Portraits irk some in Cape courts

2010-09-01 11:07

Johannesburg – Portraits of President Jacob Zuma, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel displayed in the foyer of the Western Cape High Court are upsetting the legal fraternity, according to the Cape Times.

The four photographs were put up some time last year, making the Western Cape High Court the only one in the country to display politicians' pictures.

In April, the Cape Bar Council resolved that the photos be taken down, but they are still hanging.

Judges and legal practitioners are divided over the matter with some saying it violates the separation of powers as established by the Constitution.

Advocate Paul Hoffman, the director of the Institute for Accountability in southern Africa said the portraits violated section 165, sub-sections three and four of the Constitution.

"How else are you going to ensure the independence of the judiciary? Never in history, not even during apartheid, were portraits of the president hung in a court of law. Why should we start now?" he asked.

Cape Judge President John Hlophe said they were put up while he was on long leave.

- SAPA