By Thapelo Molefe
Eastern Cape High Court Judge Mandela Makaula has formally withdrawn and apologised for disparaging remarks he made about Mthatha-based legal practitioners during his Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview earlier this month, where he was being considered for the position of Deputy Judge President.
The apology that was issued on Thursday through the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), follows a public outcry and condemnation from several legal bodies, including the Mthatha Society of Advocates. Makaula accused Mthatha lawyers of collusion, dishonesty, and damaging the integrity of the division.
During his JSC interview on 13 October, Makaula claimed that some practitioners in Mthatha were “liars” who failed to act in their clients’ best interests.
The comments quickly drew sharp criticism from the legal fraternity, with many describing them as baseless and damaging to the transformation of the legal profession.
A few days after Makaula’s interview, the Mthatha Society
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