Tribunal finds Judge President Mbenenge’s conduct ‘dishonourable’, but not gross misconduct

Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge has avoided a finding of gross misconduct but has been sharply criticised by a Judicial Conduct Tribunal for behaviour deemed unbecoming of a judicial officer. The tribunal found that his “flirtatious relationship” with a court secretary during work hours violated the Code of Judicial Conduct, saying his actions fell short of the honour expected of the judiciary. Legal expert Mpumelelo Zikalala unpacked what the 169-page ruling means for accountability and standards within South Africa’s legal system.