sexual harassment Archives

The Mbenenge Misconduct Decision

JSC finds Judge President Mbenenge guilty of gross misconduct, signalling stronger accountability and a firm stance on power dynamics and sexual harassment in the judiciary.

Sexual harassment and corruption in the court building

Allegations against a state prosecutor highlight risks of sexual harassment, corruption, and abuse of power in South Africa’s courts.

What the Mbenenge Tribunal decision really means

The Mbenenge Tribunal found Judge President Mbenenge not guilty of gross misconduct, but guilty of serious misconduct. This explainer unpacks what the ruling actually means, what still lies ahead at the JSC, and why the decision matters for judicial accountability.

2025 a critical year for judicial reform and accountability

The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster for South Africa’s judiciary, marked by deliberate governance reform alongside major blows to the public’s perception of the institution. While the country hosted prestigious events, implemented a new sexual harassment policy, and took steps toward full judicial independence, we also witnessed a decline in judicial appointments and several […]

Misconduct Tribunals and the Sexual Harassment Policy

The Judicial Conduct Tribunal against Judge President Selby Mbenenge highlights why South Africa’s judiciary must enforce its new Sexual Harassment Policy to ensure accountability, respect, and equality in the courts.

It Takes a Woman

Celebrating women in the judiciary and Chief Justice Maya’s landmark anti-sexual harassment policy, creating safer, more equal courts for all.

Sexual harassment and the Courts – the Judicial Conduct Tribunal for Judge President Mbenenge

It is only just over a week before the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearing for Eastern Cape Judge President Mbenenge is set to resume. In January 2025, the tribunal, chaired by retired Judge Ngoepe, heard chilling evidence from the complainant, Ms Mengo. The tribunal ended with the re-examination of Ms Mengo by her representative, Adv Rajab-Budlender […]

The judiciary in 2025: A watershed moment in a watershed year

2025 is a pivotal year for South Africa’s judiciary, with major judicial misconduct cases, resource shortages, and governance reforms shaping the legal landscape. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya is leading efforts to strengthen judicial accountability, streamline processes, and address critical vacancies.

Judicial Tribunals show an urgent need for dealing with sexual harassment

Sexual harassment in the legal profession has long been an “open secret,” but recent judicial misconduct cases have brought the issue into the spotlight, demanding urgent reforms.

The urgent need for an external independent body to address sexual harassment in the courts

To address the systemic issue of sexual harassment in the courts, we must establish an external independent body comprising retired judges, lawyers, civil society organisations, and others trained in trauma-centred approaches. This commission should expedite investigations and ensure fair and effective resolutions within a reasonable timeframe, preferably not more than six months.

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