Gauteng High Court: Interview of Prof M R Phooko - Judges Matter (October 2024)

[@mphoskhosana2286]

Cometh the hour cometh the man. Prof Phooko is the man, brave and resolute. Holding 4 qualifications. Written over 40 judgments, only 1 was overturned on appeal. He never slept on reserved judgments for over 5 months. Yet he is forced to withdraw his candidature because of some settled past conduct which is now being used as a stumbling block against him. I really think the JSC has missed an opportunity of providing us with a sound and sober judge, may God bless this man abundantly. 😢😢😢😢

[@Falcon2024-u2i]

I think this is one of the best interviews that I have seen on this platform, I am extremely impressed by the Prof high EQ levels. Unfortunately, such candidature might be lost in the crack of the system as there is a possibility that he will not come back. Prof your intellect is not in question, your articulation of the law is flawless in my lament's mind. I pray that you will not be discouraged as I sincerely believe in your cause.

[@danielmostage7675]

I respect this man, Prof Phooko is a man among men. This man handled the interview well it became clear from the start a mountain is build against him but his uncestors carried him through the process. He is going to come back more strong and i cant wait to see what else his enermies will bring.

[@makwandeizipho950]

Next CJ this one

[@lesibadavison5158]

Best interview thus far by my former Ethics lecturer👏, just give him the post already.

[@octaviustshepo1898]

No, I don't think he's ready. He needs to grow a little bit before he could be a judge. Some areas of his need to be polished

[@africamymotherland5962]

You did not watch the whole interview; he withdrew.

[@maphirimutshutshu2128]

I respect this prof. He handled himself well throughout this process. 👏

[@makwandeizipho950]

He’s only 42, what an inspiring young man. Next CJ in my point of view

[@noelmanyindo9500]

He handled it so well. Good for him. The "generational divide" was on full display... the shying away from activism in high level professional fields and the advice to drop his social media reflects an outdated way of doing things.

[@lwandoh7662]

Best interview. What a man, all the best to the Professor!!

[@henniemudau2180]

I learnt a lot from this interview.

[@zibalulemdeni2334]

Prof. Phooko is us and we are him. Great interview.

[@Kevin-qp9pw]

Prof Phooko what a man. He will come back stronger 💪🏾💯

[@tebohomoshoeshoe7206]

Well done prof. As the of Matatiele we are very proud.

[@sandisoyisaki328]

proud of him too

[@hidipondjaba9623]

Profound admiration for you Prof. much love from Namibia 🇳🇦.

[@smz2483]

I hope this principled man rises higher in the legal space. We need more like him. What a gem!

[@samukeloduma7978]

i liked his presentations.....well prepared interview....confidence is super 👌

[@mduphungula7179]

Thanks for showing up prof Mpooko, its refreshing to see that we have you in a country and I pray that we have more of you in hiding. Don't be discouraged about what happened, in fact you helped everyone to see what is going on our judicial system.

[@AbongileMafevuka]

Prof has elaborated the issue very well, and interview panels need to take note that socalled blemishes are sometimes political machinations to harm another.

[@bongumusamakhathini7815]

This interview was unfair and harsh, it centered around allegations and previous disputes that no longer have any material bearing, the court order has settled the dispute with UJ and the University of Limpopo have put their version against the Professor, and it seems to be rather hearsay. This body did well to put these questions to the professor, but an interview can't be centered around one aspect of a candidate, we must move on to test the other aspects as well, and I've seen this happening with other candidates as well, the only person who progressed the interview was Prof Marumoagae. JSC must do better! On the suitability of Prof Phooko, I think he is a progressive young mind and he is more than capable of being a judge in future, and he is bold and independent and that's what the bench needs.

[@lindanimasinga6625]

Wow profound and very articulate, i hope he does not succumb to this interview and loose hope. In him we have a great judge, hope to see you as a judge in future.

[@keletsometsing]

SA approves👏👏

[@bethuelmokoena2709]

Discipline, Assertiveness & Respect is what I take from Prof, Go back & you will definitely come back as 💣

[@lindiwe-jeanettekutyunga6]

Jealousy is an evil disease😢

[@Ramohlakoana]

Well done Prof, Matatiele is proud of you!

[@sibusisomabhola4097]

Very painful interview . Prof Phooko must be protected . The punitive action put before him were not necessary.

[@NtutuzeloJordan]

Wow big up Mr Phooko, you gave us an electrifying presentation but you were not treated fairly.

[@charlottethokoa711]

Absolutely true

[@MotlalepulaXmas]

Prof. Phooko, as acting judge he is a great man, and he will be back and strong. I appreciate that he acknowledged his professional mistakes and was willing to learn. The only social media that sometimes can limit one's career in particular critical portfolio of a judge.

[@ntatemachili3407]

Best and most viewed 2024 JSC interview so far. Matatiele is proud of you Prof! I'm sure Julius Malema was going to back you for the social media activism if he was present. You will definitely come back stronger! 💪🏾

[@Nhozanhoza]

Judge President Mlambo, i dont trust the man. When i hear his name, the only thing that comes to mind is justice ⚖️ for Senzo Meyiwa .

