. Hlophe is barred from taking part in the interviews pending the finalisation of the review of the National Assembly's decision to designate him as a JSC member. The party contends that the absence of the MK party's representative, Dr. John Hlophe leaves it "unlawfully composed". Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe...
Jad Assaf, Islamic Relief Senior Humanitarian Program Officer based in Beirut speaks to Mike Wills about the plight of thousands of people whose lives have been uprooted by Israels invasion of Lebanon. Islamic Relief has launched a £10 million emergency appeal to scale up its response to the Lebanon crisis. https://donate.islamic-relief.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The uMkhonto weSizwe party says it will appeal the ruling interdicting impeached judge Dr. John Hlophe's participation on the Judicial Service Commission. Last Friday, the Western Cape High Court ruled in favour of the DA's urgent application dealing a blow to the MK party's interests. The MK party is also seeking the postponement of Judicial Service Commission sitting. For the latest on the appeal, Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party Chief Whip, Mzwanele Manyi
Hlophe barred from Judicial Service Commission by Radio Islam
Lester Kiewit speaks to Mbekezeli Benjamin, research and advocacy officer at Judges Matter, about the Western Cape High Court finding that Dr John Hlophe is interdicted from taking up a seat in the upcoming Judicial Service Commission meeting in October 2024, pending a full review of the National Assembly's decision to designate him as a parliamentary representative on the JSC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The MK Party has dismissed the decision of the Western Cape High Court stopping it's Parliamentary leader Dr. John Hlophe from serving on the Judicial Service Commission as politically driven. In a statement released YESTERDAY evening, the party says it will appeal what it called a 'horror' judgement. It says it will do whatever is necessary to prevent the sitting of the JSC scheduled for Monday 7th October 2024 without Dr. Hlophe..Hlophe, formerly judge president of the Western Cape division, was the first judge to be impeached in democratic SA's history. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to the Executive Director at the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC), Lawson Naidoo
The Western Cape High Court has granted an urgent interdict in favour of the DA to stop the designation of MK Parliamentary leader Dr, John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Service Commission. The High Court made the ruling today in a virtual sitting. This after the DA launched the urgent interdict application about three weeks ago. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SA reporter, Bulelani Phillip
Legal counsel for Freedom Under Law, Advocate Wim Trengove, has argued that the proper priority of the Western Cape High Court is to establish how best it can address the issue of illegal designation. Trengove made the argument earlier today, as the court hears a legal challenge by the civil society organisation, in partnership with the Democratic Alliance and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, against the designation of Dr John Hlophe to the Judicial Service Commission. The applicants say the National Assembly's decision to vote for Hlophe's inclusion on the JSC was unreasonable and irrational. The House voted during a plenary sitting two months ago. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter, Abongwe Kobokwana
The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) is calling on the new Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya, to play an active role in reforming the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) so that the country's best legal talent can be selected as judges. CDE says the quality of judges is declining, and more acting judges are being employed to clear case backlogs. The Centre for Development and Enterprise has released a report titled " How to appoint a strong judiciary". Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Ann Bernstein, who is the Executive Director for the Centre for Development and Enterprise
Freedom Under Law's Chris Oxtoby explains why the NGO will be challenging John Hlophe's appointment to the Judicial Service Commission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There has been outrage in some circles over the National Assembly's decision to designate as members of the Judicial Service Commission and Magistrates Commission, MPs “who have previously been found guilty of misconduct or have been criticised by courts for ethical breaches, such as Dr John Hlophe and Ms Faith Muthambi”. In this interview with BizNews, Mbekezeli Benjamin of Judges Matter says: “So for us, it is ironic and it is really inappropriate for the people who are scrutinising lawyers to be judges and magistrates are themselves unethical or have been found to have been unethical. Parliament as a body was supposed to be careful and thoughtful in who it puts forward, especially when there are findings by the Judicial Service Commission that said that Dr. Hlophe was guilty of gross misconduct, which is the worst form of misconduct that a person holding judicial office can be found guilty of. They completely ignored those findings and they said he's suitable to sit on the JSC. So that is the argument that has been made and that case is being filed by the Freedom Under Law NGO.”
