MK Party wants judges to declare their wealth
The party said if parliamentarians were required to do so as elected officials who were accountable to the public, then the same should apply to the judiciary.
Picture: AFP
CAPE TOWN - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party wants judges to declare their wealth.
The party said if parliamentarians were required to do so as elected officials who were accountable to the public, then the same should apply to the judiciary.
MK parliamentary leader, John Hlophe, was the Western Cape High Court judge president for over 20 years before his impeachment.
The party on Wednesday said given that judges wielded immense constitutional power and influence over the citizenry, they should be held to an even higher standard of scrutiny.
The MK Party said that since the country's poorest citizens can't afford legal services, South Africa can't shield judges from the same transparency as other arms of state.
MPs are required to annually declare their assets, investments and gifts received to Parliament, with several sanctioned by the House each year for missing deadlines.
MK Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlela, said judges should be subjected to lifestyle audits.
"This is not an attack on the judiciary, but a defence of democracy and the will of the people. Transparency is not a threat. It's a necessity."
The MK Party suggested that these declarations include how assets had been accumulated, financial interests, political affiliations, home and vehicle loans, banking institution, and international travel.
"As long as judges continue to operate in a cocoon of untouchability, the rule of law remains at risk."
The party said it would continue to push for a constitutional change to parliamentary sovereignty to ensure decisions taken were not reversed by the courts.