[@londiwemthabela9037]

JP Mlambo is a dodgy character. Being around him is dangerous. He is a politician not a judge. This guy must stay away from him.

[@charlottethokoa711]

They must give him a chance to fly

[@benjaminmoshatama6839]

Wow! This was tough. The line of questioning changed the Prof’s entire demeanour; from being confident at the beginning to quitting at the end. 😢

[@dontshuks4729]

Self awareness is better than bread 🥖 always and remember that @Benjani

[@mmatonantuane8817]

Respect is all I have for you Prof Phooko. You are a great mind. You will rise again.

[@nontumyeza8575]

Prof Phoko🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎉🎉🎉all the best in all you endeavours👊🏾

[@njabulozondo822]

Our conduct in public platforms has a negative or a positive influence for our future, I feel sorry for Prof. Phooko. I wish him well and wherever life takes him to use this experience as a testimony.

[@jabulanipeter2910]

There is a person they wanted to appoint so they wanted to take him out

[@Bucselona]

The Prof is good

[@tshepokhotsa8324]

He reminds me of OUR LATE President Nelson Mandela's court speech before he was jailed ..👌💯

[@londienene4374]

I hope he comes back in a couple of years ❤️

[@boikanyomalebe3720]

A man of honor despite in spite of. High emotional intelligence exhibited.

[@jabulanipeter2910]

Justice Mlambo stop fighting unnecessary battle with an intention of getting Prof out of line

[@zukiswasikempela21]

It is clear that this guy is been barred by someone for personal reasons

[@Concerned36]

Nonsense, activism is not a crime. Most on the panel are intimidated by his impeccable qualifications.

[@nwabisandzama6520]

The most impressive Candidate iv listened to so far

[@malusityson4519]

How can you be young and not make mistakes

[@vizengelb5926]

Am came from zambia I have learnt a lot from this interview. And I think the biggest mistake he made was to not disclose this issue to the JP who spoke first. Had he done that he would have stood for him..

[@BotsangPhawe]

I know him to be a hardworking intelligent man.

[@aphiwetweyi1065]

So a black child must suffer because of the comments he made on Social Media about his activism...it's unfair....

[@tshepometsi6607]

Not necessarily unfair though. He currently has a dark cloud hoovering over him. Besides, his previous conduct isn't a desirable one, regarding use of social media. The fear of having a judge who can 'outburst' in social media over injustices perpetrated against him rather than following the right channels for recourse would be detrimental to the image of the Administration of Justice.

[@sthembisomthembu395]

This black child nonsense is often used as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility. People must watch what they say on the media

[@samukeloduma7978]

very unfair..oh black child u are always sidelined 😢

[@MawandeMaqashalala-g1c]

I'm glad this came to light now! And it will soon be history. Prof. Is still young he will be our Chief Justice watch the space.

[@thabisophindela2905]

They are cooking you, Prof

[@tshepometsi6607]

They put him in frying pan.

[@GVPification]

The statements that someone should stay away from Social Media are completely wrong. Maybe it's the age of interviewers.

[@ruthtsheko1360]

All the best Prof Phooko.. Indeed JP didn't have it for you.

[@LL2019]

Prof Phooko is one of the best candidates by far. His past has caught up with him. Nothing that can not be rectified. Just delete your social media and apologise. Come back back next time. Discuss with the gate keeper Mlambo first before applying.

[@nonysannkosi452]

His level of intelligence, IQ and EQ, Respect for Prof.

[@ThaboMokwena-bk5vo]

Mlambo has personalized the process and it looks like a court room which I thought he understood the purpose the interview.Prof Phooko was not tested based on his experience

[@charlottethokoa711]

Some people has vendetta against other candidates?

[@raymondhlekwa7021]

I HAVE NEVER SCENE SUCH A DISCIPLINE GUY

[@charlottethokoa711]

He is very disciplined

[@MawandeMaqashalala-g1c]

The shining diamond 💎 of Matatiele..... The next chief justice .

[@charlottethokoa711]

Impressive

[@gabrielthaemakhele7913]

Much respect for you Prof Phooko

[@dontshuks4729]

If mlambo is not interested in the merits! So why bring it up? That’s playing God!, and certainly gate keeping

[@MalibongweNombande]

Not having a social media account is a bit extreme kodwa. Judge Zondo was publishig articles and there was nothing wrong with that. Other jurists are on social media as well. The content of his social media account is a problem perhaps but not banning him from the socials. Come on.

[@charlottethokoa711]

I think it is what you say on thise channels, i felt bad for him but , he appears to be a resilient person , i hope he doesn't post tthis on his Facebook page, if he wants to be a judge

[@MalibongweNombande]

@@charlottethokoa711 100% he must be careful of his content. No need to divulge everything on socials. There is so much he can write about. He is a teacher he should use that platform to teach amongst other things to promote n market himself and his services.

