Judge Azhar Cachalia: " Under Zuma, the JSC became politicised—candidates were asked about their political leanings, like “What did you do in the struggle?” Many felt uncomfortable and refused to apply. This eroded trust in the process and diminished the standing of our

Judge Azhar Cachalia: "Story from years ago: I spoke to an old ANC comrade who said, “Sometimes we appoint good comrades to independent institutions… and after a while, they actually think they’re independent.” That mindset tells you everything." #CDEConversations

Judge Azhar Cachalia: “I still believe the judiciary is strongly independent. If a president attacked law firms or universities—as in the US—I believe our judges would respond firmly and decisively.” #CDEConversations

Judge Azhar Cachalia: "In many of our high courts, we lack depth of experience in handling complex commercial cases. As a result, parties often turn to private arbitration instead of relying on the courts." #CDEConversations

Judge Azhar Cachalia: "There is a real tension between redress—undoing the legacy of racial discrimination—and the ideal of non-racialism. It’s one of the central challenges in building a just, post-apartheid society." #CDEConversations

An inquiry into the NPA followed by a comprehensive report would give a new NDPP a clear roadmap to reform the organisation, just as the Nugent Commission did for SARS. cde.org.za/appointing-the…

Without an effective NPA, turning the tide on corruption is impossible. CDE urges the President to act on our two important recommendations as a matter of urgency.cde.org.za/appointing-the…

Unless the appointment of Batohi’s successor is handled with great care and expertise, we risk entrenching the dysfunction that has made justice so elusive for the perpetrators of State Capture, writes ann bernstein. cde.org.za/process-to-app…

CDE is calling on the President to institute an urgent inquiry into the NPA’s structure, integrity and performance. Watch Judge for Yourself here: enca.com/shows/judge-yo…

Azhar Cachalia, former judge of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal and now a visiting professor at Rhodes University, joined Ann Bernstein in this CDE Conversation to discuss the current state of the nation and the rule of law. cde.org.za/azhar-cachalia…

Cachalia rejected the idea that our present difficulties were inevitable. He maintained that many of our problems today stem from poor political and policy choices in the present. cde.org.za/azhar-cachalia…

Azhar Cachalia, former judge of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal noted that a strong and independent judiciary remains a pillar of South African democracy but cautioned that not all appointed judges have the necessary experience or expertise. While we have highly capable

Azhar Cachalia in conversation with Ann Bernstein: cde.org.za/azhar-cachalia…

Azhar Cachalia (former judge of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal) stressed that the JSC needs to be able to justify appointing one person over another through a rational process that balances race and gender, while maintaining competence as non-negotiable.

Cachalia urged judges to speak out on abuses of the rule of law and called on citizens to be actively involved in defending our Constitution and building an inclusive, democratic society.

#CDEConversations | 📢Join CDE’s executive director ann bernstein for a critical conversation with Tsakani Maluleke, South Africa’s Auditor-General (Auditor-General South Africa) on accountability in government departments. 🗓️Tues 22 July 2025 | 🕔 5–6PM SAST 🔗Register:

REMINDER TO RSVP | How accountable are government departments? On 22 July, CDE’s ann bernstein speaks with Auditor-General South Africa Tsakani Maluleke, a seasoned leader with deep experience across corporate boards and state oversight. Register here: cde-org-za.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

📢 South Africa stands at a crossroads when it comes to trust in public institutions. Join us on 22 July for a candid discussion with Auditor-General South Africa Tsakani Maluleke and ann bernstein as they unpack the state of government accountability. Don’t miss this crucial conversation

ANN BERNSTEIN: Time to rebuild foundations of the SA justice system businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/202…

South Africans deserve — and the country needs — a justice system that works. It’s time to rebuild the foundations, writes ann bernstein cde.org.za/time-to-rebuil…