Hlophe Alliance 'disappointed'

2009-09-23 13:26

Johannesburg - The Justice for Hlophe Alliance expressed disappointment on Wednesday at a decision to exclude Cape Judge President John Hlophe from a short-list of Constitutional Court judge candidates.

"Although we are disappointed that Western Cape Judge President Hlophe didn't make it, we nonetheless respect this decision," the Alliance said.

"We were engaged in a principled fight and we realise that in life you win some and at times you lose some."

However, the Alliance expressed concern "at the manner in which some of the JSC [Judicial Service Commission] members conducted themselves during the interviews".

"In this regard, these members sought to opportunistically reopen enquiries which had already been investigated and decisions taken.

"We will continue to support Hlophe JP's candidacy should another vacancy arise, remain committed to his cause and continue to see him as a conduit to collectively ensure a fair and unbiased judiciary with his colleagues in the Western Cape."

Hlophe decision welcomed

Meanwhile, the Congress of the People in KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the decision to exclude Hlophe.

"Another racist bites the dust. We must thank Cope and other formations for their firm, principled stance against nomination of Hlophe as a Constitutional Court judge," said Siyanda Mhlongo, Cope spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal.

He said Hlophe had tried to use his sympathy for President Jacob Zuma to get into Constitutional Court.

"He (Hlophe) is pariah and a jumbo embarrassment to the legal fraternity that produced the likes of Oliver Tambo, Griffiths Mxenge, Archie Gumede, Bulelani Ngcuka, Victoria Mxenge and many others."

Hlophe's approach was racist, destructive and negated all the sacrifices South Africans had made in the past 15 years to create a society governed by rule of law, said Mhlongo.

Hlophe was last year accused of trying to interfere in a Constitutional Court judgment relating to President Jacob Zuma.
 

- SAPA