The recent impeachment of Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe has sparked a divisive reaction among South Africans.
While some view the vote as a necessary step, others celebrate his exit from the judiciary. The impeachment came after 305 MPs voted in favour, with 27 against, following a heated debate that raised accusations of racism within the judiciary.
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Hlophe’s impeachment was recommended by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, following a guilty verdict of gross misconduct by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The misconduct stemmed from Hlophe’s attempt to influence two Constitutional Court justices in favour of former president Jacob Zuma’s efforts to overturn corruption trial evidence in 2008. President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Hlophe in December 2022.
During the debate, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Busisiwe Mkhwebane claimed that Hlophe was being targeted due to his race.
Mkhwebane argued that Hlophe, a distinguished judge and legal scholar, was a victim of a culture of racism within the judiciary, particularly in the Western Cape. She accused the dominant liberal and racist discourse in the country of flexing its power to punish Hlophe.
On the other hand, EFF leader Julius Malema expressed support for Hlophe, referring to him as his “brother” and claiming that history would absolve him. Malema proposed that Hlophe form an organisation similar to Freedom Under Law or the Hellen Suzman Foundation to continue fighting against racism.
It is important to note that both Mkhwebane and Malema have had contentious relationships with Hlophe in the past. Nevertheless, the impeachment of Judge President John Hlophe remains a topic of debate in South Africa, reflecting the country’s ongoing struggle with racial tensions and the pursuit of justice within its judiciary system.
