Chief Justice Zondo Commends Former President Zuma for Establishing an Independent Judiciary, Discusses Judges' Safety

During an address at the Judges' Conference held at Sun City, North West, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo extended thanks to former South African President Jacob Zuma for his critical role in the country's pursuit of a fully independent judiciary. This appreciation comes in acknowledgment of Zuma's decision to establish the Office of the Chief Justice as a government department, a significant milestone in the journey towards judicial independence.

The establishment of the Office of the Chief Justice under Proclamation 44 of 2010 marked the beginnings of a standalone institution that could foster this autonomy. This progression is essential as it aligns with the recommendations from former chief justices Pius Langa and Arthur Chaskalson. They underlined the importance of a judiciary-based court administration system, yet for over a decade, these recommendations went without executive action, thus hindering the strides towards complete institutional independence.

Zondo conveyed hope that engaging discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s executive would yield a decisive judiciary model for court administration, possibly by next year. Judge Bernard Ngoepe was appointed to review some of the recommendations from Langa and Chaskalson, with anticipation for the report's insights.

Amidst this conference aimed at discussing judiciary matters and recent progress, threats to judges arose as a pressing concern, particularly those involved in cases relating to former President Zuma. Judges overseeing high-stakes legal cases have faced intimidation and threats, including death threats paralleled with high-profile political figures.

Chief Justice Zondo specifically mentioned a disturbing instance in KZN where a group of 65 is accused of plotting to assassinate him during the disorderly events of July 2021. The incident is linked to the tumultuous period following Zuma's prison sentence for defying the Constitutional Court.

Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo made a passionate plea for legal associations to protect judges from unwarranted political attacks and support those receiving threats. Pointing out how his colleagues have received personal threats to their safety, including incidents of judges receiving intimidating messages during the period of unrest following Zuma's sentencing.

Zondo stressed the importance of a public safety net that values and understands the role of the judiciary in society. Legal bodies and NGOs were called upon to advocate for the judiciary, as judges themselves frequently cannot defend their actions publicly due to the probable nature of their involvement in related legal matters.

The Judges' Conference, which brings together the heads of various high courts, served as a platform to voice the challenges and safety concerns of the judiciary, while also celebrating the pivotal steps taken toward judicial independence.