The Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence in South Africa: A Theoretical Critique
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/16368Keywords:
Constitution, critical legal theory, judicial independence, politics, separation of powers, South AfricaAbstract
Section 165(2) of the South African Constitution of 1996 proclaims the independence of the courts. This principle is predicated on the philosophical notion of separation of powers prominently adopted in democratic countries like South Africa (SA). Separation of powers and the behavioural demands on judgeship have produced a general conception that the judiciary is independent; even of politics. This is not the case, politics and judiciary are inseparable since they both seek to achieve the same political objectives. This article adopts Critical Legal Theory (CLT) with historical and philosophical analysis to theoretically repudiate the generalisation. This is a qualitative study and has identified a gap in SA constitutional scholarship regarding interrogating the concept of judicial independence. Resolving this issue the article contends that politics are innate to the judiciary. This reasoning stems from the interrogation of the classical development of the “separation of powers”, and the principle of judicial independence. As a complex phenomenon, judicial independence here is not being explored institutionally and administratively. Rather, it is probed from its conceptual premises. Through court judgments, court activism, and South Africa’s history of constitutional development, the article determines that the judiciary and the law in SA are innate in politics. The intent is to disabuse scholarship from accepting the generalisation of the principle of judicial independence. This is not an anti-constitution critique, but a belief/notion that if adjudicators are not strangled with “judicial independence” general narrative, the courts will expedite the constitutions’ transformative objectives.
References
Aristotle. 1999. Politics translated by B. Jowett. Kitchener: Batoche Books.
Balkin, J. M. 2008. Critical Legal Theory Today. On Philosophy in American Law 1–12.
Barnett, H. 2017. Constitutional and Administrative Law. 12th ed. London: Routledge.
Belov, M. 2020. Introduction. In M. Belov, Courts, Politics and Constitutional Law: Judicialization of Politics and Constitutional Law: Judicization of Politics and Politicization of Judiciary. New York: Routledge.
Bertram, C. 2023. Jean Jacques Rousseau. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2023 Edition), June 21. Accessed November 16, 2023. https://plato.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo.cgi?entry=rousseau
Bok, H. 2018. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. E. Zalta, ed. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/
Boyle, J. 1985. The Politics of Reason: Critical Legal Theory and Local Social Thought. University of Pennsylvania Law Review 4, 685–780.
Brooks, E. 2023. Liberties. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/role-of-judiciary/44724
Cameron, E. 2008. “The Need for the Independence of the Judiciary and of the Legal Profession.” Advocate: Young Leaders Symposium, 34–38.
Centre for Science and Environment. 2018. India Environmental Portal. http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/459301/judgement-of-the-supreme-court-of-india-regarding-use-of-firecrackers-leading-to-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-23102018/
Chaskalson, A. 2009. Dignity and Justice for All. Maryland Journal of International Law 24(1): 24–39.
Chetty, K. 2023. “Judiciary: Zondo Faces Backlash. Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.” November 16.https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/judiciary-zondo-faces-backlash-7431e915-d19e-4d61-8607-0a70f5350fde
Davis, R. 2023. “Did Chief Justice Zondo Overstep the Mark in His Comments on Zuma? Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-15-did-chief-justice-zondo-overstep-the-mark-in-his-comments-on-zuma/
De Malberg, R. C. 1887. Histoire de l'exception en droit romain et dans l'ancienne procedure francaise. France: A. Rousseau.
De Vos, P. 2014. “Criticism of the Courts. Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.” Accessed January 9, 2023. https://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za/category/criticism-of-courts/
De Vos, P., and Freedman, W. 2014. South African Constitutional Law in Context. Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Diala, A. 2023. “South African Politicians vs Judges: New Book Defends the Constitution. Cape Town, Western Cape, Republic of South Africa.” Accessed July 18, 2024. https://theconversation.com/south-african-politicians-vs-judges-new-book-defends-the-constitution-217723
Dickson, C. J. 1986. Vlex. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://ca.vlex.com/vid/beauregard-v-can-681148521
Dingake, O. B. 2019. In Pursuit of Justice: Examining the Intersection of Philosophy, Politics & Law. Waigani: Marapa Publications.
Dingake, O. B., Hasic, N., Peppard, T., and Hayden, S. 2020. “Appointment of Judges and the Threat to Judicial Independence: Case Studies from Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa, and Kenya.” Southern Illinios University Law Journal 44, 407–432.
