Restoring Integrity: Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane and the Ethical Transformation of Lesotho’s Judiciary
The judiciary is a cornerstone of constitutional democracy, and its legitimacy is derived from public confidence in its independence, competence, and ethical integrity. In the Kingdom of Lesotho, this legitimacy has been severely tested by prolonged institutional dysfunction, administrative inefficiencies, and a breakdown in ethical discipline within the judicial system. Since his appointment in 2020, Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane has embarked on a bold and necessary reform agenda to restore the credibility, independence, and ethical accountability of Lesotho’s judiciary.
This article examines Chief Justice Sakoane’s transformative leadership and situates his reforms within the broader framework of international and regional judicial ethics standards. His tenure thus far reflects a principled and rigorous commitment to restoring public trust in the judiciary and ensuring that justice is administered not only in accordance with the law but also with integrity.
Prior to the current Chief Justice’s appointment, Lesotho’s judiciary faced significant challenges. Court backlogs, allegations of judicial misconduct, poor case management systems, and perceptions of political interference had deeply eroded confidence in the justice system. Reports of delayed judgments, inconsistencies in handling disciplinary matters, and poor public access to legal remedies were commonplace. These systemic issues presented a serious threat to the rule of law and democratic accountability in the Kingdom.
Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane entered office with a clear message: judicial office is a public trust requiring the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional diligence. Known for his independent jurisprudence, administrative discipline, and unwavering ethical posture, the Chief Justice has committed to a judiciary that is accessible, fair, and efficient. His leadership style is principled yet pragmatic, and it reflects a deliberate attempt to realign Lesotho’s judiciary with global best practices.
Judicial Discipline and Ethical Oversight
Chief Justice Sakoane’s most defining reform has been his insistence on accountability and ethics within the Bench. Previously neglected or delayed disciplinary complaints have been revived, and judicial officers are now expected to uphold the standards of diligence, propriety, and timeliness in accordance with their judicial oath. In doing so, he has signalled that ethical violations will no longer be tolerated under a culture of silence or institutional inertia.
Strengthening Court Administration
Significant progress has also been made in improving the administrative functioning of courts. These include the implementation of case monitoring systems, clearer judgment delivery timelines, and efforts to digitise court records. The focus has been on reducing delays and promoting efficiency, transparency, and user-oriented justice. Moreover, judicial training programmes have been revitalised to include ethics and professional development modules, signalling the institutionalisation of reform beyond mere rhetoric.
Preserving Judicial Independence
The Chief Justice has been an outspoken advocate for judicial independence, often reminding both the executive and the public that the judiciary must be shielded from improper influence. This echoes the Latimer House Principles, which affirm that “an independent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering public confidence and dispensing justice.” His leadership in this area has fortified the judiciary’s position as a co-equal arm of government.
Engagement with the Legal Profession
Recognising that ethical justice is a shared responsibility, Chief Justice Sakoane has actively engaged the Law Society of Lesotho to address standards of conduct among legal practitioners. He has encouraged disciplinary collaboration, public accountability, and mentorship across the profession. In so doing, he is fostering an ecosystem of accountability that spans both the Bench and the Bar.
The Case for Comparative Ethical Frameworks
Chief Justice Sakoane’s approach is not occurring in isolation. Rather, his reforms are broadly aligned with international and continental standards on judicial ethics.
The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) articulate six foundational values for judges worldwide: independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, and competence and diligence. These principles have become a cornerstone of ethical reform initiatives across Africa and offer a benchmark against which judicial officers are increasingly evaluated. The Chief Justice’s emphasis on timeous judgments, ethical discipline, and impartiality aligns closely with these principles.
Regionally, the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration (2011) reaffirms the importance of transparent, professional, and citizen-oriented public institutions. By improving the administration of justice and demanding ethical behaviour from judicial officers, Chief Justice Sakoane is advancing these values within Lesotho’s context.
The Latimer House Principles (2003), adopted by Commonwealth countries, further promote the need for effective disciplinary mechanisms and judicial independence, while also advocating for transparent appointments and meaningful separation of powers. The Chief Justice’s firm public stance against executive interference reflects adherence to these principles and reinforces judicial legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
In the Southern African context, declarations from the Southern African Chief Justices’ Forum (SACJF) have consistently urged judiciaries to reduce delays, improve access to justice, and strengthen ethical accountability. Chief Justice Sakoane’s leadership has placed Lesotho on a progressive trajectory that responds directly to these regionally endorsed calls.
South Africa offers another instructive comparator. Under the Judicial Service Commission Act 9 of 1994 and the Code of Judicial Conduct, South African judges are subject to formalised ethical rules and institutional oversight. While Lesotho’s legal framework does not yet reflect this level of codification, the Chief Justice’s efforts suggest a move in this direction, particularly in reviving disciplinary processes and standardising expectations of judicial conduct.
Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane has proven himself to be a transformational judicial leader, committed to restoring ethical integrity, institutional accountability, and procedural efficiency within Lesotho’s judiciary. His work is reshaping a legal culture once mired in inertia and laying a sustainable foundation for public confidence in the rule of law.
By aligning Lesotho’s judiciary with international standards and regional commitments, the Chief Justice is ensuring that legal reform is not only locally driven, but globally relevant. While structural challenges remain, the current trajectory under his leadership is both promising and commendable. The legal profession, civil society, and all branches of government must now support this ethical renaissance to ensure its lasting impact.