[MEDIA STATEMENT] Judges Matter condemns incitement against the Constitutional Court and the judiciary

1 August 2025

Judges Matter condemns the comments made by Mkhonto Wesizwe Party’s Spokesperson, Mr Nhlamulo Ndlela, immediately after the Constitutional Court’s order on 31 July 2025 dismissing the MKP’s application for direct access. [Read more]

Among other things, he said:

“It’s clear that Lady Justice has got eyes and unfortunately, this is something that now the South Africans themselves and people on the ground must take into their own hands because this court is now no longer, and this judiciary is no longer a judiciary for the people.”

These comments go far beyond the scope of reasonable and legitimate criticism of the courts. They amount to thinly-veiled threats of incitement against the courts and a dangerous threat to the rule of law.

Judges Matter’s Mbekezeli Benjamin says:

“The judiciary has a duty to interpret the law in line with the Constitution. Where judges err, they should be criticised with specific reference to the reasoning they make in those judgments. Incitement against the courts and other public attacks against the judiciary have no place in a democratic South Africa.

 Unfortunately, these comments come from a member of the official opposition in Parliament, who swore to abide by the Constitution and has a constitutional duty, in terms of section 165(4), to protect the dignity and effectiveness of the courts. We call on Mr Ndlela to withdraw these comments.”

[ENDS]