South Africa: JSC has increasingly abused its power and become captured by political interests

South Africa’s democracy is anchored by its Constitution and the rule of law. Judges are the guardians of both. They derive their authority from their competence and their integrity. Without either, they have none.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has two functions: it appoints judges and investigates complaints against them for misconduct. The JSC must protect the independence of the judiciary by appointing competent and ethical persons, and safeguard it from undue political…