In a case that’s breaking new legal ground, the Judicial Conduct Tribunal is delving into whether emojis—yes, emojis—can constitute misconduct in a sexual harassment complaint against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge.
The inquiry centers on digital messages allegedly sent by Mbenenge to legal practitioner Andiswa Mengo. The texts, laced with emojis such as 🙈, 😂, 🍑, and 🍆, are being scrutinized not just for their tone, but for their symbolic and potentially suggestive meanings.
Legal experts at the tribunal are weighing whether these emojis, combined with the context of the messages, cross a line into inappropriate and unethical behavior—especially given the high judicial standards expected of a sitting judge.
The outcome could set a precedent in South African legal history, as the tribunal considers how digital communication—once seen as casual—may carry serious implications in professional and judicial settings.
In an era where icons can speak louder than words, the question before the tribunal is clear: Can emojis be evidence of misconduct?
