Is the Constitutional Court within its powers when it rules against decisions made in Parliament? Or is it stepping across the line between separate branches of government?

Setting out to answer these questions, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law is set to host a public lecture, “The functions of an apex court: Who empowered 11 unelected judges to strike down laws of a democratically elected parliament?” on Wednesday, 2 April 2025.

The lecture will explore the judicial process and the limits of judicial authority in South Africa, and will take place from 09:00 to 11:00 via Microsoft Teams.

Guest speaker Justice Albert ‘Albie’ Louis Sachs, a South African activist and former Constitutional Court judge, will lead the discussion.

Justice Sachs has participated in major legal debates and played a role in reform efforts, offering insight into the interplay between judicial review and legislative decisions. His career reflects years of engagement with constitutional matters and legal activism, making him a central figure in contemporary discussions about the power of the judiciary.

Lecture host, Prof Howard Chitimira, says: “This lecture offers a forum to analyse the balance of power within our legal system. It allows us to understand the impact of judicial review on our democratic process.”

His comment reflects the commitment of the faculty to foster a clear discussion on the separation of powers and the influence of legal decisions on public policy.

The session is expected to engage academics, legal practitioners and students in a comprehensive examination of judicial limits and the roles played by apex courts in South Africa’s evolving democracy.

Interested parties can join the public lecture via this MS Teams link on 2 April at 11:00