Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has announced the introduction of a Sexual Harassment Policy for the South African Judiciary.
According to the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), the policy is aimed at “safeguarding the integrity of the courts and protecting the dignity of all who serve within them”.
Key principles of the policy are:
• Zero tolerance for sexual harassment by or against any judicial officer, staff member, or individual engaging with the Judiciary.
• Clear, confidential, and fair procedures for reporting and addressing complaints, with protections against retaliation.
• Accountability, with disciplinary consequences for offenders.
• A safe and respectful workplace, free from discrimination and intimidation.
“This policy reiterates the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to the Constitutional values of human dignity, equality, and justice, and sends a clear message: sexual harassment has no place in the halls of justice.
“As custodians of the Constitution, Judges and Magistrates bear a profound responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct and South Africa’s own Judicial Codes of Conduct demand nothing less.
“Yet, where sexual harassment occurs within the Judiciary, it is not only a personal violation; it is also an affront to the rule of law itself, eroding public trust and betraying the very principles the institution exists to defend and uphold,” the OCJ said in a statement.
The policy is also aimed at entrenching a culture of accountability and respect.
The Chief Justice described the policy as a “necessary and urgent intervention”.
“The Judiciary cannot dispense justice to society if it does not first ensure it within its own ranks. Sexual harassment is a gross abuse of power, a denial of equality, and a stain on the legitimacy of the courts. We are going to tackle it head on and this Policy will be a very useful mechanism in that battle.
“This is not merely a document; it is a covenant with the people of South Africa. We must lead by example,” she said.
The policy can be accessed on : https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/judiciary/legal-instruments
– SAnews.gov.za