Freedom Under Law (FUL) says it will challenge Umkhonto We Sizwe party Parliament leader, Dr John Hlophe's designation as a member of the Judicial Service Commission(JSC) on grounds of rationality and rule of law. FUL says it notes the National Assembly's decision to appoint Hlophe, now an uMkhonto We Sizwe party MP, as one of the representatives of the National Assembly on the JSC. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Research Consultant at FUL, Chris Oxtoby now joins us on the line for more
Lester Kiewit speaks to Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane about his party's decision to back disgraced judge John Hlophe in is nomination for a place on the Judicial Service Commission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Several NGOs are supporting Dr. John Hlophe's bid for a seat on the Judicial Service Commission. Hlophe, previously impeached as a Western Cape judge, has been nominated to the very body that initiated his impeachment. The Concerned Young Peoples Forum of South Africa, a group backing Hlophe's candidacy, has endorsed him as the ideal candidate for the JSC position, citing his exceptional qualifications and suitability for the role. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to the Forum's Head of Communications, Mphumzi Giwu
Firearm crime and policing policy should top the new SA police minister's agenda.South Africa's police service needs renewal and clear direction, and the ISS is ready to assist Minister Senzo Mchunu.Outa to provide input on holding the executive to account in parliament.Judges Matter calls on Parliament to select only the best MPs to be part of the Judicial Service Commission and Magistrates Commission.EXCLUSIVE | Portuguese butchery owners targeted in Gauteng kidnappingsPortuguese butchery owners and their staff are being targeted in a spate of abductions in Gauteng.Gauteng Health Department warns the public that there will be delays as the NHLS was hit by a security breach.Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will announce his match-day squad for the first two test matches against Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. He will roll out the big guns for the game against the second-ranked nation in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Mbekezeli Benjamin, research and advocacy officer at Judges Matter, about the likelihood and consequences of disgraced judge John Hlophe, who is being sworn in as an MK Party MP, becoming eligible for a position on the Judicial Service Commission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the Judicial Service Commission, JSC's nomination of Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice. Ramaphosa was speaking to the media after an ANC Siyanqoba mini rally in Mpumalanga. He says he will finalise the appointment of Justice Maya as South Africa's next chief justice soon. To discuss this and the state of South Africa's Judiciary, Elvis Presslin spoke to Elton Hart, Legal Analyst and Attorney affiliated with the University of Johannesburg's Law Clinic
Mbekezeli Benjamin is an advocacy manager for Judges Matter, a civil societywatchdog of the judiciary and he brings insight to the decisionmaking processes that will determine the Judicial Service Commission appointment of candidates for key judicial positions this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya for Chief Justice post Chris Oxtoby | Research Consultant with Freedom Under Law President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced he is consulting with leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission to convey his nomination of Judge Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya as the next Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. Judge Maya currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice and was appointed to the position in July 2022. At the time Ramaphosa said: “Justice Maya will contribute to the ongoing transformation process of the Judiciary. Her ascendency to the apex court will serve as a beacon of hope for scores of young women and make them believe that South Africa is a country of possibilities regardless of gender, social or economic circumstances.” The position of Chief Justice will become vacant on 31 August 2024 when Justice Raymond Zondo's term of office comes to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The ConCourt has dismissed a challenge to the Electoral Amendment Act brought by BOSA, Rivonia Circle.The IEC introduces principles and guidelines for using digital and social media in African elections. Sixteen (16) African Electoral Management Bodies (EMB) hosting elections this year will attend the launch and socialisation of the principles and guidelines for using digital and social media in African elections.The Department of Water and Sanitation calls on public members to send their written submissions and to make their voices heard on the amended National Water Act (NWA) and Water Services Act (WSA) by the 1st of March 2024.President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution, embarked on a process of consultation with the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission to convey his nomination of Judge Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Management of the SAPS in Diepsloot appeared before the Gauteng Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety to provide an update on the ongoing efforts to combat violence and crime in the area.The Peter Beale murder trial continues.Judges Matter expresses its deep concern at the Judicial Service Commission's