JOHANNESBURG - The Helen Suzman Foundation has approached the Western Cape High Court in a bid to have Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema removed from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Malema is accused of repeatedly attacking judges who rule against his party, raising concerns that his conduct could undermine judicial independence.
Judges Matter’s Alison Tilley says the JSC has finally issued a draft code of conduct, something the organisation has been calling for over a long period.
She says while political parties and organisations that nominate representatives to the JSC are generally responsible for holding them accountable, the draft code could be a step in the right direction.
Malema has argued that the Helen Suzman Foundation is trying to silence him as an opposition leader.
However, Tilley says the broader concern is the protection of judicial independence.
“The JSC has to make sure that the judiciary is upheld and supported,” she says.
Tilley says the Helen Suzman Foundation’s legal challenge also raises questions about Parliament’s responsibility to hold its JSC representatives accountable.
She says Parliament’s Speaker should engage with the relevant processes to determine whether Malema is suitable to serve on the commission.