Eastern Cape Judge Buyiswa Majiki has sought to alleviate concerns of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) regarding the state of the Mthatha high court, following allegations of corruption. Majiki, one of four candidates being interviewed for the deputy judge president post in the Gqeberha high court, detailed improvements made in the court over the past year. The Mthatha high court was a focal point during the interviews after allegations in December 2024 of bribery and missing court files.
Majiki attributed the improvements to oversight visits by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya in 2025 and 2026. She stated that operations have improved, ensuring access to justice for litigants. The judge described the allocation of court dates to preferred law firms as "a thing of the past." Majiki emphasized her diligence in checking the court roll to identify anomalies. She noted that new firms are now represented in the court rolls, indicating a positive change.
Majiki, with 13 years of experience as a judge, revealed that a single firm previously dominated the court roll, suggesting preferential treatment by the registrar's office. However, she confirmed that changes at the registrar's office, including staff reassignments, have contributed to the improved situation. The issue of lost files has also been addressed, with temporary files no longer being used in motion courts.
The judge identified a lack of capacity and resources as contributing factors to the court's operational troubles. She noted that personnel were often assigned tasks beyond their roles, leading to inefficiencies. However, Majiki stated that this issue has been resolved, with staff now serving in designated positions. Vacancies are being addressed through a formal process.
Despite progress, Majiki acknowledged that resources remain a challenge for the court. The registrar's office in Mthatha has only two registrars, affecting the turnaround time for taxations. The judge emphasized the need for adequate resources to ensure the court's effective operation.
The issue of sexual harassment in the province was also discussed, with Judge President Selby Mbenenge facing a complaint from a judges' secretary, Andiswa Mengo. Acting Judge President Zamani Nhlangulela noted resistance to discussing the issue in the division. Majiki agreed that there was reluctance to address the topic in-depth and suggested incorporating it into social and formal judges' meetings.
The JSC interviews will continue, with the commission seeking to stabilize leadership in the province. Majiki's responses aimed to demonstrate her ability to address the challenges facing the Mthatha high court and her suitability for the deputy judge president position.
Key points
- Judge Buyiswa Majiki attributes improvements in the Mthatha high court to oversight visits by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.
- The court has addressed issues of bribery and missing files, with changes at the registrar's office contributing to the positive changes.
- Resources remain a challenge for the court, with the registrar's office in Mthatha having only two registrars.
