Judges Matter is a transparency project that believes in the importance of judges. Part of @DGRU_ at @UCTlaw #JudgesMatter
South Africa
Joined February 2014
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[NEWS]: “State wants Judge Phahlane tried for corruption in court where alleged crime occurred" news24.com/southafrica/crime…
What does it take to lead South Africa's courts effectively?
During September's Magistrates Commission interviews, 33 candidates were questioned on leadership, case-flow management, succession planning and their ability to address serious challenges in court administration.
The interviews exposed concerning issues, including outstanding part-heard criminal cases, accused persons remaining in custody while cases are delayed, judgment backlogs and weaknesses in court management.
While some candidates demonstrated strong leadership capabilities, others struggled to show they were ready for senior positions.
Five leadership appointments have now been confirmed, but two key Western Cape posts remain vacant.
Effective court leadership is critical to ensuring justice is delivered without unnecessary delay.
Read Judges Matter's analysis of the appointments and the challenges ahead: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #MagistratesMatter #CourtLeadership #MagistracyLeadership #SouthAfrica
[NEWS]: JSC rejects impeachment recommendation for judge who helped former in-laws news24.com/southafrica/crime…
13 permanent judges. Nine provinces. Growing pressure on the Labour Court.
South Africa's Labour Court is already stretched thin, relying heavily on acting judges to manage its caseload.
Now, with key leadership positions unfilled, the challenges are becoming even more urgent.
Judges Matter has repeatedly called for proactive judicial appointments and legislative reforms to strengthen the court.
The JSC must act. Delays in judicial appointments have real consequences for workers, employers and access to justice.
Read our latest analysis: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #LabourCourt #SouthAfrica
South Africa's Labour Court is facing a leadership crisis.
With Judge President Edwin Molahlehi retiring at the end of October and the Deputy Judge President position vacant since 2024, the court faces an unprecedented leadership vacuum.
Despite interviewing two candidates earlier this month, the JSC recommended neither for appointment.
What does this mean for a court already struggling with judicial capacity, growing caseloads and delays?
Judges Matter examines the crisis and the urgent need for action.
Read the full analysis: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #LabourCourt #SouthAfrica
[NEWS] “Judge who replaced disgraced Mbenenge now faces his own impeachment probe”
news24.com/southafrica/crime…
[NEWS] “Bribery complaint against acting judge hits quorum snag at JCC”
citizen.co.za/news/bribery-c…
[NEWS] “Under-fire judge seeks court order ‘in order to keep title’”
sowetan.co.za/news/2026-10-2…
[OPINION] “One JSC, two standards on political proximity”
news24.com/opinions/columnis…
[Opinion] October’s JSC interviews exposed inconsistent scrutiny, unfilled leadership posts and muddled procedures, raising fresh questions about fairness, independence and accountability. dailymaverick.co.za/opinioni…
1/6 South Africa's Labour Court is facing an unprecedented leadership crisis.
With Judge President Edwin Molahlehi retiring at the end of October and the Deputy Judge President post vacant since 2024, the court faces a leadership vacuum.
judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
Why does this matter?
5/6 Judges Matter has repeatedly called for reforms, including:
- Increasing the number of permanent judges
- Allowing Labour Court judges to qualify for leadership positions
- Strengthening judicial succession planning
- Filling leadership vacancies without delay
6/6 The Labour Court cannot afford further delays.
With unemployment, workplace disputes and economic pressures affecting millions of South Africans, effective judicial leadership is essential.
The JSC and government must act.
Read our full analysis: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#SouthAfrica #JudgesMatter
[JSC Interviews] The Eastern Cape High Court is under pressure. Can it afford another leadership vacancy?
From corruption allegations and strained judicial capacity to concerns about access to justice, the Eastern Cape High Court faces significant challenges.
Yet, following the October 2026 JSC interviews, the position of Deputy Judge President remains unfilled.
The court needs more than another round of interviews. It needs stable, effective leadership and sustained intervention to restore public confidence.
In his latest analysis, Judges Matter's Mbekezeli Benjamin explores why this appointment matters and what needs to happen next.
Read the article: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #JSCInterviews #SouthAfrica #EasternCape
[JSC Interviews] Four candidates. Eight hours of interviews. Two rounds of deliberations. No appointment.
The JSC's decision to leave the Eastern Cape Deputy Judge President position vacant raises serious questions about judicial leadership in one of South Africa's most important court divisions.
With the court already facing allegations of corruption, judicial misconduct and mounting pressure on its capacity, what does this leadership vacuum mean for access to justice?
Judges Matter's Mbekezeli Benjamin examines the candidates, the interviews and the implications of the JSC's decision.
Read the full analysis: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #JSCInterviews #EasternCapeDJPresident
[NEWS] “Judge let off the hook despite conflict of interest”
groundup.org.za/article/judg…
[Watch now] Newzroom Afrika | JSC reviews appointments process and commissioner accountability
youtu.be/cEdxCohTHgc?si=qs5M…