Hard bargaining still needs to happen before the country has a definitive sense of how executive accountability will be enforced under a unity government.
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Articles on Judicial Services Commission
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John Hlophe’s impeachment sets an example to other members of the judiciary who may feel tempted to abuse their power.
The challenges facing South African judges have been well documented for decades. They include the high number of unfilled vacancies and poor working conditions.
There has been a clear attempt to undermine the role of the Judicial Service Commission by some who sit on it.
A strong, courageous and dedicated Chief Justice will provide the leadership desperately needed to turn the administration of justice around.
The appointment of judges has hitherto been an obscure and oftentimes clandestine affair. This has produced incompetent judges and led to claims that the judiciary is beholden to the executive.
South Africa’s Constitutional Court judgment shows concern that the independence of the country’s prosecuting authority has been compromised.
The electorate and those involved in public governance should focus more on how judges are appointed. This is because they need to make sure that individuals of the highest quality get the job.
Top contributors
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Professor Emeritus of Public Law, University of Cape Town
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Divisional Executive, Developmental, Capable and Ethical State research division, Human Sciences Research Council
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Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Constitutional Governance, University of Cape Town
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Head of Department, Public and Environmental Law Department, University of Limpopo
