Judges Matter raises concerns over Malema remarks
The HSF argues that Malema’s conduct raises concerns about his suitability to serve on the JSC
Black News 
Judiciary watchdog Judges Matter says criticism of judicial officers by Julius Malema could undermine public confidence.
This comes after the Helen Suzman Foundation filed papers in the Western Cape High Court seeking to compel Parliament to determine whether Malema remains fit to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The application follows Malema’s five-year prison sentence linked to the discharge of a firearm at a public event in 2018.
The sentence is currently under appeal.
Judges Matter Research and Advocacy Officer Mbekezeli Benjamin says the foundation argues that Malema’s conduct and public statements raise concerns about his suitability to serve on the commission.
Benjamin says, “Helen Suzman Foundation argues that Mr Malema’s public statements, including the guilty finding and other ethical violations he’s made in the past, make him unsuitable to continue to serve as a member of the Judicial Service Commission. The effect of Mr Malema’s statement is that they undermine public trust in the Judiciary. They also violate section 165 of the Constitution.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned the court application.
In a statement, the party described the legal challenge as part of a broader effort to delegitimise voices within the JSC that question accountability and transformation in the judiciary.
The EFF also accused the Helen Suzman Foundation of targeting Malema personally and said it would not be intimidated by what it described as court actions backed by liberal pressure groups defending political and economic elites.
The EFF’s Statement Condemning Helen Suzman Foundation’s Court Bid Against CIC Julius Malema
-This application is a dangerous and dishonest attempt to redefine democratic criticism as constitutional misconduct. The implication advanced by the Helen Suzman Foundation is that… pic.twitter.com/CAoXf6uFq9
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 17, 2026
