By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has apologised for his comments regarding the Israel, Palestine conflict.
“I, Mogoeng Mogoeng, the former Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, hereby apologise unconditionally for becoming involved in political controversy through my utterances at the online seminar (webinar) hosted by the Jerusalem Post on 23 June 2020, in which I participated,” he said in a statement.
The apology comes after the Judicial Conduct Appeals Committee has dismissed Mogoeng’s appeal against the Judicial Conduct Committee’s findings that he had involved himself in political controversy over South Africa’s policy on Israel.
The Committee last month ruled that Mogoeng breached the Judicial Code of Conduct by involving himself in matters that caused political controversy.
He had until midnight to retract his statement.
Mogoeng had previously remained adamant that his comments didn’t undermine South Africa’s Constitution but in a statement issued earlier, he affirmed he’s not above the law.
The Judicial Conduct Committee had been tasked with probing several complaints against Mogoeng and whether he contravened the code of judicial conduct.He was found guilty and then appealed.
But the Judicial Conduct Appeals Committee last month upheld the original instruction to apologise. The complaints were brought by Africa 4 Palestine, the SA BDS Coalition and the Women’s Cultural Group.
The Judicial Conduct Committee said this was for becoming involved in political controversy through his utterances at the online seminar hosted by the Jerusalem Post on 23 June 2020.
The committee, by a majority, has directed that a copy of the apology must be released by Mogoeng to the office of the Chief Justice and the media within 10 days of this decision.
South Africa has in the past not replaced its ambassador to Israel, and two years ago called for the embassy to be downgraded to a liaison office. South Africa also supports Palestine in its fight against Israel for land and resources.