EFF denounces Judge Zak Yacoob’s appointment to the ConCourt

Johnathan Paoli

The EFF has denounced the appointment of retired Judge Zak Yacoob as an advisory judge, at Constitutional Court, by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and said this appointment raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest, undermines the principles of judicial impartiality, and ultimately disrespects the South African public’s right to a fair and independent judiciary.

The party issued a statement on Tuesday and said that the appointment worryingly occurred in an envelope of secrecy until inquiries were made and there was public uproar, and only then did the Chief Justice reveal that Yacoob’s appointment was aimed at assisting in reviewing appeal cases before the court.

The role of advisory judge involves offering support services to the court’s justices, with the goal of alleviating the substantial workload emanating from the court’s expanded jurisdiction; including drafting memorandums for new applications,subsequently to be reviewed and potentially adopted or modified by the