Sachs explains politicians' use of courts, says people still trust legal system
While some critics have accused politicians of abusing and frustrating the courts, others have accused the courts of sometimes entering the political ring.
Former President Jacob Zuma at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on 20 March 2023. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The use of South African courts as a battleground for politics has become popular throughout the years of the country's democracy.
Some have described this as an abuse of the courts and the legal system.
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Over the years of the country’s democracy, more disputes of a political nature have made their way to South African courts.
Former President Jacob Zuma has become a regular attendee, occupying a seat in courts from KwaZulu-Natal to Johannesburg for countless matters.
While some critics have accused politicians of abusing and frustrating the courts, others have accused the courts of sometimes entering the political ring.
However, retired Justice Albie Sachs said the Constitution requires the courts to step in when constitutional rights and procedures are being violated.
"It’s called lawfare. Your first resort when you have a problem is not to debate the issue and get people on your side and win it in public debate, [it is to] run to court."
He said people still ran to the courts because they trusted them.