Most watched JSC interview videos of 2023

Looking back on 2023, it was quite the year! The interviews kept rolling, stirring up their usual share of drama and the judiciary finally started tackling some of its long-standing issues, from how they pick judges to dealing with misconduct and transparency. They made some strides, though there’s still work to be done.

Since 2016, Judges Matter has been keeping tabs on the JSC interviews. Our goal back then—and still—is to shine a light on the process, make folks aware, and hold those involved accountable. We’ve always believed that how judges get appointed in South Africa affects everyone, and so the process has got to be transparent and open to public scrutiny.

And over the years we have been proven right! South Africans do care! So much so that we’ve racked up over 500 videos of the JSC interviews and these videos have been watched a whopping 4 425 248 views. That’s transparency in action, folks!

Watching those JSC interviews isn’t just about getting the scoop on the candidates and the system. It’s also a peek into what people think.

So, without further delay, here are the top interviews from 2023. The April and October videos were big hits, with over half a million views combined. Three October interviews in particular really got folks talking, pulling in over 15 930 views in a day and 30 000 in two months. Dive in and see what all the fuss is about!

MOST WATCHED JSC INTERVIEWS OF 2023: IN ORDER OF POPULARITY

TOTAL VIEWS THIS ANNUM: 593 200

1. Gauteng Division of the High Court: Interview of Mr M P Motha
April 2023 JSC Interviews  – 26 640 views

2. Supreme Court of Appeal: Interview of Judge D N Unterhalter
(October 2023 JSC Interviews – 17 540 views

3. Limpopo Division of the High Court: Interview of Ms R P Mdhluli
April 2023 JSC Interviews – 8 693 views

4. Supreme Court of Appeal: Interview of Justice M B Molemela
April 2023 JSC Interviews – 7608 views

5. Competition Appeal Court: Interview of Judge L G Nuku
April 2023 JSC Interviews – 7 365 views

6. Mpumalanga Division of the High Court: Interview of Judge B Mashile
April 2023 JSC Interviews – 6 327 views

7. Gauteng Division of the High Court: Interview of Mr M V Noko
April 2023 JSC Interview – 5 222 views

8. Limpopo Division of the High Court: Interview of Adv M B Madavha
April 2023 JSC Interview – 4 864 views

9. Interview of Judge Molahlehi for Deputy Judge President, Labour Court
JSC Interview October 2023 – 4 847 views

10. Gauteng Division of the High Court: Interview of Mr B P Manyathi
JSC Interview April 2023 – 4 683 views

WHAT YOU WATCHED IN 2023: In Order Of Popularity

1. interview of Advocate B R Tokota SC for the Eastern Cape High Court
JSC Interview October 2016 – 94 469 views

2. JSC interview of Judge N F Kgomo for the Limpopo Deputy Judge President
JSC Interview April 2016 – 45 671 views

3. JSC interview of Judge Zondo for the Constitutional Court Deputy Chief Justice 
JSC Interview April 2017 – 33 674 views

4. Gauteng Division of the High Court: Interview of Mr M P Motha
JSC Interview April 2023 – 26 640 views

5. JSC interview of Ms M B Mahalelo for the Gauteng High Court
JSC Interview October 2017 – 20 606 views

6. Supreme Court of Appeal: Interview of Judge D N Unterhalter
JSC Interview October 2023 – 17 540 views

7. Gauteng High Court Interview of Adv M M P Mdalana-Mayisela
JSC Interview October 2019 – 12 142 views

8. interview of Judge Meyer for the Supreme Court of Appeal
JSC Interview April 2016 – 9 531 views

9. Interview of Advocate P Zietsman SC for the Free State High Court
JSC interview October 2016 – 9 521 views

10. Interview of Ms R P Mdhluli for the Limpopo Division of the High Court:
JSC Interview April 2023 – 8 693 views