Opinions Archives - Page 3 of 36

Joint statement by civil society organisations on delays in Constitutional Court appointments

Civil society warns that delays in Constitutional Court appointments undermine judicial independence, court capacity, and the rule of law in South Africa.

International Day of Women judges 2026

South Africa marks International Day of Women Judges by celebrating progress in gender representation on the bench while highlighting the ongoing barriers women face in the legal profession and judiciary.

Ramaphosa’s inaction is crippling the Constitutional Court

President Ramaphosa’s delay in appointing Constitutional Court judges has left the apex court understaffed, contributing to growing backlogs, longer judgment times, and declining judicial capacity.

[MEDIA STATEMENT] JUSTICE COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON GROSS MISCONDUCT OF JUDGES

Parliament’s Justice Committee has begun the Section 177 process to consider the possible removal of Judges Nana Makhubele and Mushtak Parker following JSC findings of gross misconduct, and will invite written representations from both judges.

Free State High Court Judge Mpina Mathebula faces trial over alleged theft of RAF funds

Free State High Court Judge Mpina Mathebula faces criminal charges of theft, money laundering and contempt of court over the alleged misappropriation of RAF funds meant for a minor road accident victim.

Ramaphosa’s SONA Special Courts idea

President Ramaphosa’s plan for specialised infrastructure courts may ease tender disputes, but without a significant increase in judges nationwide, it risks wasting resources and missing South Africa’s deeper judicial capacity crisis.

Legal internship opportunities

The Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Divisions of the High Court, in partnership with the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU) in the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town (UCT), are running a nine-month (9) internship programme for graduates.

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.

2026: A decisive year for judicial accountability and institutional reform

As South Africa enters 2026, the judiciary faces a decisive test. Promises of reform must now translate into real accountability, institutional independence, and restored public trust.

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 […]

Enter your keyword

Opinions