Paul Hoffman
Paul Hoffman SC, a native of Johannesburg and a Wits graduate, practised law at the side bar from 1975 to 1980 and at the Cape Bar from 1980 to 2006. He took silk in 1995 and acted on the Cape Bench at the invitation of three successive judges president. After retiring from the Bar, he was founding director of the Centre for Constitutional Rights and co-founder, in 2009, of Accountability Now, both NGOs that promote constitutionalism. He is best known for his work on the irregularities in the arms deals, on the unconstitutionality of the Hawks and on the bread cartel case in which a general class action was developed by the courts. Yoga and long dog-walks on the beaches and mountains around his home in Noordhoek help keep him inspired to seek that elusive better life for all. He is the author of many articles and two books, Confronting the Corrupt, and Countering the Corrupt.
Articles By This Author
Is the “PM27” campaign allowed or premature?
In recent days a new website called “PM27.org.za” has attracted a great deal of media attention. Simply google “PM27” to find the extensive mainstream media coverage.
Are SA’s prosecutors free to act independently?
All too often it is assumed that the common legal phrase “without fear, favour or prejudice”, as it is used in the SA Constitution, is
Criminal justice system loses way on investigation of 14 prima facie corrupt police personnel
On 17 December 2025, the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry delivered to the president its first interim report on the work it did in 2025. The
Vigilantism – the more things change the more they stay the same in SA
In recent days Nicolas Lorimer hosted Michael Morris on his regular podcast to discuss, inter alia, the topic of vigilantism in SA today as it
What does “outside executive control” mean in SA law?
Arising out of feedback received after the Daily Friend published my commentary, The state of the rule of law in SA in 2026, on 14
The state of the rule of law in SA in 2026
One of the most frequent give-aways of the on-going incorrect national mind-set in politics used to be to refer to the then tripartite governing alliance
Who is Andy Mothibi?
The age of Andy Mothibi, newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), is difficult to determine via the internet. It is known that he
Anti-corruption reform by sleight of hand won’t do
Colette Ashton, writing on ISS Today and the Daily Maverick on 9 December, International Anti-Corruption Day, suggests that the people of South Africa have been
Why did Cyril choose 17 December for interim Madlanga report?
When he appointed the Madlanga Commission, President Cyril Ramaphosa initially required an interim report from it by 31 October. When delays in starting the work
A response to Martin van Staden, using his own words
Livening my day is the response Martin van Staden has given (Questioning Hoffman’s broadside against SA’s federal Constitution) to my criticism (A little First Aid