Dube, F. 2020. “Separation of Powers and the Institutional Supremacy of the Constitutional Court over Parliament and the Executive.” South African Journal on Human Rights 36(4): 293–318.
Dunning, W. A. 1920. History of Political Theories: From Rousseau to Spencer. New York: The Macmillan Company.
Eksteen, J. 2008. “Rule of Law and the Independent Judiciary.” World Conference of Advocates and Barristers. Dublin and Belfast: General Council of the Bar of South Africa.
Farr, J. 2015. “Locke’s Ideas, Rousseau”s Principles, and the General Will.” In J. Farr, and D. L. Williams, The General Will: The Evolution of the Concept.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Fitzpatrick, P., and Hunt, A. 1987. “Critical Legal Studies: Introduction.” Journal of Law and Society 14(1): 1–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1410292?seq=1
Galligan, D. J., and Versteeg, M. 2013. Social and Political Foundations of Constitutions. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Gordon, A., and Bruce, D. 2006. Transformation and the Independence of the Judiciary in South Africa. The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 1–61.
Green, F. M. 2008. Constitutional Developments in the South Atlantic States, 1776-1860. New Jersey: The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.
Hellen Suzman Foundation. 2022. “Press Release: Civil Society Responds to Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s Statements on the Justice System.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://hsf.org.za/news/press-releases/press-release-civil-society-responds-to-minister-lindiwe-sisulus-statements-on-the-justice-system
Heywood, A. 2013. Politics. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hofelle, L., and Reddy, C. 2022. “Sisulu has Launched a Completely Unwarranted Attack on the Judiciary, says Zondo.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://ewn.co.za/2022/01/12/miss-sisulu-has-launched-a-completely-unwarranted-on-the-judiciary-zondo
Hunt, A. 1987. “The Critique of Law: What is ‘Critical’ about Critical Legal Theory?” Journal of Law and Society 14(1): 5–19.
Huq, A. Z. 2021. Why Judicial Independence Fails. Northwestern University Law Review, 115(4): 1055–1124.
Jowell, J. 2015. “The Rule of Law: A Practical and Universal Concept.” In The Importance of the Rule of Law in Promoting Development edited by C. Thomas, J. v Zyl Smit, and J. Jowell, 3–¬10. Singapore: Academy Publishing.
Judiciary RSA. 2023. “Historical Background.” Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/ocj/about-the-ocj/historical-background
Lamola, R. 2022. “Let’s Debate Positive Actions in Pursuit of Democratic Society.” BusinessDay. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2022-01-14-ronald-lamola-lets-debate-positive-actions-in-pursuit-of-democratic-society/
Langa, P. 2006. “Transformative Constitutionalism.” Stellenbosch Law Review, 351–360.
Leff, A. A. 1978. “Law and.” The Yale Law Journal 87(5): 989–1011.
Levy, B., Hirsch, A., Vinothan, N., and Nxele, M. 2021. “South Africa: When Strong Institutions and Massive Inequalities Collide.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1–86.
Mabuza, E. 2019. “‘Drunk Judge’ Motata Fined R1.1 million for Misconduct, gets to Keep Salary for Life.” TimesLive. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-10-11-drunk-judge-motata-fined-r11m-for-misconduct-gets-to-keep-salary-for-life/#google_vignette
Mafora, D. 2023. Capture in the Court: In Defence of Judges and the Constitution. Cape Town: Tafelberg.
Magabe, T. T., and Kola, O. O. 2021. “Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances and Judicial Exercise of Self-restraint: an Analysis of Case Law.” Obiter 42(3): 547–560.
Marshall, G. 1971. Constitutional Theory. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Masilela, B. 2022. “Sisulu Crossed the Line by Insulting the Judiciary, says Zondo.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sisulu-crossed-the-line-by-insulting-the-judiciary-says-zondo-eb6fb501-8a1a-45ab-b5d1-274a7a8d56b7
Masumbe, P. E., and Qikani, S. 2024. “The Rule of Law through Judicial Activism in South Africa.” Internation Journal of Law: “Law and World”, 31–40.
Mathebe, L. 2021. The Constitutional Court of South Africa: Thoughts on its 25-Year-Long Legacy of Judicial Activism. Journal of Asian and African Studies 56(1): 18–33.
