Boko encourages judges to speak truth to power
Mpho Mokwape | Monday October 13, 2025 09:59
Speaking at the opening of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum in Gaborone on Wednesday, the President said the judiciary must not only be free from interference, but also firm in defending the rule of law, no matter the pressure.
The four-day forum, hosted by the Administration of Justice (AoJ), brought together judges, lawyers, legal scholars, and court administrators from across the region to share experiences and strengthen justice systems.
This year’s theme is ‘Judicial Independence and Accountability in Safeguarding the Rule of Law.’
In his address, President Boko stressed that a strong and independent judiciary is the backbone of any democratic society and that courts must remain free from political influence, but that independence must be matched by competence and integrity.
“We cannot have a judiciary that is timid or unsure. Judges must be bold. They must speak truth to power without fear. But boldness is not enough. They must also be learned deeply grounded in the law, so their decisions are not only fair, but wise and reasoned,” he said.
President Boko added that justice is not something that can be declared; it must be earned through consistent action, and he warned that if judges allow themselves to be swayed by politics or fear, then the courts lose credibility and the people lose faith in the system.
He explained that judicial independence is not a luxury; it is a necessity, and that the courts must be a shield for the people because if that shield cracks, then everything else, including people’s rights, freedoms, and democracy, becomes vulnerable.
He also spoke about accountability, saying judges must not be above scrutiny.
“Independence must be paired with responsibility. Judges must explain their decisions clearly, uphold ethical standards, and remain open to public oversight not through political interference, but through transparent systems that protect both justice and public trust,” he said.
Boko also stated that the country remains committed to strengthening its own legal system and will continue to share its experiences with regional partners. “This forum must be more than talk. It must lead to action. Let us commit to building courts that serve the people, protect the law, and stand firm in the face of pressure.”
Chief Justice Gaolapelwe Ketlogetswe also gave a powerful opening address, echoing the President’s call for integrity and courage in the judiciary. He said the work of a judge requires more than knowledge, as it demands a deep commitment to justice and a refusal to be swayed by fear or favour.
“When a person stands before a judge, they bring with them hope, hope for fairness, hope that the law will protect them. We must not betray that hope. Every decision we make must be rooted in truth, reason, and respect for the law,” he said.
During his official remarks, Ketlogetswe acknowledged the challenges facing courts in the region, from underfunding and delays to public scepticism and many more.
He said this is why forums like that are essential, to unite the judiciary in defending its independence and improving its performance.
“The seat of a judge is not a seat of power, but of responsibility. We are not here to rule over people. We are here to serve them. Our duty is to the Constitution, to the law, and to the truth,” he said.
He urged judges to stay up to date with legal developments, international standards, and the evolving needs of society.
“Judging is not static. We must keep learning. We must keep growing. The world is changing, and the law must keep up and so must we,” he said.
The Chief Justice called for greater cooperation among regional judiciaries, including sharing resources, training, and peer support to help courts operate more effectively and independently.
“This forum is a reminder that we are not alone. The challenges we face are not unique to one country. By working together, we can build stronger, fairer, and more resilient judicial systems,” he said.
The forum continued with discussions on judicial reform, access to justice, strengthening public trust, and improving accountability without undermining judicial independence.
Participants also explored practical ways to protect judges from undue pressure while also ensuring that courts remain open, fair, and transparent.
The gathering includes delegates from across Southern and Eastern Africa, including Chief Justices, senior judges, lawyers, court managers, and legal academics. It aims to produce shared solutions that can be adapted across different legal systems.
Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala of the Kingdom of Eswatini and chairperson of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum, in closing the first session, said that as the forum progresses, there is a shared understanding that the stakes are high.
“Across the region, courts face growing challenges from limited resources to political pressure and declining public confidence; we need reforms to transform the judiciary to a much-desired system,' said Ketlogetswe.He made it clear that the path forward requires unity, courage, and a renewed commitment to justice.