Creator
Johann van der Westhuizen
Johann van der Westhuizen, who assisted in drafting South Africa’s constitution, is a retired justice of the Constitutional Court, the founding director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights and a former inspecting judge of Correctional Services. The views expressed are his own
‘Jesus on whiskey’ in the highest court
Kris Kristofferson, who died a week ago, was as candid and deep as the lyrics in his country music
Pravin Gordhan was an intimidating revolutionary with a big heart
In everything he did during apartheid and after 1994 he literally gave his life to his country
Mandela and Socrates: Dignified justice from different ages
The revolutionary and the philosopher held values that have stood true for two millennia This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The…
Racism, respect and war in rugby
The accusation that Bongi Mbonambi directed racist language at an England player reminds us that we should not cheapen the dangers of racism in sport
Democracy and human rights at the crossroads
Capitalism may be democracy’s enemy. Democracy has become a brand name, used by even fascist dictators. We may not abandon it though
Can the Springbok, which divided us so painfully, again inspire us?
The history of our rugby team often runs parallel to that of our conflicted, divided society
Kafka and the president’s men in Warsaw
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s peace mission to Ukraine and Russia shows what happens when politics sinks to the absurd
Judges must deserve respect and trust
Any belief that the legal system is run on corruption is liable to become a self-fulfilling prophecy
When crime is cloaked as religion
Religion is often the business plan of fraudsters who lie effortlessly to their congregants
Wither the future of democracy?
In a changing world it cannot be business as usual for human rights and democracy thinkers
Are the Road Accident Fund and other legal institutions imploding?
The example of the Road Accident Fund raises the question of whether the law, as applied by officials, is protecting people
What makes a war crime, when war itself is monstrous?
The law around war crimes unrealistically demands necessity, minimum human suffering and honour
An allegory of gluttony and greed: Corruption, SA’s deadly cancer
When it contaminates every level of a society, becoming part of the economy, legal system, culture and lifestyle, the end is nigh
Walus, Zuma: Judges are not intimidated
The courts must be commended for upholding the law, but the Ngcobo report brings a new challenge
Can courts choose between the law and its consequences?
Judicial officers swear to administer justice ‘without fear, favour or prejudice’, but must consider the needs of society and what is practically doable