Judge candidate says courts must address sexual harassment every day

A candidate for the position of Deputy Judge President of the Eastern Cape High Court has told the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that there has been reluctance to address sexual harassment issues within the division.

Kgomotso Modise reports for EWN that Judge Buyiswa Majiki, the second candidate interviewed for the position, was questioned about the division's handling of sexual harassment during her appearance before the JSC on Tuesday.

The questioning came against the background of a sexual harassment scandal involving Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge.

Mbenenge was accused of sexual harassment by High Court clerk Andiswa Mengo in 2025. The matter is being challenged in the courts.

Majiki was asked about a commitment she made during her 2025 interview to ensure that the court's sexual harassment policy was embraced.

She said she had suggested to the Acting Judge President that addressing sexual harassment should become part of the division's routine activities.

Majiki proposed that the issue be included in meetings held at the beginning of each court term, as well as social gatherings and presentations, saying it was an issue that members of the judiciary had to “live with”.

Her comments came as the JSC continues its interviews for senior judicial leadership positions.