DA: Adv Glynnis Breytenbach, Address by DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, during the Budget Vote, Parliament (09/05/23)

9th May 2023

Honourable Members, I must today express my deep concern about Minister Lamola's lack of support
for the Office of the Chief Justice overall. As members of Parliament, we must ensure that our leaders
are held accountable for their actions and inactions. And in this case, we must hold the Minister
accountable for his department’s failure to adequately support the Office of the Chief Justice.

The Office of the Chief Justice is an essential institution in our democratic system. It is responsible for
upholding the rule of law, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and protecting the rights and
freedoms of all South Africans. The Chief Justice is also responsible for appointing judges through the
Judicial Services Commission, managing the judiciary's budget, and providing administrative support
to the courts. In short, the Office of the Chief Justice plays a critical role in ensuring that justice is done
in our country.

 

Full Speech Attached