THE BENCH
Official Newsletter of the Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa
Seventh Edition · October 2026
A Message of Pride, Progress and Purpose
From the Office of the President, Mr Neelan Karikan
Justice, the Constitution and the nation we serve.
It is with profound pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I present the Seventh Edition of The Bench, the official newsletter of the Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa. October 2026 has been a month of historic significance for our nation and for the judiciary we serve. A daughter of Durban has been recognised by the world. New judicial officers have taken their oaths. The Madlanga Commission continues its vital work of restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system. And across our courts, magistrates continue the daily, often unsung, labour of delivering justice with integrity. This edition is dedicated to celebrating excellence, strengthening the rule of law, and equipping judicial officers with clear, practical guidance on the issues that most affect the people who appear before us. Every article has been written with the precision and care expected of senior counsel, grounded firmly in South African law, and offered in the spirit of professional solidarity.
Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa · Upholding Justice, Promoting Equity, Fostering Unity Page 1