Summary
The Honourable Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chairperson of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum (SEACJF), Honourable Chief Justice Bhekie M. C. Maphalala, delivered powerful remarks during the 2025 SEACJF Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana. In his address, Chief Justice Maphalala emphasized the importance of judicial independence, accountability, and the rule of law as the foundation of democratic governance. He also called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, condemned ongoing injustices in Gaza, and urged African nations to pursue economic liberation and unity in the face of modern neo-colonialism.
Full Speech
In his address, Chief Justice Maphalala expressed gratitude to His Excellency President and Advocate Duma Gideon Boko and the Government of Botswana for hosting the 2025 SEACJF Conference. He congratulated President Boko on his leadership and commitment to democratic values and Pan-African progress.
Chief Justice Maphalala reaffirmed SEACJF’s founding mandate — to promote judicial independence, defend the rule of law, ensure transparent judicial appointments, and protect the welfare and dignity of judges across Southern and Eastern Africa.
He highlighted the conference theme, “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” noting that while judges must remain independent, they also carry a moral and constitutional obligation to be accountable to the public.
The Chief Justice addressed pressing global and continental challenges, including the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and criticized the United Nations Security Council’s veto system, which he argued undermines international justice and equality. He called for Africa’s permanent representation on the Council and the abolition of veto powers that hinder effective action.
Turning to Africa’s own challenges, he decried the continued economic exploitation of the continent’s natural resources, describing it as a modern form of neo-colonialism that perpetuates poverty despite Africa’s vast wealth.
Chief Justice Maphalala also questioned the fairness of the International Criminal Court, arguing that its selective focus on African leaders fosters perceptions of bias and undermines its legitimacy.
In conclusion, he thanked the Judiciary of Botswana, the Forum Secretariat, and all delegates for their contributions, reaffirming SEACJF’s dedication to advancing justice and strengthening the integrity of judicial institutions throughout Africa.
Chief Justice Maphalala reaffirmed SEACJF’s founding mandate — to promote judicial independence, defend the rule of law, ensure transparent judicial appointments, and protect the welfare and dignity of judges across Southern and Eastern Africa.
He highlighted the conference theme, “Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law,” noting that while judges must remain independent, they also carry a moral and constitutional obligation to be accountable to the public.
The Chief Justice addressed pressing global and continental challenges, including the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and criticized the United Nations Security Council’s veto system, which he argued undermines international justice and equality. He called for Africa’s permanent representation on the Council and the abolition of veto powers that hinder effective action.
Turning to Africa’s own challenges, he decried the continued economic exploitation of the continent’s natural resources, describing it as a modern form of neo-colonialism that perpetuates poverty despite Africa’s vast wealth.
Chief Justice Maphalala also questioned the fairness of the International Criminal Court, arguing that its selective focus on African leaders fosters perceptions of bias and undermines its legitimacy.
In conclusion, he thanked the Judiciary of Botswana, the Forum Secretariat, and all delegates for their contributions, reaffirming SEACJF’s dedication to advancing justice and strengthening the integrity of judicial institutions throughout Africa.