John Hlophe impeachment: A ‘travesty of justice’, says EFF

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it condemns the “politically motivated impeachment” of suspended Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe, calling it a vindictive act by certain elements of the National Assembly.

The party said the impeachment serves as a blatant attack on judicial independence and a betrayal of the public’s trust in the justice system.

“Hlophe’s progressive rulings, his commitment to representing the marginalised, and his role in empowering future black judges make him a target for this alliance,” said Sinawo Thambo, the EFF national spokesperson on Wednesday.

‘CHILLING MESSAGE TO BLACK PROFESSIONALS’

“His impeachment sends a chilling message – black professionals who dare to challenge the status quo and advocate for justice will be ostracised and silenced,” he added.

Thambo said the EFF refuses to accept this travesty of justice and condemns the silencing of those who speak truth to power.

He said in many of his rulings, Hlophe ruled in favour of workers’ rights, promoting fairness and dignity in the workplace.

ALSO READ: John Hlophe impeachment: High Court paves way for judge’s removal by Parliament

EFF STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH HLOPHE

“We stand in solidarity with Hlophe and condemn this attempt to dismantle the gains of the black struggle. We call upon all progressive forces to unite and resist this insidious attack on judicial independence and the black intelligentsia of South Africa,” he said.

“Furthermore, Hlophe consistently ruled in favour of workers’ rights, promoting fairness and dignity in the workplace. Beyond individual cases, Hlophe played a transformative role within the Western Cape judiciary, a heavily racist establishment where he championed diversity and inclusivity, fostering a court system that reflects the demographics of South Africa,” he also added.

PROCEEDINGS AGAINST HLOPHE WERE PROCEDURALLY UNFAIR – EFF

The EFF said the proceedings against Hlophe by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) have been procedurally unfair, with both the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) and the JSC overstepping their authority in carrying out their responsibilities.

‘These procedures were unlawful and did not adhere to legislative requirements. Furthermore, the National Assembly declined to delve deeper into the JSC’s findings, merely accepting them at face value,” it said.

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