Mapaballo Borotho
The uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) party has described the Western Cape’s ruling on impeached judge, John Hlophe as a ‘cruel reminder’ of the oppressive apartheid government.
This comes after the Western Cape High Court declared that Hlophe cannot be part of the Judicial Service Commision, citing his appointment as unconstitutional.
On Monday, the court said Hlophe’s appointment undermined the integrity of the judiciary.
“It is declared that the National Assembly may not designate Dr. Mandlakayise John Hlophe to serve on the Judicial Services Commission in terms of section 178(1)(h) of the constitution,” the court wrote.
Hlophe, who is a Deputy President of the MK Party was elected as the member of the JSC last year but subsequently resigned.
MK Party’s spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the court’s ruling is a travesty of justice and unconstitutional.
“This is nothing, but a cruel reminder of the pain inflicted by the oppressive judicial system under apartheid. Any Constitution which worships Roman Dutch norms and traditions above African values belongs to the scrapheap of history.
“The decision to elect Dr. Hlophe as a member of the JSC was by duly elected representatives in the National Assembly as per the powers and privileges of Parliament, drawn from the constitution. Therefore, the decision by the Western Cape High Court is a travesty of justice and totally unconstitutional,” Ndhlela added.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has accepted the court’s ruling – describing it as a victory for the rule of law and the constitution.
🚨 The DA’s legal challenge against Parliament’s designation of Dr John Hlophe, impeached former judge, and uMkhonto weSizwe Member of Parliament, to the Judicial Services Commission, has succeeded with costs.
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 2, 2025
This is a major victory for the rule of law: https://t.co/65mVbaJy3T pic.twitter.com/P668Gip3RY
READ NEXT: Cradock Four inquest reopens, families seek decades-delayed justice
