Impeached former Western Cape Judge President Dr John Hlophe has resigned from his position on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following a ruling by the Western Cape High Court that prevented him from participating in JSC proceedings.
Story Summary:
- Dr John Hlophe resigns from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) after a court interdict, following legal challenges from several groups.
- The resignation follows a ruling preventing Hlophe from participating in JSC interviews due to his impeachment earlier this year.
- The JSC interviews will proceed as planned, filling 26 critical judicial vacancies across South Africa.
Dr John Hlophe drops out of JSC: Here’s what we know
The court order stemmed from a case brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Under Law, and Corruption Watch, who argued that Hlophe’s impeachment for gross misconduct earlier this year disqualified him from serving on the JSC.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, which had nominated Hlophe as its parliamentary leader, confirmed his resignation in a statement.
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela expressed disappointment with the outcome but acknowledged that Hlophe would not be part of the upcoming JSC sessions.
Despite the resignation, the JSC interviews will move forward as scheduled, with 54 candidates vying for 26 judicial vacancies over eight days.
The interviews, set to begin in Sandton, will focus on filling critical posts, including vacancies in the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Labour Court, where the absence of experienced judges has placed significant pressure on the judiciary.
In recent court filings, the JSC stressed the importance of filling these posts swiftly.
JSC Secretary Mbali Mondlane explained that the vacancies were hindering judicial operations, particularly in light of several recent retirements from the bench.
