Chief Justice Mandisa Maya says South Africa’s judiciary is under severe strain, warning that judicial independence remains unfinished business.
Speaking at the Judiciary Conference, Maya highlighted the growing challenges facing the courts, including underfunding, staff shortages and mounting case backlogs. She said these issues continue to place significant pressure on the justice system and its ability to deliver timely justice.
Maya also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media, warning that false narratives are eroding public confidence in the judiciary.
She called for greater institutional independence and adequate resources to safeguard the rule of law and uphold the Constitution.
“Restraint does not mean institutional silence in the face of misinformation about the functioning and role of the courts. We must strive to write court judgments in simple, easy-to-understand language, support judicial officers who come under unwarranted attack, and defend the judicial institution from gratuitous criticism,” Maya said.
Photo: @OCJ_RSA/X