Mlambo, S. 2023. Independent Online (IOL). Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/judges-conference-wants-judiciary-s-institutional-independence-fast-tracked/ar-AA1l9REm
Mogoeng, M. 2018. “Foreword by the Chief Justice: From the Judiciary Annual Report, November 2018.” Accessed November 15, 2023. fromhttps://www.judiciary.org.za/images/Judiciarynewsletter/Judiciary_Newsletter_December_2018_v4.pdf
Mogoeng, M. 2023. “Constitutionalism and Upholding the Rule of Law in South Africa.” Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/live/ppYt189yhYzA?feature=shared
Montesquieu, C. B. 1748. The Spirit of the Laws Book XI. Le Brede.
Moosa, M., and Hofmeyr, J. 2021. Afrobarometer. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.afrobarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ad474-south_africans_trust_in_institutions_reaches_new_low-afrobarometer-20aug21.pdf
Moseneke, D. 2002. “The Fourth Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture: Transformative Adjudication.” South Africa's Journal on Human Rights, 309–319.
Motala, Z. 1991. “Independence of the Judiciary, Prospects and Limitations of Judicial Review in Terms of the United States Model in a New South African Order: Towards an Alternative Judicial Structure.” Albany Law Review 55(2): 285–314.
Mpofu-Walsh, S. 2021. The New Apartheid. Cape Town: Tafelberg.
Msimang, M. 2022. “Lindiwe Sisulu’s Extraordinary Attack on South Africa’s Constitution.” Daily Maverick. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-09-lindiwe-sisulus-extraordinary-attack-on-south-africas-constitution/
Murray, C. 2001. “A Constitutional Beginning: Making South Africa’s Final Constitution.” University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review 23(3): 809–838.
Najar, I. R. 2023. “Separation of Power and Judicial Independence in the Context of the United States and the Indian Constitution: A Cratologial Critique.” Comparative Approaches in Law and Policy, 63–75.
Neumann, F. 1949. “Montesquieu.” In The Spirit of the Laws by B. D. Montesquieu, translated by T. Nugent, ix-lxiv. New York: Hafner Publishing Company.
Njilo, N. 2023. “Parliament is Incapable of Preventing Another State Capture Bid.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-22-parliament-is-incapable-of-preventing-another-state-capture-bid-says-chief-justice-zondo/
Oldfather, C. M. 2007. “Judges as Humans: Interdisciplinary Research and the Problems of Institutional Design.” Hafstra Law Review, 125–146.
Ominah, O. D. 2022. “Independence versus Accountability: A Case study of the Judiciary in Kenya with a Comparative Analysis of India and Colombia.” LLM thesis, Central European University.
Oxtoby, C., and Kronke, M. (n.d). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.unodc.org/res/ji/import/academic_articles_and_books/Public_Confidence_in_the_Judiciary/Public_Confidence_in_the_Judiciary.pdf
Proops, I. 2022. “Wittgenstein’s Logical Atomism.” In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, edited by E. N. Zalta, and U. Nodelman. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://plato.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo.cgi?entry=wittgenstein-atomism
Ramjathan-Keogh, K. 2017. “The Importance of Promoting Judicial Independence in Southern African Region.” Southern African Litigation Centre, 10–15. Accessed February 2, 2024, from https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/GOAL-16-Book-Ramjathan.pdf
Rousseau, J. J. 2017. “The Social Contract.” In The Social Contract: Book 2, edited and translated by J. Bennet. Jonathan Bennet.
Sachs, A. 1997. “The Creation of the South African Constitution.” New York Law School Review 41(2): 669–701.
Sibanda, S. 2020. “When do you Call Time on a Compromise? South Africa's Discourse on Transformation and the Future of Transformative Constitutionalism.” Law, Democracy & Development, 384–412.
Sikhakhane, M. 2023. “‘SA Constitution must be Rewritten’: Race and the Law, Threats to Black Advocates, ANC Failures.” Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf1dsV7GTEc
Singh, A., Singh, V. V., and Jain, P. 2023. “Judicial Activism and its Impact on Governance: A Comparative Analysis.” Social Science Journal, 7636–7655.