announcement today (15 February 2024) that it will not recommend that Judge Selby Mbenenge, the Judge President of the Eastern Cape High Court, be suspended pending a sexual harassment investigation against him.The DA will brief the media on our readiness for our historic Manifesto Launch on Saturday, 17 February, in Pretoria.SAWS warns South Africans of severe thunderstorms, flooding, damaging waves, and fire danger.Sports Wrap with Tholakele.Spreading good things with Brent Lindeque.GUESTS:Pikkie Greeff - National Secretary - SANDU.Gloria Motsoere, EWN Reporter.Bernadette Wicks, EWN Reporter.Mbekezeli Benjamin, Judges Matter researcher.Alpha Ramushwana, EWN Reporter.Elizabeth Viljoen, SAWs forecaster.Brent Lindeque is the founder of the good things guy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The State Security Agency has distanced itself from a so-called "intelligence report" on alleged judicial corruption. This as a well-known Aids denialist confirmed he was the document's author and said he had engaged with Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe over certain of its claims. "The State Security Agency has noted with concern a document that is doing the rounds on social media purporting to be some intelligence report on judicial corruption, which is allegedly written by the director-general, Ambassador Thembisile Majola," the SSA said in a media statement on Tuesday afternoon. "The State Security Agency would like to distance itself and the director-general from such a report." Hours earlier, the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence confirmed the same report was not the product of any state intelligence investigations. OIGI legal advisor advocate Jay Govender told News24 on Tuesday: Our preliminary investigation indicates that the report is not an official product of the State Security Agency or any of the intelligence services overseen by the Inspector-General of Intelligence. Instead, the 54-page report - which United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa had incorrectly claimed was "purportedly drafted by Ms Thembisile Majola, the recently resigned director-general of the State Security Agency" - was written by Anthony Brink, an advocate who has waged a litigious war against Legal Aid South Africa over its decision not to employ him. This is made apparent by a footnote on the last page of the report, which stated it was "an updated, slightly abridged, and trivially edited version [November 2023] of the original document couriered earlier in the year to State Security Agency director-general Thembisile Majola and then to Minister in the Presidency for State Security Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, both of whom ignored it". "The author's contact particulars are provided at corrupt-judges.co.za," the footnote stated - in reference to one of the websites run by Brink. In response to queries from News24 about his authorship of the report, Brink said Holomisa had "missed that the report is a 'specimen draft', as indicated in the footers on the first and last pages". In other words, it is not a finalised document from an established intelligence source, which makes the ease with which it was widely shared on social media particularly jarring. While anonymous fake intelligence reports have previously been used by then-president Jacob Zuma to fuel his antipathy towards the National Treasury, as well to justify his axing of then-finance minister Pravin Gordhan, Brink has not sought to conceal his authorship of this draft document - or the personal ire that has fuelled it. On his "corrupt judges" website, Brink accuses Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, the former chairperson of Legal Aid, of criminality linked to his non-hiring in 2009 and the litigation that followed it - all of which he lost. He told News24 that Hlophe, who is currently facing a removal vote in Parliament after being found guilty of gross misconduct, had phoned him and "directly confirmed" claims from two unnamed sources about Mlambo, which he repeated in his draft "intelligence report". According to Brink, Hlophe told him he had objected to the appointment of a female lawyer as part of the tribunal that would try him for gross misconduct on the basis of her alleged inappropriate relationship with Mlambo. News24's attempts to verify this with Hlophe have proved unsuccessful. In an affidavit filed in his litigation to overturn the Judicial Service Commission's finding of gross misconduct against him, Hlophe had admitted having been in contact with Brink. He stated through Brink, it had come to his attention a "serious complaint" was lodged against Mlambo about "his alleged involvement in lobbying" to have the aforementioned female lawyer assigned to the Judicial Conduct Tribunal which investigated the complaint against him. Brink's report further ...
Members of Parliament have voted for the removal of two judges in SA - John Hlophe and Nkola Motata. Hlophe was found guilty of misconduct for allegedly trying to influence the Constitutional Court in a matter involving former president Jacob Zuma. He continues to contest the findings in ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Motata, initially convicted of drunk driving in 2007 and later found guilty of misconduct, is facing renewed scrutiny after the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned a prior decision, ordering the Judicial Service Commission to recommend his removal. Business Day TV unpacked these proceedings in greater detail now with legal writer for Business Day, Tauriq Moosa.
