Newspaper Article

Does Hlophe approve of campaign on his behalf?

Chaskalson, Arthur

2009

Overview

I am not aware of anyone in South Africa or elsewhere having suggested or implied that \"black folk\" can never be \"true apostles of judicial independence\" or \"sophisticated masters of constitutional law\". The report was made by the judge president directly to the minister of justice. When the report came to their attention, the heads of court expressed a determination \"to confront and deal with issues of racism and sexism that are brought to our attention\", and those who experience such conduct were urged \"to raise the issue immediately so that it can be dealt with\". This is not the place to discuss Judge President [John Hlophe]'s qualifications or lack of qualification for the post of chief justice, or that of any other possible candidate or candidates (almost certainly a black judge or judges) for that position. Racism will not be an issue; nor will commitment to transformation (all will be committed to that); nor will any candidate or candidates be what Ngobeni refers to as a \"self-hating black\". The merits of the candidates, their qualities of leadership and institution building, their commitment to the values of the constitution, their independence and integrity, the impact their appointment might have on the standing of the Constitutional Court, and other relevant factors will no doubt be considered and dealt with in the ordinary way in accordance with established procedures, if and when their names are put forward for that office.

• Publisher: Independent Online (South Africa)
• Subject: Hlophe, John