[@whatstrending8689]

Prof Phooko 🚀

[@bakaliconwellkonikonanani7167]

Let me refresh your mind JP, Some people must consider stepping down for young proffs

[@kemetawakeningpodcast9632]

Whats the point of having a gun if you cant shoot it. Phooko dont get lost in translations champ. You a G.

[@patrickhlongwane1477]

Humble man ❤

[@dontshuks4729]

Mlambo is a Gate Keeper period

[@noelmanyindo9500]

Exactly. He said he doesn’t want to be seen as a gatekeeper but then proceeded to gatekeep like a true gatekeeper. Phooko was stifled for no good reason.

[@kpmanganyi]

My heart still cries for professor phoko, he deserves the position. Judge president wanted to slander prof phooko ,the interview was not based 😭😭on his experience.

[@JimmyMabunda]

Wow Prof i like you God bless you

[@jabulanimtsweni584]

Respect to the prof

[@zamobubu912]

Prof is articulate but…. There is a but….perhaps he can go and work on the points provided by JP and maybe he will come back more balanced.

[@dontshuks4729]

Nonsense! Black on black academic assassins

[@mzwankosi730]

People thing if are a security officer you won't achieve anything I proud of you my brother

[@dontshuks4729]

He gave them a finger and he sealed his fate

[@malumemax]

All the Phookos I know speak eloquently.

[@nwabisandzama6520]

This is my favourate candidate so far, and in the end he says he Withdraws his candidature 😢😮

[@mduphungula7179]

Confirmation of captured institute. The man should be judged on his job, not what he does in his private space. He is a human being at the end, social media can be used for good things like info sharing.

[@MegaBubblz]

Rough shiny diamond of this guy! Salute 🫡

[@boikanyomalebe3720]

I wonder why Juju didn’t say something 🤔.

[@mzolisikolweni707]

Judge Mlambo You know i am so really disappointed with him,he made sure that the guy loses his candidature..What an unfair process towards the man.

[@boikanyomalebe3720]

@@mzolisikolweni707 no mercy at all. It’s really true that public office and academics/intellectuals are quite incompatible.

[@matimbaroughleysarila4398]

this man was being attacked but he's very smart

[@dontshuks4729]

I have my own scoring matrix? Whaaaat is that official????

[@adv-mphela3721]

Best ❤️❤️

[@natheemalbertus7988]

Now, he has done the right thing withdrawing his canditure. Must respect for him, real man now he has matured in one day. Come back in the 3 years Prof you will have a better chance

[@malumemax]

My English teacher at Ramohlakoana JSS back in the years was Mr Phooko. Is Prof, his son?

[@hlogonideone6093]

The injustice that is found our judiciary

[@mafekalehanyane3270]

I found it unfair, the interview just changed to his past behavior...

[@zwelithinigeorge9759]

My former University lecture 🫡

[@kelvinchama6306]

The professor should remain an academician and activists, that suits him. To be a judge, its completely off his tangent.

[@billyprince8982]

It’s not looking good for prof

[@nonysannkosi452]

JC 🤨 in this one...

[@hlogonideone6093]

Prof. Reality is they're gate keeping as if they've rehearsal

[@mariahlehoko993]

“Active Twitter warrior” yikes😭

[@MashamaiteThuso]

This 'non-blemish metric' of JP Mlambo appears sound, but with thorough-going dissection, I believe it is misconceived. Public smearing invariably becomes the recourse of those opposing the career surge of those aspiring to acquire prominent portfolios. If such malicious public blemishes are, simply on face value, taken against the candidates without enquiring their legitimacy, it would indeed arm the ill-willed against bona fide decent and courteous individuals.

[@MrSihle1]

I got a hint of arrogance...

[@chumakatzlunika4505]

mhh

[@tshepometsi6607]

The way they subjected him, it's like the professor was an accused person who has 'previous convictions' ! I just don't know what to make out of the whole thing.

[@charlottethokoa711]

I felt so sorry for him , but these are the things that comes with the job he applied for, but I really feel he should come back, next time they do this

[@thandimasilela8947]

Judges are human guys they are no saints that should be considered too. This young man is very smart it's unfortunate that there are people who want him destroyed at this young age. As for umlambo Julius and mpofu served him well mnx.

[@ERICREDGE]

The prof is in the poeding....some judgment failures. Young activist students. especially the millenniums don't always consider the ramifications of their radica actions.

[@SankiKobeli]

This acting Judge should withdraw his candidacy for now as per commissioner Tlaletsi s advice

[@Mnm403]

He is a mockery

[@natheemalbertus7988]

The candidate not impressive as he battles to convince the JP of his good character

[@natheemalbertus7988]

I think the Professor should try in 3-5 years time

[@natheemalbertus7988]

There we go playing the Black card again. I experienced apartheid & you could not have been so involved in fighting apartheid because you were 12 years old at the time. Go sleep you talking nonsense. This candidate is struggling with his past conduct & want to come across as living a long time under apartheid rule. My view is he seems a controversial candidate & should not be elected to the bench as he has a contentious personality.

[@dontshuks4729]

Nonsense