The Judicial Service Commission has come under fire for not appointing qualified candidates for Supreme Court of Appeal seats. The JSC sought to recommend candidates to fill judicial vacancies at the SCA, the Gauteng High Court, the labour court and others but it has only recommended two names for the SCA's four vacancies. Business Day TV spoke to Tauriq Moosa, a legal writer for Business Day for more detail.
The October leg of the Judicial Service Commission interviews commences today. There are twenty judicial vacancies which include four vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeals. According to the Judiciary Newsletter, out of the 21 judicial appointments made by the President on the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission, 11 were women, including Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter, Zoleka Qodashe.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal of High Court Judge Tintswalo Annah Nana Makhubele resumed today. The tribunal is considering allegations of misconduct in relation to Judge Makhubele's time as chair of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board. This is after commuter activist organisation #UniteBehind laid the complaint with the Judicial Service Commission in 2019 accusing Makhubele of misconduct when she took up dual roles of Gauteng High Court judge and chairperson of the PRASA board. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to reporter Canny Maphanga...
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended two Gauteng High Court Judges. This follows the recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission that Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela and Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi be suspended for failure to deliver numerous reserved judgments in the stipulated timeframes. There are now currently 5 judges on suspension, which include Judge President Hlophe, Judge Mushtak Parker, and Judge Nana Makhubele. Is our Judiciary in crisis? And Is the credibility of the Justice system under threat? To answer this and more, Elvis Presslin spoke to Zikhona Ndlebe, Researcher and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter
The Judicial Conduct Committee is expected to meet in Johannesburg today to process some of the complaints laid against some of the country's judges. There has been an increasing number of judges who have been reported to the Judicial Service Commission for alleged misconducct, inmcluding Judge President John Hlophe, Judge Mushtak Parker, Judge Nana Makhubele. Two more judges, Tshifhiwa Maumela and Nomonde Mngqibisa are also facing possible suspension by the president for failing to deliver judgments on time. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Co-ordinator at Judges Mattter, Alison Tilley-
The Jacob Zuma Foundation is demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa withdraw what they term "his illegal and irrational" appointment of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. President Ramaphosa appointed Zondo last year after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission and political party leaders in the National Assembly. The Zuma Foundation says Ramaphosa has until next week Thursday to withdraw the appointment or face legal action. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to Mr. Mzwanele Manyi, Spokesperson for the Jacob Zuma Foundation
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advised President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend two judges including the one presiding over the trial of five men accused of murdering soccer star, Senzo Meyiwa. The Commission says it has received reports from the Judicial Conduct Committee relating to complaints against judges Tshifhiwe Maumela and Nomonde Mngqisa-Thusi about their failure to deliver numerous reserved judgments. Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Senior Researcher at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin...
Guest: Mbekezeli Benjamin is Research and Advocacy Officer of the advocacy group ‘Judges Matter' and he joins John to consider the progress of the JSC interviews taking place from the 17th to the 21st April 2023.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Judicial Conduct Tribunal into former PRASA interim board chairperson, Judge Tintswalo Nana Makhubele's conduct has been adjourned until May. Makhubele is accused of breaching the separation of powers principle by serving as a judge of the High Court while being chairperson of Prasa. Civil society organisation #UniteBehind lodged a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission three years ago, accusing Makhubele of gross judicial misconduct following her controversial term at Prasa. The Tribunal had earlier set aside three days to hear the complaint. We spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, a civil society project that monitors the judiciary in South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe from his duties pending a decision of the National Assembly. The Presidency in a statement said the decision was based on advice from the Judicial Service Commission. "In order to ensure continuity and stability in the work of the divisional high court, the suspension which is in effect immediately, is on condition that Judge President Hlophe completes all part-heard matters and reserved judgments."
