Parliament ‘obligated’ to remove Malema from JSC if not fit and proper, court told

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has approached the Western Cape High Court seeking an order compelling Parliament to consider whether Julius Malema remains fit to serve on South Africa’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

In court papers filed on Thursday, HSF asked the court to review and set aside National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza’s April 30 decision not to consider Malema’s suitability, arguing that Parliament has a constitutional duty to assess whether he should continue serving on the body responsible for interviewing and recommending judges for appointment.

The foundation said it was not asking the court to directly remove Malema from the JSC, but rather to compel Parliament to fulfil its constitutional obligations.

Among the incidents highlighted in the application was Malema’s criticism of Magistrate Twanet Olivier outside the East London Magistrates’ Court on April 16, 2026, following proceedings in his firearm case.

Addressing supporters gathered outside court, Malema accused Olivier of racism and incompetence.