Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to a statement made by hon Pilane-Majake, the Whip of the committee on justice and correctional services, relating to the recently published regulations requiring judges to disclose their financial interests.
Let me start by saying that upon appointment, judges relinquish their career pursuits and succumb to earning what one hopes is a decent salary and benefits. Upon their appointment, judges in return are required also, in terms of the new regulations, to disclose any other financial interests that they may hold.
This also applies to judges who have been discharged from active service whom, by the way, with Ministerial approval, are entitled to apply for permission to pursue any income-generating activity that they too are required to disclose their financial interest in terms of these regulations.
We think these regulations are a step forward to promoting general transparency and openness, and reinforcing confidence in the judiciary on the part of members of the public.
It is also especially to ensure that a potential or actual conflict of interest is minimised by making sure that members of the judiciary lay bare their financial interests in order to ensure that even litigants are conscious of any financial interest that could affect the perceived objectivity of judges in their adjudication work. I thank you.