Masutha to review Radebe decision: solidarity

Justice Minister Michael Masutha told the Equality Court on Tuesday he would review his predecessor's decision not to appoint Martin Kroukamp as a senior magistrate, trade union Solidarity said.

"Minister Masutha also undertook to review the decision to withdraw and re-advertise 22 other senior magistrate's posts," spokesman Dirk Groenewald said in a statement.

The Justice Ministry could not immediately be reached for confirmation.

The union is representing Kroukamp in the Equality Court, claiming he was overlooked for a position at Alberton Magistrate's Court on the basis of his race.

Previously the union said it had information that the Magistrate's Commission allegedly recommended Kroukamp as the only suitable candidate.

Solidarity contends that former justice minister Jeff Radebe ignored the commission's recommendation, saying that Kroukamp's promotion would not promote transformation.

The union had subpoenaed Radebe to appear in the court, but at this stage he had "evaded being questioned by the court".

Groenewald said that if after Masutha's review Kroukamp was not appointed, Solidarity would need to approach the registrar of the court to have the matter re-enrolled.

"The public are entitled to the best administration of justice possible.

"Leaving senior posts vacant and withdrawing them later on the grounds that a white man will not promote transformation is simply unacceptable and must be fought tooth and nail," he said.