There have been several controversies over judicial appointments as the judiciary is faced with the challenge of developing itself to represent the modern South Africa. Calls were also made during the year to increase judicial accountability. Substantial efforts are being made to correct the injustices of the past, but serious human rights violations still remain.
However, the respect for human rights remains fundamental to South Africa’s new constitutional system.
The judiciary is independent and has issued several landmark judgements on human rights.
Attacks on Justice 2000 – South Africa [full text, PDF]