‘SWAZI CJ? READ THE CONSTITUTION

The lawyers who were yesterday admitted as attorneys of the High Court pose with Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi (3rd R) outside the High Court.

MBABANE – Chief Justice (CJ) Michael Ramodibedi says those who say by now there should be a Swazi CJ as per the Constitution should read Section 157.

The CJ made these comments yesterday when admitting 42 lawyers as attorneys of the High Court of Swaziland.
He urged those who say this to read Section 157 of the Constitution as there was nowhere where it talks about a CJ.

Section 157 of the Constitution of Swaziland under the appointment of justices of the superior courts on contract provides that: (1) a person who is not a citizen of Swaziland shall not be appointed as justice of a superior court after seven years from the commencement of the Constitution.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed between the contracting parties, a judge on contract shall vacate office at the end of the period provided in the contract.

The CJ also told the newly-admitted lawyers that they should always emulate good things from the good lawyers in the country.
“Do not copy from the black sheep but emulate those who uphold the rule of law. Remember that you were admitted because you are fit and proper people to practice law in the country,” the CJ said.

He said there was also a concern about the poor standards exhibited by some lawyers in the country. The CJ, however, noted that there were some good lawyers in the country.
“Some lawyers steal from clients’ accounts but I am warning you not steal from clients,” he stated.
The CJ further told the lawyers that there was a new phenomenon where some lawyers who call themselves legal experts make comments in the media about the Constitution.

“Good lawyers make submissions in court. We expect lawyers to be role models and they should be ethical,” he stated.
The CJ congratulated the newly-admitted attorneys and further wished them well in the profession before inviting them for a group photo outside the High Court building.

Friends and relatives of those who were admitted as attorneys yesterday flocked the High Court to witness the event as they took oath before the CJ
The swearing-in of the new lawyers was conducted by the Registrar of the High Court Fikile Nhlabatsi, who was assisted by Assistant High Court Registrar Qwasho Hlophe.

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