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John Hlophe, a former South African judge who was impeached about five months ago, is now the leader of the opposition in parliament. “Watch this space. See him perform on Friday,” said Dr. Hlophe’s lawyer, Barnabas Xulu.
Dr. Hlophe’s journey from a celebrated judge to an impeached one, and now a politician, is intertwined with former President Jacob Zuma, who made a remarkable comeback in the May 29 general election. Despite being barred from parliament due to a previous jail sentence, Mr. Zuma’s new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (Spear of the Nation), secured third place in the election. Unable to take a seat in parliament himself, Mr. Zuma appointed Dr. Hlophe as Leader of the Opposition.
This position, with an annual salary of nearly 1.7 million rand ($94,000), comes as a relief to Dr. Hlophe, who reportedly lost his judge’s pension following his impeachment for gross misconduct.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), previously the second-largest party, joined President Ramaphosa’s coalition government after his African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994. This coalition move elevated MK to the official opposition.
Dr. Hlophe, born in 1959, rose from humble beginnings as a child laborer to attain a PhD from the UK’s University of Cambridge. He actively challenged apartheid laws as a lawyer before becoming an academic and later a judge. Despite advocating for the “Africanisation” of South Africa’s legal system, Dr. Hlophe’s judicial career ended in controversy, including accusations of trying to influence judges in a case involving Mr. Zuma.
Dr. Hlophe’s entry into politics marks a new chapter. He joined MK, calling it his “ideal” political home. His impeachment, stemming from allegations of misconduct, has not deterred his political ambitions. He is now a member of parliament’s justice committee and MK’s representative on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which had found him guilty of gross misconduct.
Critics, including the campaign group Freedom Under Law, plan to challenge his appointment to the JSC, arguing that it is irrational for an impeached judge to be involved in appointing other judges. Despite opposition from the DA and the Freedom Front Plus, the ANC supported his appointment to the JSC.
William Gumede of Wits University’s School of Governance noted that the ANC’s support for Dr. Hlophe reflects his continued popularity among black voters. How he performs in parliament could determine his political future and MK’s growth.
Dr. Hlophe’s background as a laborer for a wealthy sugar-cane farmer who financed his education contrasts sharply with his current role. His comments about his tough childhood and the racial inequalities in South Africa serve as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing struggles with its apartheid past.
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