- Introduction of Sexual Harassment Policy in South African Judiciary: Chief Justice Mandisa Maya announced a new policy to safeguard the integrity of courts and protect the dignity of all individuals interacting with the judicial system.
- Zero Tolerance and Complaint Procedures: The policy enforces zero tolerance for sexual harassment, establishing confidential complaint procedures and protections against retaliation, with disciplinary action for offenders.
- Objectives to Foster a Respectful Workplace: The key goals include creating a safe and respectful environment free from discrimination and intimidation, and emphasizing that misconduct damages public trust and undermines the rule of law.
Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has announced the implementation of a Sexual Harassment Policy for the South African Judiciary, aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the courts and protecting the dignity of everyone working within or engaging with the judicial system.
The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) says the policy enforces zero tolerance for sexual harassment involving judicial officers, staff, or any individual interacting with the Judiciary. It sets out confidential and fair complaint procedures, guarantees protection from retaliation, and holds offenders accountable through disciplinary measures.
Key goals include fostering a safe, respectful workplace free from discrimination and intimidation. The OCJ emphasised that such misconduct is not only a personal violation but also undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and betrays constitutional principles.
Chief Justice Maya described the policy as a “necessary and urgent intervention” to entrench accountability and respect. She said, “The Judiciary cannot dispense justice to society if it does not first ensure it within its own ranks. Sexual harassment is a gross abuse of power, a denial of equality, and a stain on the legitimacy of the courts.”
Highlighting the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and South Africa’s Judicial Codes of Conduct, Maya stressed that the courts must lead by example, calling the policy “a covenant with the people of South Africa.”
The full policy is available on the Judiciary’s official website: https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/judiciary/legal-instruments.
