Johannesburg — THOUGH some commentators have pooh-poohed it, apprehension among judges about proposed legislation on the judiciary is justified. The five bills in question are an attack on its independence. One of the pillars on which our constitutional democracy rests is consequently being undermined.
Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla says the bills are not "cast in stone". Her implied willingness to compromise is welcome. But her remark should not beguile anyone into believing that the bills' offensive thrust can be remedied by a concession here and an assurance there. The objections to several key components are fundamental.
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