DA objects to the designation of Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Service Commission

9 July 2024

Today, the DA, along with the FF+ and the ACDP, recorded their objections to Hlophe serving on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The DA objects to the designation of John Hlophe to serve on the JSC as the National Assembly representative on this body. The EFF and MK wish to tear down the independent judiciary, which the DA works to protect.

While it is the prerogative of political parties to nominate persons to serve on the JSC, it cannot stand that a person is allowed to serve on the same body that found him guilty of gross misconduct while he was a judge, resulting in his impeachment.

In this context, it would be irrational for the National Assembly to have the same person impeached representing the National Assembly on the JSC. This is a clear conflict of interest and an attempt to undermine the independence of the Judiciary of South Africa. The National Assembly is bound to protect and assist the Judiciary's independence, integrity, and dignity, which the DA does not take lightly.

Persons elected to represent the National Assembly on the JSC must hold such values, which cannot be said for Hlophe. We risk undermining the JSC processes for the election of judges and their investigations into judges' conduct, endangering the rule of law in South Africa and the proper functioning of the Judiciary.

The DA will continue to oppose the appointment of Hlophe and the attempts by MK and EFF to undermine the Judiciary.

Issued by Glynnis Breytenbach, DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, 9 July 2024