Sisulu, L. 2022. “Lindiwe Sisulu: Hi Mzansi, Have We Seen Justice?” IOL. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/opinion/lindiwe-sisulu-hi-mzansi-have-we-seen-justice-d9b151e5-e5db-4293-aa21-dcccd52a36d3
Siyo, L., and Mubangizi, J. C. 2015. “The Independence of South African Judges: A Constitutional and Legislative Perspective.” Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal 18(4): 817–846.
Smith, B. S. 2023. Judges and Democratization: Judicial Independence in New Democracies. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
Tolibjonovic, M. T., and Raximjon o’g’li, G. O. 2021. “The Constitution is a Legal Guarantee for the Development of the Country and the Well-Being of Society.” International Journal of Computing Studies 3(2): 105–109.
Touchton, M., and Tyburski, M. 2022. “Judging the Market. Judicial Independence, the Rule of Law, and Economic Development.” International Journal for Innovation and Economic Development, 12–26.
Trang, D. T., and Duyen, N. T. 2022. “Separation of Powers in John Locke's Political Philosophy.” Synesis 14(1): 1–15.
Vile, M. J. 1998. Constitutionalism and the Separation of Powers. 2nd ed. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund.
Voigt, S., Gutmann, J., and Feld, L. P. 2015. “Economic Growth and Judicial Independence, a Dozen Years on: Cross-country Evidence Using an Updated Set of Indicators.” European Journal of Political Economy, 197–211.
Walfe, C. 1997. Judicial Activism: Bulwark of Freedom or Precarious Security? 2nd ed. Dallas: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Zamchiya, P. 2019. “Mining, Capital and Dispossession in Limpopo, South Africa.” Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, 1–21.
Cases
Arjun Gopal & Others Vs Union of India & Others 2017 IA No. 92862 OF 2017.
Beauregard vs Canada (1986) 70 NR 1 (SCC).
Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Speaker of the National Assembly and Another (CCT76/17) [2017]; 2018 (2) SA 571 (CC).
Government of the Republic of South Africa v Grootboom and Others 2001 1 SA 46 (CC).
Mazibuko v Sisulu 2013 (6) SA 249 (CC).
Minister of Health and Others v Treatment Action Campaign and Others (No 2) 2002 (5) SA 721 (CC).
Njongi v Member of the Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2008 (6) BCLR 571 (CC).
S and Others v Van Rooyen and Others (General Council of the Bar of South Africa Intervening) (CCT21/01) [2002] ZACC 8.
Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State v Zuma and Others 2021 CCT 52/21.
United Democratic Movement v Speaker, National Assembly [2017] ZACC 21; 2017 (5) SA 300.
Balkin, J. M. 2008. Critical Legal Theory Today. On Philosophy in American Law 1–12.
Barnett, H. 2017. Constitutional and Administrative Law. 12th ed. London: Routledge.
Belov, M. 2020. Introduction. In M. Belov, Courts, Politics and Constitutional Law: Judicialization of Politics and Constitutional Law: Judicization of Politics and Politicization of Judiciary. New York: Routledge.
Bertram, C. 2023. Jean Jacques Rousseau. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2023 Edition), June 21. Accessed November 16, 2023. https://plato.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo.cgi?entry=rousseau
Bok, H. 2018. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. E. Zalta, ed. Accessed November 17, 2023. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/
Boyle, J. 1985. The Politics of Reason: Critical Legal Theory and Local Social Thought. University of Pennsylvania Law Review 4, 685–780.
Brooks, E. 2023. Liberties. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://www.liberties.eu/en/stories/role-of-judiciary/44724
Cameron, E. 2008. “The Need for the Independence of the Judiciary and of the Legal Profession.” Advocate: Young Leaders Symposium, 34–38.
Centre for Science and Environment. 2018. India Environmental Portal. http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/content/459301/judgement-of-the-supreme-court-of-india-regarding-use-of-firecrackers-leading-to-air-pollution-in-delhi-ncr-23102018/
Chaskalson, A. 2009. Dignity and Justice for All. Maryland Journal of International Law 24(1): 24–39.
