Judge Tintswalo Annah “Nana” Makhubele To Be Impeached

The career of Judge Tintswalo Annah “Nana” Makhubele, once a celebrated figure in the South African legal community, has culminated in a Judicial Service Commission (JSC) finding of gross misconduct. This professionally-written timeline outlines the key events, from her early life and legal rise to the recent findings that could lead to her impeachment.

Early Career & Legal Milestones

• 1980s-1990s: Makhubele transitioned from a social worker into the legal profession, serving as a public prosecutor in Giyani and an Assistant Master of the High Court in Pretoria.
• 1999: She joined the Bar as an advocate, quickly rising through the ranks to become a “senior counsel” (SC).
• 2013: She began serving as an acting judge in the Gauteng High Court. Concurrently, she chaired the Water Tribunal and the Income Tax Appeal Board.
• 2017: She became the first black female chairperson of the Pretoria Bar Council.

The Dual Role Controversy

• October 2017: The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) recommended her for a permanent judicial appointment. In the same month, she was also appointed chairperson of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board.
• January 1, 2018: Makhubele’s appointment as a judge became effective. However, she did not immediately take her oath of office or assume her judicial duties, remaining in her role at PRASA.
• March 2018: She resigned from her position as chairperson of the PRASA board.
• June 1, 2018: Makhubele took the judicial oath and began her tenure as a judge.

Investigation and Outcome

• January 2019: The civil society organization #UniteBehind filed a formal complaint with the JSC, alleging gross misconduct related to her dual roles and conduct at PRASA, which reportedly included a questionable settlement deal with the Siyaya Group.
• July 2020: Makhubele testified before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, becoming the first judge to do so.
• 2024: A Judicial Conduct Tribunal found her guilty of gross misconduct.
• 2024: The JSC accepted the tribunal’s findings and formally recommended her impeachment. The matter has since been referred to the National Assembly, which holds the final authority to vote on her removal from office.