The Judicial Services Commission hearing into Cape Judge President John Hlophe started more than an hour late on Tuesday with his lawyers requesting another postponement.

Hlophe's lawyer, Vuyani Ngalwana, apologised "profusely" for being late, saying he could not get an earlier flight to Johannesburg.

"I would like to place on the record the commission?s displeasure that we couldn't start on time. We'd like to record our displeasure with that," said commission chair Judge Lex Mpati.

The hearings got under way around 10.15am.

Hlophe, who had the flu last week, was not present.

"We tried under difficult circumstances to consult with the Judge President yesterday afternoon. He claimed he was in no position to consult," said Ngalwana.

Hlophe would not be ready to testify or "participate meaningfully" in the hearing because his flu symptoms had not "completely abated", said Ngalwana.

"The Judge President is still unwell and so he is unable to continue with this hearing. Our instructions are to seek a postponement... He may well have another examination today to determine whether the symptoms have completely abated," said Ngalwana.

"We are here today to seek a postponement application."

The hearings were still continuing by 10.45 am with more questioning from the JSC commissioners.

Hlophe stands accused of trying to influence two Constitutional Court judges in a judgment relating to ANC president Jacob Zuma.

He has, in turn, complained that the judges of the Constitutional Court violated his rights by releasing a media statement on the allegations against him without offering him the opportunity to respond.

The hearings were postponed last Wednesday because Hlophe was suffering from flu.

On Saturday, the hearings were postponed again after Hlophe changed his legal counsel.