Chetty, K. 2023. “Judiciary: Zondo Faces Backlash. Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.” November 16.https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/judiciary-zondo-faces-backlash-7431e915-d19e-4d61-8607-0a70f5350fde
Davis, R. 2023. “Did Chief Justice Zondo Overstep the Mark in His Comments on Zuma? Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-15-did-chief-justice-zondo-overstep-the-mark-in-his-comments-on-zuma/
De Malberg, R. C. 1887. Histoire de l'exception en droit romain et dans l'ancienne procedure francaise. France: A. Rousseau.
De Vos, P. 2014. “Criticism of the Courts. Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.” Accessed January 9, 2023. https://constitutionallyspeaking.co.za/category/criticism-of-courts/
De Vos, P., and Freedman, W. 2014. South African Constitutional Law in Context. Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Diala, A. 2023. “South African Politicians vs Judges: New Book Defends the Constitution. Cape Town, Western Cape, Republic of South Africa.” Accessed July 18, 2024. https://theconversation.com/south-african-politicians-vs-judges-new-book-defends-the-constitution-217723
Dickson, C. J. 1986. Vlex. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://ca.vlex.com/vid/beauregard-v-can-681148521
Dingake, O. B. 2019. In Pursuit of Justice: Examining the Intersection of Philosophy, Politics & Law. Waigani: Marapa Publications.
Dingake, O. B., Hasic, N., Peppard, T., and Hayden, S. 2020. “Appointment of Judges and the Threat to Judicial Independence: Case Studies from Botswana, Swaziland, South Africa, and Kenya.” Southern Illinios University Law Journal 44, 407–432.
Dube, F. 2020. “Separation of Powers and the Institutional Supremacy of the Constitutional Court over Parliament and the Executive.” South African Journal on Human Rights 36(4): 293–318.
Dunning, W. A. 1920. History of Political Theories: From Rousseau to Spencer. New York: The Macmillan Company.
Eksteen, J. 2008. “Rule of Law and the Independent Judiciary.” World Conference of Advocates and Barristers. Dublin and Belfast: General Council of the Bar of South Africa.
Farr, J. 2015. “Locke’s Ideas, Rousseau”s Principles, and the General Will.” In J. Farr, and D. L. Williams, The General Will: The Evolution of the Concept.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Fitzpatrick, P., and Hunt, A. 1987. “Critical Legal Studies: Introduction.” Journal of Law and Society 14(1): 1–3. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1410292?seq=1
Galligan, D. J., and Versteeg, M. 2013. Social and Political Foundations of Constitutions. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Gordon, A., and Bruce, D. 2006. Transformation and the Independence of the Judiciary in South Africa. The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, 1–61.
Green, F. M. 2008. Constitutional Developments in the South Atlantic States, 1776-1860. New Jersey: The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd.
Hellen Suzman Foundation. 2022. “Press Release: Civil Society Responds to Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s Statements on the Justice System.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://hsf.org.za/news/press-releases/press-release-civil-society-responds-to-minister-lindiwe-sisulus-statements-on-the-justice-system
Heywood, A. 2013. Politics. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Hofelle, L., and Reddy, C. 2022. “Sisulu has Launched a Completely Unwarranted Attack on the Judiciary, says Zondo.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://ewn.co.za/2022/01/12/miss-sisulu-has-launched-a-completely-unwarranted-on-the-judiciary-zondo
Hunt, A. 1987. “The Critique of Law: What is ‘Critical’ about Critical Legal Theory?” Journal of Law and Society 14(1): 5–19.
Huq, A. Z. 2021. Why Judicial Independence Fails. Northwestern University Law Review, 115(4): 1055–1124.
Jowell, J. 2015. “The Rule of Law: A Practical and Universal Concept.” In The Importance of the Rule of Law in Promoting Development edited by C. Thomas, J. v Zyl Smit, and J. Jowell, 3–¬10. Singapore: Academy Publishing.
Judiciary RSA. 2023. “Historical Background.” Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/ocj/about-the-ocj/historical-background
Lamola, R. 2022. “Let’s Debate Positive Actions in Pursuit of Democratic Society.” BusinessDay. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2022-01-14-ronald-lamola-lets-debate-positive-actions-in-pursuit-of-democratic-society/
Langa, P. 2006. “Transformative Constitutionalism.” Stellenbosch Law Review, 351–360.
Leff, A. A. 1978. “Law and.” The Yale Law Journal 87(5): 989–1011.
Levy, B., Hirsch, A., Vinothan, N., and Nxele, M. 2021. “South Africa: When Strong Institutions and Massive Inequalities Collide.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1–86.
