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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Parliament demands Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to apologise for racial comment after advocate skips trial for Comrades Marathon
Parliament demands Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to apologise over racially charged comments he made when one of the advocates to him he will miss court to run a marathon. The chairperson of the portfolio committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has demanded Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng to apologise to the national over the racially charged comment he made in court on Thursday. Mokgoatlheng made the comment after advocate Charles Mnisi requested to be excused from proceedings on Monday to participate in the Comrades Marathon. "This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call Uncle Tom, I don't think a white advocate will ever have the gall to ask me that. Never," said Mokgoatlheng. Nqola said the comments border on racism and added that the statement was unacceptable. "The incompetence or behaviour of legal practitioners has nothing to do with race, as he has alluded to in court. The remarks are extremely unfortunately and a gross generalisation," said Nqola. Nqola added that Mokgoatlheng's frustration was understandable, however, it's unacceptable to imply black legal professionals act unprofessionally compared to their white counterparts. "We urge him to refrain from such gross generalisations. Furthermore, we demand that Judge Mokgoatlheng withdraws his comments and apologise to the nation."
The South African
4 days ago
- General
- The South African
Deputy ministers partner up to protect children
On 4 June 2025, The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel will be joining forces with the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike. The two departments are hosting a Community and Youth Engagement event in Mitchells Plain under the theme, 'Protection of Children is in Their Best Interest'. According to both ministries, the event will focus on unpacking the constitutional principle of 'the best interests of the child'. They said the event will also educate and empower parents, children, caregivers as well as the broader community about the rights of children. 'The session aims to strengthen community-based responses to child protection and promote a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding children's well-being', said spokesperson of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Kgalalelo Masibi. The disappearance of Joshlin Smith thrust the Western Cape into the spotlight, particularly on matters pertaining to child protection. The unfolding of the case has also sparked debate regarding the overall protection of children by their parents and caregivers. According to Masibi, during the community engagement, both ministries aim to delve deeper into circumstances and examples that contribute to children's rights being violated . 'The programme will include keynote addresses by both Deputy Ministers and the Acting Deputy Judge President, Judge Erasmus', said Masibi. According to Masibi, attendees will benefit from a series of expert-led presentations on key child protection issues such as:• The legal principle of the best interests of the child• Child maintenance and legal safeguards• Cyberbullying and digital safety• Child trafficking• Intermediary services • Protection of LGBTQIA+ children and children affected by gender-based violence
IOL News
30-05-2025
- IOL News
Life terms reflect the gravity of child trafficking amid Child Protection Week awareness
The Joshlin Smith trial has gained significant attention as it coincides with National Child Protection Week, a period dedicated to raising awareness about child safety. This year's theme is: "Working Together to End Violence Against Children." On Thursday, Judge Nathan Erasmus of the Western Cape High Court in Saldanha sentenced Jacquen Appollis, Steveno van Rhyn, and Kelly Smith to life imprisonment for human trafficking, alongside 10 years for kidnapping. This trial, which unfolded over a matter of weeks, was one of the most anticipated cases in South Africa. Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi welcomed the sentencing, stating that it brings a measure of justice in what has been an emotionally charged case. "Our hearts remain heavy for Joshlin and for every child who suffers harm," Kubayi expressed. "No court ruling can undo the trauma or return what was lost. However, this sentence sends a strong message that those who violate the innocence and trust of our children will face the full consequences of the law." The Minister further emphasised the significance of the ruling, noting that it aligns with National Child Protection Week, a time when the nation reflects on safeguarding the rights and dignity of all children. "During this week, we are reminded that the safety and well-being of children is not only a legal obligation but a moral duty we all share," Kubayi added.
The South African
21-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
What time will Ramaphosa meet Trump?
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday in an effort to reset relations between the two countries. Recently, tensions have escalated between the US and South Africa, as Trump has accused the South African government of discriminating against minorities, particularly Afrikaners. Ramaphosa will be accompanied by four key ministers: Ronald Lamola, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development; Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Minister in the Presidency; John Steenhuisen, the Agriculture Minister; and Parks Tau, the Trade and Competition Minister. Also joining Ramaphosa's delegation will be prominent South African businessman Johann Rupert, along with former golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. There were rumours that South African-born billionaire Elon Musk would attend the meeting, but reports indicate he may not be present. Ramaphosa is expected to arrive at the White House around 17:30 (SA time) for the important bilateral meeting with Trump on Wednesday. Political analyst Boitumelo Senokoane says Ramaphosa must be well prepared when meeting Trump on Wednesday. 'As soon as he (Donald Trump) gets the deal that he wants to achieve, he will argue that he was convinced otherwise. He's not naïve, he's not a fool, he knows what's happening on the ground, he knows the history of South Africa. So, it's not about the Afrikaners, it's about him bullying the world,' he said as per JacarandaFM . Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Justice Minister Kubayi heads to Ghana for crucial International Criminal Court retreat on Kampala Amendments
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi travels to Accra for a key ICC retreat, advancing Africa's unified stance on the Kampala Amendments and strengthening international justice cooperation. Image: File Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is travelling to Accra, Ghana, on Monday to participate in a high-level retreat on the Kampala Amendments and International Criminal Justice from May 19 to 21, 2025. The retreat will bring together Ministers of Justice and senior officials from all 33 African States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as representatives from the ICC Presidency, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, African Union officials, and international legal experts. These amendments define the Crime of Aggression and establish the conditions under which the ICC can exercise jurisdiction over it, said Terrence Manase, spokesperson to the Minister. According to Manase, an act of aggression includes using armed force by one state against another in violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter, such as invasion, military occupation, annexation by force, bombardment, or blockade. 'The Ministry welcomes this opportunity for meaningful engagement and continental collaboration as African States continue to shape a credible and effective international criminal justice system.' 'Minister Kubayi's participation highlights the country's support for multilateralism, the fight against impunity, and the advancement of an inclusive and balanced global justice system,'' he said. The retreat builds on a successful pilot meeting held in Johannesburg in October 2024, which raised awareness and fostered a sense of ownership among African States Parties in advocating for a fair and legitimate crime of aggression regime. 'The Johannesburg retreat was a turning point. It laid the foundation for Africa to speak with one voice on the issue of aggression and the future of international justice,' said Manase. 'This next phase in Accra is about consolidating that progress and finalising a unified African position.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Manase noted that the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression are a set of legal changes adopted in 2010 at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), held in Kampala, Uganda. The retreat, organised in partnership with the Ministries of Justice of Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, will further deliberate on an amendment proposal submitted by the Group of Friends (GoF), a coalition of supportive states. 'The Minister views this as an essential step in strengthening the global justice system from an African perspective,' Manase said. Manase said the goal is to finalise a unified African position on the Kampala Amendments ahead of discussions at the Assembly of States Parties. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
