The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is facing mounting criticism for what observers describe as a dramatic collapse in its ability to process misconduct complaints against judges. Over the past four years, unresolved cases have ballooned to unprecedented levels, raising questions about accountability and public trust in the courts. According to the latest annual reporting cycle, the JSC’s judicial conduct committee (JCC) resolved just 29% of complaints in the 2024-25 financial year.
This marks a sharp decline from 56% the previous year and a dramatic fall from the 94% resolution rate recorded in 2021-22. In 2024-25 alone, the JSC received 132 new complaints – the highest in four years – yet only 38 were finalised. That left 94 matters, nearly three‑quarters of the total, unresolved and carried into the next financial year.
The backlog has accelerated year‑on‑year. In 2021-22, only six complaints remained unresolved. That figure grew to 21 in 2022-23, surged to 55 in 2023-24, and nearly doubled again in the current reporting period.
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Across four years, the JSC received 445 complaints and resolved 269, leaving 176 still pending – about 40% of the total. Most complaints lodged in 2024-25 relate to alleged breaches of the Code of Judicial Conduct, including failures of diligence, fair trial obligations, honourable conduct and equality. Of the complaints resolved during the period, most were dismissed on preliminary grounds. Meanwhile, unresolved cases include two complaints against a Johannesburg acting judge.
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