uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) expressed grave concern regarding President Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of Judge Aubrey Ledwaba as the Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
The party argues that this decision raises profound questions about judicial accountability and the continued erosion of public confidence in the judiciary under the Ramaphosa administration.
Allegations and ethical concerns
The MK Party highlighted what they describe as a “disturbing history” involving Judge Ledwaba. Central to their objection are allegations made under oath by two separate witnesses before the Madlanga Commission, claiming that the judge accepted a bribe to influence judicial outcomes. These serious allegations remain unresolved.
Furthermore, the party claims that Chief Justice Mandisa Maya reportedly requested Judge Ledwaba to step aside while these matters were being finalized, but he refused. The MK Party asserts that a judiciary commanding public trust cannot be led by individuals resisting accountability while serious ethical questions remain hanging over their heads.
Perceptions of political patronage
The MK Party notes what they call a “deeply uncomfortable irony” in this appointment. They point out that President Ramaphosa, who made the appointment, was the direct beneficiary of the sealing of the CR17 bank statements from public scrutiny in legal proceedings linked to Judge Ledwaba.
While acknowledging that courts must act independently, the party argues that the appearance of political proximity and reciprocal protection creates a perception that damages the credibility of the bench. This appointment, they claim, sends a dangerous message that allegations of corruption or judicial misconduct are no impediment to advancement if one enjoys the protection of political power.
Call for judicial integrity
The MK Party maintains that the judiciary must not only be independent but must also be seen to be independent. They state that public trust cannot survive under a growing perception of political patronage and selective accountability. According to the statement, South Africa deserves a judiciary whose integrity is unquestionable and not shadowed by controversy.