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In a recent statement, Judges Matter expressed strong disappointment over the National Assembly’s decision to appoint certain MPs to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Magistrates Commission. The organization’s concerns focus on the inclusion of individuals who have previously been found guilty of misconduct or criticized for ethical breaches, specifically highlighting Dr. John Hlophe and Ms. Faith Muthambi.
Judges Matter argues that such appointments undermine the credibility of these commissions and compromise the integrity of the judiciary. The organization contends that Parliament’s decision contradicts the spirit and objectives of the Constitution, particularly section 165(4), which mandates Parliament to protect the independence and dignity of the courts.
Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher at Judges Matter, emphasized the irony of having judicial candidates assessed by commissioners with tarnished ethical records.
“It is a cruel irony that aspirant judicial officers will be assessed on their ethics, integrity, and fitness for judicial office by commissioners who themselves have been found guilty of misconduct,” Benjamin said.
Judges Matter has reiterated its call for a written Code of Conduct for all commissioners, along with a mechanism to recall those who fail to uphold the terms of the code. The organization believes such measures are essential to maintaining the integrity and credibility of South Africa’s judicial system.