Not-for-profit organisation Freedom Under Law (FUL) has recommended that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) be reconstituted to include more senior judges and fewer party-political appointees. This comes from the organisation's report ‘A Review of the Activities of the South African Judicial Service Commission 2009 to 2022', which highlights key deficiencies in the composition and operation of the JSC and makes remedial recommendations and proposals to address the structural problems inherent in the JSC, as well as the challenges in its current processes. FUL argued that, for years, the JSC had been prone to political interference in the appointment of judges. Lead researcher and author of the report Calli Solik said the JSC's Sifting Committee, which compiles a shortlist of candidates to be interviewed by the Commission, should reflect on how it decided on suitable candidates. The report also highlighted the various criticisms levelled against the Sifting Committee's interview process. These include, “the clumsiness in its processes that is the result of an overlarge and eclectic body; the frequent failure on the part of the Chair to maintain fairness; the lack of clear guidelines or criteria in assessing candidates; great inconsistency in the depth and length of the questioning of candidates; the JSC's understanding and implementation of its constitutional mandate in section 174(2); and party-political interference.” The FUL said a major issue of the interviews was the lack of guidelines on how they arrived at their candidates. FUL calls for clear guidelines for the interview process. Solik also suggested the strengthening of the JSC's secretariat, in-depth interviews and greater standardisation of the interview process. She added that questions should be required to cover specific areas of accountability and the JSC should produce its reasons on how a particular candidate was appointed to reduce political interference. Professor Emeritus of Public Law at the University of Cape Town and Freedom Under Law board member said the appointment and accountability of judges was critically important. He said FUL had watched with dismay as the JSC failed to maintain the standards set by the transformative ethos of the South African Constitution since 2009. He said the FUL board resolved in January to commission research into mandate appointment and accountability of the JSC. FUL executive director Judith February said judicial selection, appointment and accountability were key aspects of the judicial system which was "fit for purpose and operates on the bases of integrity”. She said over the past decade South Africa's constitutional democracy had come under scrutiny, particularly relating to politicians and those who were under pressure from the recent damning findings of the Zondo Commission and even the legal fraternity. She cited suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane “protecting” former President Jacob Zuma and some within the African National Congress and called out "narrow political focuses as factional battles are at play”. She noted that many South Africans had criticised how matters had been politicized in the JSC, but added that despite pressure, the JSC had proven to be a resolute. She emphasised that the strength of the judicial arm was a national constitutional asset and it should not be taken for granted.
Guest: Karyn Maughan Legal JournalistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Zororai Nkomo was joined by the Secretary for Judicial Service Commission of Zimbabwe (JSC), Walter Chikwana to discuss on the transformation of the judiciary through digitalisation of courts.
In this episode Zororai Nkomo was joined by the Secretary for Judicial Service Commission of Zimbabwe (JSC), Walter Chikwana to discuss on the transformation of the judiciary through digitalisation of courts.
Western Cape High Court Judge President John Hlophe's application to review and set aside the decision of the Judicial Service Commission for his impeachment by parliament has been dismissed by the South Gauteng High Court. This comes after the Judicial Services Commission resolved last August, by a majority of eight members against four, to endorse the decision of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal that Hlophe should face impeachment by parliament for committing gross misconduct. This follows a complaint by judges of the Constitutional Court that Hlophe had attempted to influence Justices Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde in 2008 in a matter involving former president Jacob Zuma. Udo Carelse spoke to SABC parliamentary correspondent, Mercedes Bessent
New Calls For The Removal Of Julius Malema From the Judicial Service Commission by Radio Islam
With just over two years left in his term of office, much is expected from the newly appointed Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo, who will assume his role next month. Several quarters, including the Judicial watch dog group, Judges Matter, have outlined their expectations from Zondo and have called for a reform of the Judicial Service Commission. Whilst most political parties have welcomed Zondo's appointment, the EFF have labelled it as the capture of our judiciary by white-monopoly capital
Clement speaks to Adv Dali Mpofu, the spokesperson of the Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as the Chief Justice of South Africa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been under the spotlight in parliament this week, from being lambasted by opposition parties during a two day heated debate on his State of the Nation Address to spirited efforts by ANC MPs in the public account watchdog body - SCOPA to shield him from being hauled over the committee to clarify his remarks that he was aware of public funds being used in ANC internal campaigns. Ramphosa also faced a barrage of questions from journalists about whether or not he would endorse the recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission when he announced the next chief justice.
