By Amy Musgrave
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews, which are scheduled to start on Monday, will go ahead as planned.
This follows the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissing – with costs – an urgent bid to block the hearings by the MK Party (MKP) and its parliamentary leader, former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe.
Last week the Western Cape High Court interdicted Hlophe from participating in the JSC’s proceedings pending the outcome of legal challenges to his designation as a member of the commission in his newly acquired capacity as an MKP MP.
The Democratic Alliance and Freedom Under Law filed an application arguing that Hlophe could not serve on the same body that recommended his impeachment as judge president earlier this year.
Following the Western Cape High Court’s ruling, the MK Party filed an application to appeal at the Gauteng High Court.
The DA has welcomed the ruling, saying it was “another critical win” for South Africa’s judiciary, and that it reinforced the principle that judicial integrity must be upheld at all times.
“By rejecting the MK Party’s attempts to delay the JSC interviews, the court has ensured that the process of selecting new judges can proceed without interference from individuals who have been found guilty of gross misconduct,” DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said in a statement.
“Allowing individuals like Dr Hlophe, who has been impeached, to influence the selection of future judges would pose a grave threat to the public’s trust in our legal system and the rule of law.”
More than 50 candidates are vying for around 25 vacant posts.
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