Chairperson, section 174(8) of the Constitution of South Africa provides that before judicial officers such as judges begin to perform their functions, they must take an oath or affirm that they will uphold and protect the Constitution. Also, they will uphold and protect the human rights entrenched in the Constitution and administer justice to all persons alike, without fear or prejudice, in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
In view hereof, the Judicial Service Commission Act of 1994 provides that a code of conduct, which serves as the standard judicial conduct that judges must adhere to, must be implemented. Judges must therefore exercise caution when dealing with other extrajudicial functions, and they must clearly separate their work from their other private business and interests.
The committee has sat and approved the code, which was made available, and therefore we will ask this House to accept and approve the report. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.