Judges in business 06 - 04 - 06

 

Judges in business

The Congress of South African Trade Unions, which has already expressed its concern at the number of public officials alleged to have interests in businesses, is alarmed at the latest allegations in today's Mail & Guardian about 'Judges in business'.

It is alleged that five senior judges, out of twelve investigated, were listed as acting directors of companies, including the Judge President of the Labour Court, Raymond Zondo.

We demand that there is full investigation into this matter and that any judges who are found to have any business interests relinquish them immediately.

It is essential that judges, especially in the Labour Court, where most cases involve disputes between workers and employers, should be seen to be completely impartial. Judges with stakes in businesses are bound to fall under suspicion of having a conflict of interest and public confidence in their judgements could be eroded. It is not acceptable that those who sit in judgement should have any interest that could affect their decisions.