South African National Assembly Speaker Submits Affidavit to High Court in John Hlophe Judicial Service Commission Case

The speaker of the South African National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has submitted an affidavit to the High Court concerning legal challenges to John Hlophe’s designation to the Judicial Service Commission. The designation, made by Parliament in July, has been contested due to Hlophe’s past removal as a judge for gross misconduct. Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the speaker maintains her neutral stance, noting that the decision to designate Hlophe was a political one made by Parliament, and the matter now awaits the court’s judgment: