Judges Matter is a transparency project that believes in the importance of judges. Part of @DGRU_ at @UCTlaw #JudgesMatter
South Africa
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IMPORTANT NOTICE | Judge Hartle Tribunal: Media Accreditation
Members of the media wishing to cover the Judicial Conduct Tribunal hearings involving Eastern Cape High Court Judge Belinda Hartle, scheduled for 9 to 18 November 2026, are requested to confirm their attendance by completing the media accreditation form.
Deadline: TODAY: Friday, 6 November 2026.
Media accreditation form: judiciary.org.za/index.php/n…
The Judicial Service Commission has confirmed that a Judicial Conduct Tribunal will convene from 9 to 18 November 2026 to hear a complaint lodged by Mr T K Semekazi against Judge B Hartle.
The Tribunal will be chaired by retired Supreme Court of Appeal Justice B H Mbha, alongside retired Justice S E Weiner and Advocate P Seleka SC.
Judicial conduct tribunals play an important role in ensuring judicial accountability and maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
Read the official media statement: ow.ly/nJAn51047Uk
#JudgesMatter #JudicialAccountability #JudicialConduct #JudgeHartle #SouthAfrica
![[Media Statement] Judicial Conduct Tribunal of Judge Hartle - Judges Matter](https://pbs.twimg.com/card_img/2117227797143834624/xBgdMfdK?format=jpg&name=800x419)
1/6 Does judicial accountability end when a judge retires?
A recent Constitutional Court ruling raises important questions about the legal status of retired judges and whether they can still be held accountable for their conduct. judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudicialAccountablity #JudgesMatter #SouthAfrica
5/6 South Africa's laws treat retired judges differently depending on the statutory context.
This creates uncertainty about which accountability mechanisms continue after retirement.
Judicial independence must be protected, but accountability cannot end with active service.
6/6 Judges Matter's latest article examines the Constitutional Court ruling and why greater legal clarity is needed to ensure that retired judges remain accountable for outstanding obligations.
Read the full analysis: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #JudicialAccountability #SouthAfrica
[NEWS] “A case to answer: JSC proceeds with tribunal to probe ‘corrupt’ Judge Portia Phahlane”
news24.com/southafrica/a-cas…
Five new magistracy leaders appointed, but two key posts remain vacant.
Following September's Magistrates Commission interviews, five of seven senior leadership positions have been filled, with new Regional Court and Chief Magistrate appointments taking effect on 1 November 2026.
However, two important Western Cape positions remain vacant: Regional Court President of Cape Town and Chief Magistrate of Wynberg.
Strong court leadership is essential to tackling case backlogs, delayed judgments and improving the administration of justice.
Judges Matter welcomes the appointments but calls for urgent action to fill the remaining vacancies and greater transparency in the appointment process.
Read our analysis of the appointments, outstanding vacancies and what needs to change: judgesmatter.co.za/opinions/…
#JudgesMatter #MagistratesCommission #MagistratesInterviews #SouthAfrica
[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…