Mabuza, E. 2019. “‘Drunk Judge’ Motata Fined R1.1 million for Misconduct, gets to Keep Salary for Life.” TimesLive. Accessed October 3, 2024. https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-10-11-drunk-judge-motata-fined-r11m-for-misconduct-gets-to-keep-salary-for-life/#google_vignette
Mafora, D. 2023. Capture in the Court: In Defence of Judges and the Constitution. Cape Town: Tafelberg.
Magabe, T. T., and Kola, O. O. 2021. “Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances and Judicial Exercise of Self-restraint: an Analysis of Case Law.” Obiter 42(3): 547–560.
Marshall, G. 1971. Constitutional Theory. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Masilela, B. 2022. “Sisulu Crossed the Line by Insulting the Judiciary, says Zondo.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sisulu-crossed-the-line-by-insulting-the-judiciary-says-zondo-eb6fb501-8a1a-45ab-b5d1-274a7a8d56b7
Masumbe, P. E., and Qikani, S. 2024. “The Rule of Law through Judicial Activism in South Africa.” Internation Journal of Law: “Law and World”, 31–40.
Mathebe, L. 2021. The Constitutional Court of South Africa: Thoughts on its 25-Year-Long Legacy of Judicial Activism. Journal of Asian and African Studies 56(1): 18–33.
Mlambo, S. 2023. Independent Online (IOL). Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/judges-conference-wants-judiciary-s-institutional-independence-fast-tracked/ar-AA1l9REm
Mogoeng, M. 2018. “Foreword by the Chief Justice: From the Judiciary Annual Report, November 2018.” Accessed November 15, 2023. fromhttps://www.judiciary.org.za/images/Judiciarynewsletter/Judiciary_Newsletter_December_2018_v4.pdf
Mogoeng, M. 2023. “Constitutionalism and Upholding the Rule of Law in South Africa.” Accessed December 13, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/live/ppYt189yhYzA?feature=shared
Montesquieu, C. B. 1748. The Spirit of the Laws Book XI. Le Brede.
Moosa, M., and Hofmeyr, J. 2021. Afrobarometer. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.afrobarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ad474-south_africans_trust_in_institutions_reaches_new_low-afrobarometer-20aug21.pdf
Moseneke, D. 2002. “The Fourth Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture: Transformative Adjudication.” South Africa's Journal on Human Rights, 309–319.
Motala, Z. 1991. “Independence of the Judiciary, Prospects and Limitations of Judicial Review in Terms of the United States Model in a New South African Order: Towards an Alternative Judicial Structure.” Albany Law Review 55(2): 285–314.
Mpofu-Walsh, S. 2021. The New Apartheid. Cape Town: Tafelberg.
Msimang, M. 2022. “Lindiwe Sisulu’s Extraordinary Attack on South Africa’s Constitution.” Daily Maverick. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-09-lindiwe-sisulus-extraordinary-attack-on-south-africas-constitution/
Murray, C. 2001. “A Constitutional Beginning: Making South Africa’s Final Constitution.” University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review 23(3): 809–838.
Najar, I. R. 2023. “Separation of Power and Judicial Independence in the Context of the United States and the Indian Constitution: A Cratologial Critique.” Comparative Approaches in Law and Policy, 63–75.
Neumann, F. 1949. “Montesquieu.” In The Spirit of the Laws by B. D. Montesquieu, translated by T. Nugent, ix-lxiv. New York: Hafner Publishing Company.
Njilo, N. 2023. “Parliament is Incapable of Preventing Another State Capture Bid.” Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-22-parliament-is-incapable-of-preventing-another-state-capture-bid-says-chief-justice-zondo/
Oldfather, C. M. 2007. “Judges as Humans: Interdisciplinary Research and the Problems of Institutional Design.” Hafstra Law Review, 125–146.
Ominah, O. D. 2022. “Independence versus Accountability: A Case study of the Judiciary in Kenya with a Comparative Analysis of India and Colombia.” LLM thesis, Central European University.
