UMkhonto Wesizwe Party’s national leader and former Judge President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, Dr John Hlophe told President Cyril Ramaphosa to refrain from addressing him as a judge after he removed him from the title in 2023.
Dr John was removed from his position after the Judicial Service Commission found him guilty of gross misconduct which allegedly included the former judge president approaching Constitutional Court judges, Chris Jafta and Bess Nkabinde, in an attempt to influence their decision in favour of Jacob Zuma who was in trial for corruption related allegations.
His removal was in line with section 177 (1) (b) of the constitution with about 305 members of the National Assembly voting for his removal while only 27 voted against it.
Speaking at the National Assembly Plenary: Debate on Vote 1: Reply by President, Dr John who was addressed by President Cyril as Judge John Hlophe said, “Chair, President Ramaphosa, just one thing I need to say to you, please don’t call me Judge Hlophe, you know why. You know better than I. Don’t call me Judge Hlophe please.”
MK Party Caucus leader Dr. John Hlophe asks President Cyril Ramaphosa not to refer to him as Judge Hlophe pic.twitter.com/lZ33zyLoQu
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) July 23, 2024
Internet users seemed to be in agreement with the political party leader’s refusal to be given a title that was removed from him by the president, taking time to comment on the post with:
Yes , Cyril ganged up with racists to remove him as a judge.
— Nkwame Nkrumah (@DoctorShange) July 23, 2024
Others shared:
The Hon MP Dr Hlophe is a stickler for protocol. Very refreshing. Even to reporters to focus on the subject matter at hand and not wander off on all sorts of issues.
— Tjiyapo (@Velempini) July 23, 2024
Another user added:
He must now tell MKP supporters that he is not Judge Hlophe ??? so that they can listen to us when we remind them.
— NyanaWomntu (@Nyana_Ka_Zodwa) July 23, 2024
Also see: Zizi Kodwa to face testimony of six state witnesses