News headlines: *Politics and economics are set to collide over welfare payments in the world's most unequal nation. *The Pretoria Society of Advocates is calling for the removal of advocate Dali Mpofu from the Judicial Service Commission. *Former DA mayor in Nelson Mandela Bay, Athol Trollip, has joined ActionSA and wants to grow the political party's presence in the Eastern Cape ahead of the 2024 national elections.
A group of advocates has come out in support of Advocate Dali Mpofu following a strongly-worded opinion piece, penned by Editor-in-Chief of News 24, Adriaan Basson, saying it is offensive. Basson refers to what he calls Mpofu's 'thuggish behaviour' at the Judicial Service Commission's interviews for a new Chief Justice last week, in particular his questions to Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo regarding allegations of sexual harassment. The advocates say the article is not only an insult to Mpofu, but also racist towards non-white advocates in the legal fraternity. Basson says he will not be responding to the advocates, saying they are entitled to their views. SAfm's Jon Gericke spoke to Advocate Elizabeth Baloyi-Mere SC
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) says the Judicial Service Commission is attempting to misuse the constitutional power in the process of appointing a Chief Justice. The JSC has recommended that President Cyril Ramaphosa should appoint the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Mandisa Maya to be the next Chief Justice. The other three candidates who were interviewed were Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Division, Dunstan Mlambo. Meanwhile, the Helen Suzman Foundation has raised objections to the manner in which the process of interviewing the four judges was conducted. For further details, here is legal councillor at the Helen Suzman Foundation, Anton Van Dalsen
The Judicial Service Commission could face possible litigation for the manner in which interviews for the position of Chief Justice were conducted. A concerned Rhodes University professor who is from the legal profession wrote to the JSC. The letter which was read in public toward the end of the interview process will now be expunged from record of the proceedings. The Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Xola Petse shared the letter after the interview of Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo last night (Friday). He announced that the letter was received on Friday morning. Tensions also ensued during Zondo's interview. Mercedes Besent reports.
Chief Justice nominee Dunstan Mlambo has denied allegations of sexual harassment against him. He describes it as a poisonous rumour. Mlambo faced these questions during his interview by the Judicial Service Commission for the top position in the constitutional court. The Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Division also pleaded with the JSC to warn a candidate ahead of the interview - when there are serious allegations against the person. For a look at what has transpired all week, here is Mbekezeli Benjamin researcher and advocacy officer for the organisation Judges Matter
The Judicial Service Commission is expected to begin its long-awaited interviews for the position of the country's new Chief Justice. The interviews will take place in Sandton in Johannesburg, where four candidates will be interviewed publicly, until Friday. The candidates are Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Supreme Court of Appeal President Mandisa Maya, and Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Division, Dunstan Mlambo. For more on this, here is Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin
The Congress of South African Trade Unions spokesperson Sizwe Pamla spoke about the nation wide strike on October 7 against wage freezes in the private and public sectors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What is the purpose of the Judicial Service Commission? How are commissioners elected? What is the nature and democratic significance of the work of the JSC?I invited Karyn Maughan, senior legal reporter for News24, to join me to explain, firstly, where and how the JSC fits into our lives.We then examined and debated whether the current JSC is fit for purpose. Along the way we assessed how the current selection of judges is going, and also asked whether white men are now excluded a priori from selection to the highest court in the land.