Oxtoby, C., and Kronke, M. (n.d). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.unodc.org/res/ji/import/academic_articles_and_books/Public_Confidence_in_the_Judiciary/Public_Confidence_in_the_Judiciary.pdf
Proops, I. 2022. “Wittgenstein’s Logical Atomism.” In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, edited by E. N. Zalta, and U. Nodelman. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://plato.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/encyclopedia/archinfo.cgi?entry=wittgenstein-atomism
Ramjathan-Keogh, K. 2017. “The Importance of Promoting Judicial Independence in Southern African Region.” Southern African Litigation Centre, 10–15. Accessed February 2, 2024, from https://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/GOAL-16-Book-Ramjathan.pdf
Rousseau, J. J. 2017. “The Social Contract.” In The Social Contract: Book 2, edited and translated by J. Bennet. Jonathan Bennet.
Sachs, A. 1997. “The Creation of the South African Constitution.” New York Law School Review 41(2): 669–701.
Sibanda, S. 2020. “When do you Call Time on a Compromise? South Africa's Discourse on Transformation and the Future of Transformative Constitutionalism.” Law, Democracy & Development, 384–412.
Sikhakhane, M. 2023. “‘SA Constitution must be Rewritten’: Race and the Law, Threats to Black Advocates, ANC Failures.” Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf1dsV7GTEc
Singh, A., Singh, V. V., and Jain, P. 2023. “Judicial Activism and its Impact on Governance: A Comparative Analysis.” Social Science Journal, 7636–7655.
Sisulu, L. 2022. “Lindiwe Sisulu: Hi Mzansi, Have We Seen Justice?” IOL. Accessed January 10, 2024. https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/opinion/lindiwe-sisulu-hi-mzansi-have-we-seen-justice-d9b151e5-e5db-4293-aa21-dcccd52a36d3
Siyo, L., and Mubangizi, J. C. 2015. “The Independence of South African Judges: A Constitutional and Legislative Perspective.” Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal 18(4): 817–846.
Smith, B. S. 2023. Judges and Democratization: Judicial Independence in New Democracies. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
Tolibjonovic, M. T., and Raximjon o’g’li, G. O. 2021. “The Constitution is a Legal Guarantee for the Development of the Country and the Well-Being of Society.” International Journal of Computing Studies 3(2): 105–109.
Touchton, M., and Tyburski, M. 2022. “Judging the Market. Judicial Independence, the Rule of Law, and Economic Development.” International Journal for Innovation and Economic Development, 12–26.
Trang, D. T., and Duyen, N. T. 2022. “Separation of Powers in John Locke's Political Philosophy.” Synesis 14(1): 1–15.
Vile, M. J. 1998. Constitutionalism and the Separation of Powers. 2nd ed. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund.
Voigt, S., Gutmann, J., and Feld, L. P. 2015. “Economic Growth and Judicial Independence, a Dozen Years on: Cross-country Evidence Using an Updated Set of Indicators.” European Journal of Political Economy, 197–211.
Walfe, C. 1997. Judicial Activism: Bulwark of Freedom or Precarious Security? 2nd ed. Dallas: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Zamchiya, P. 2019. “Mining, Capital and Dispossession in Limpopo, South Africa.” Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies, 1–21.
Cases
Arjun Gopal & Others Vs Union of India & Others 2017 IA No. 92862 OF 2017.
Beauregard vs Canada (1986) 70 NR 1 (SCC).
Economic Freedom Fighters and Others v Speaker of the National Assembly and Another (CCT76/17) [2017]; 2018 (2) SA 571 (CC).
Government of the Republic of South Africa v Grootboom and Others 2001 1 SA 46 (CC).
Mazibuko v Sisulu 2013 (6) SA 249 (CC).
Minister of Health and Others v Treatment Action Campaign and Others (No 2) 2002 (5) SA 721 (CC).
Njongi v Member of the Executive Council, Department of Welfare, Eastern Cape 2008 (6) BCLR 571 (CC).
S and Others v Van Rooyen and Others (General Council of the Bar of South Africa Intervening) (CCT21/01) [2002] ZACC 8.
Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State v Zuma and Others 2021 CCT 52/21.
United Democratic Movement v Speaker, National Assembly [2017] ZACC 21; 2017 (5) SA 300.
Downloads
Published
2024-10-15
How to Cite
Dlanga, Thand'Olwethu. 2024. “The Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence in South Africa: A Theoretical Critique”. Journal of Law, Society and Development 11 (October):25 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/16368.
Issue
Section
Journal Articles
