Cases against Hlophe’s JSC designation likely to be prioritised

The organisation Judges Matter says it is likely that cases filed in the Western Cape High Court against the designation of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Parliament leader John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will be prioritised.

Several organisations and parties have filed cases in various courts against Hlophe who was impeached as a judge.

Researcher at Judges Matter Mbekezeli Benjamin says all the parties make a similar argument in the court papers.

“They say it was irrational for the National Assembly to designate a member who has been found guilty of gross misconduct and breached the ethics of the constitutional and judiciary as a member of the JSC,” he explains.

Lobby groups challenge Dr Hlophe’s designation to JSC: Mbekezeli Benjamin

However, the MK Party previously said that by designating Hlophe to the JSC, the National Assembly had acted within its constitutional mandate.

The MK Party Youth League (MKPYL) notes the application by the Afriforum seeking direct access to the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis.

We note in that such an application by Afriforum is baseless, vexatious and irrational and is a desperate attempt to throw the spanner… pic.twitter.com/k3GNOCnUrr

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) July 22, 2024