- Dr John Hlophe, previously stripped of his judicial position, secures a seat on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
- The move has sparked controversy and mixed reactions from political parties.
- Hlophe’s impeachment process stems from allegations of misconduct in 2008.
Dr John Hlophe, one of only two judges ever stripped of their positions in democratic South Africa, secured a seat on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Dr John Hlophe scores seat in Judicial Service Commission
Hlophe has been appointed to the JSC as the representative for the MK party.
This decision was confirmed on Tuesday by the newly constituted National Assembly.
Hlophe, known for his controversial judicial history, now serves on the primary body responsible for overseeing judges in South Africa.
The appointment followed a motion carried in the National Assembly, where the ANC, DA, and other Government of National Unity (GNU) parties backed different positions.
The ANC, siding with MK and the EFF, deemed Hlophe’s election permissible.
The DA, along with the Freedom Front Plus, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and Build One South Africa (Bosa), opposed the decision.
Why was this a controversial move?
Hlophe’s appointment to the JSC sparked controversy due to his history of judicial misconduct.
MK party chief whip Sihle Ngubane defended Hlophe’s legal expertise and academic credentials, arguing that he was a suitable candidate for the JSC.
EFF chief whip Floyd Shivambu also supported Hlophe’s nomination, drawing comparisons to DA members serving in executive roles without higher qualifications.
Al-Jama’ah leader Mogamad Hendricks passionately defended Hlophe, emphasising that public opinion supported his appointment.
The JSC, composed of 23 members, is tasked with assessing judicial candidates and handling complaints against judges.
Joining Hlophe on the JSC are Molapi Lekganyane and Fasiha Hassan from the ANC, EFF leader Julius Malema, the DA’s Glynnis Breytenbach, and Action SA’s Athol Trollip.
Hlophe will also serve on the Justice Committee, which recommended his impeachment following the JSC’s findings.
This committee includes EFF MP and former public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the only other current MP stripped of her position by a parliamentary vote.
Dr John Hlophe impeachment: Here’s what you must know
In February, Parliament voted in favour of John Hlophe’s impeachment, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s judicial history.
Hlophe, the Western Cape Judge President, was found guilty of gross misconduct by a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.
The controversy dates back to 2008 when Hlophe was accused of attempting to influence two Constitutional Court judges in the Arms Deal case involving former President Jacob Zuma and French arms manufacturer Thales.
The tribunal concluded that Hlophe’s actions compromised the independence, impartiality, and dignity of the Constitutional Court, undermining public confidence in the judicial system.
The parliamentary vote to impeach Hlophe resulted in 305 votes in favour and 27 against.