Nickolaus Bauer is joined by Mbekezeli Benjamin, Research and Advocacy Officer at Judge Matters and Lawson Naidoo, Executive Director, Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (CASAC) to talk about the rerun of the Judicial Service Commission interviews See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, CASAC, has applied to the Johannesburg high court to declare unlawful interviews held by the Judicial Service Commission for candidates for the Constitutional Court. It says that after obtaining a transcript of the JSC's confidential deliberations when it shortlisted the candidates in April, it became clear that they were a 'sham'. CASAC says it showed there were "no deliberations at all” and it has also asked the court to have the list of recommended appointments set aside. We speak to the executive secretary of the organisation, Lawson Naidoo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac) is challenging the constitutionality of the recent Judicial Service Commission interviews for candidates to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court. Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secretary of Casac. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In today's episode, we discuss whether your relatives can use a letter to prevent you from working in government, similar to the recent story of Philip Murgor, an advocate, who was vying for the position of Chief Justice. We are joined by Guest Advocate and Legal Researcher at Swala Nyeti, Joy Mutimba-Vetil who specialises in Commercial Conveyancing and Corporate Law. A letter is doing rounds on social media written by Philip Murgor's family to the Judicial Service Commission expressing his unsuitability as the next Chief Justice. The letter accuses him of pitting family members against each other by representing one side against the other in succession disputes; as well as being verbally abusive to his wife. Can your relatives use a letter to prevent you from working in government? Research by Joy Mutimba-Vetil (joy@hklaw.co.ke) Links to the story: https://kenyanreport.com/2021/04/16/phillip-murgor-meets-his-demons-today-comes-face-to-face-with-mwilu-days-after-taking-her-to-court/ https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/64249-why-lawyer-murgors-cousins-dont-want-him-be-chief-justice --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/swalanyeti/message
Johann Christiaan Kriegler is a retired justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and an Advocate of the Johannesburg bar. Judge Kriegler shared his wisdom with the BizNews Power Hour, sharing his views on Judge Hlophe and the urgent need for his suspension by the Judicial Service Commission.
Johann Christiaan Kriegler is a retired justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and an Advocate of the Johannesburg bar. Judge Kriegler shared his wisdom with the BizNews Power Hour, sharing his views on Judge Hlophe and the urgent need for his suspension by the Judicial Service Commission.
SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:28) The latest updates from the state capture commission, including the failure of the estranged wife of former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma, to appear before the commission. (09:59) KwaZulu-Natal judge Dhaya Pillay's need to defend her private financial investments, her “friendship” with Pravin Gordhan and a lunch she had with Jacob Zuma at his homestead in Nkandla during her interview with the Judicial Service Commission on Tuesday. (26:50) How comfortable should President Cyril Ramaphosa feel in his post, with the likes of Ace Magashule or Jessie Duarte in the post of ANC secretary-general?
SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:28) The latest updates from the state capture commission, including the failure of the estranged wife of former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma, to appear before the commission. (09:59) KwaZulu-Natal judge Dhaya Pillay's need to defend her private financial investments, her “friendship” with Pravin Gordhan and a lunch she had with Jacob Zuma at his homestead in Nkandla during her interview with the Judicial Service Commission on Tuesday. (26:50) How comfortable should President Cyril Ramaphosa feel in his post, with the likes of Ace Magashule or Jessie Duarte in the post of ANC secretary-general?
SA has had a dramatic political week. In this episode of Sunday Times Politics Weekly, the Sunday Times politics team guides you through the ins and outs of SA's biggest political news stories of the week. (01:28) The latest updates from the state capture commission, including the failure of the estranged wife of former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, Norma Mngoma, to appear before the commission. (09:59) KwaZulu-Natal judge Dhaya Pillay's need to defend her private financial investments, her “friendship” with Pravin Gordhan and a lunch she had with Jacob Zuma at his homestead in Nkandla during her interview with the Judicial Service Commission on Tuesday. (26:50) How comfortable should President Cyril Ramaphosa feel in his post, with the likes of Ace Magashule or Jessie Duarte in the post of ANC secretary-general?
Judge Mabel Jansen has resigned with immediate effect. Jansen was placed on special leave last year following racist comments in which she expressed her belief that rape was part of black people's culture. The Judicial Conduct Committee was busy investigating complaints of racism against the Judge and she was apparently facing impeachment if found guilty. Sakiana Kamwendo speaks to the spokesperson for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), CP Fourie
South African Revenue Services has accused Judge Dennis Davis of "unashamedly" misleading the public by claiming that the revenue services was at a risk of imploding. Davis is the chairperson of the Davis Tax Committee. He addressed a conference in Cape Town last weekend - saying SARS does not have the capacity to deal with multinationals that seek to evade tax and that he's concerned about the erosion of integrity at SARS. Revenue Services claims judge Davis has unashamedly misled the public about the situation at SARS and it will take the matter up with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan as well as the Judicial Service Commission. Our Economics reporter Amina Accram & Tax Specialist, Deborah Tickle who is a partner at KPMG..