There is only one day left before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) starts its interviews for the position of the country’s new Chief Justice.
The interviews will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg from Tuesday to Friday.
Four candidates will be interviewed publicly, namely are Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Supreme Court of Appeal President Mandisa Maya and Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Division, Dunstan Mlambo.
This will be followed by the JSC’s deliberations behind closed doors on Saturday.
The JSC proceedings will be chaired by Supreme Court of Appeal Deputy President Xola Petse.
Zondo and Maya cannot be part of the proceedings as they are also nominees for the position of Chief Justice.
JSC composition
The JSC consist of 23 members. They include the Chief Justice who presides over JSC meetings, the president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, one judge president designated by the judges president and the cabinet minister responsible for the administration of Justice.
South Africa’s current Justice Minister is Ronald Lamola who has been occupying the position since 2019.
There are also two practising advocates and two practising attorneys nominated from within their professional bodies and appointed by the president.
One teacher of law designated by teachers of law at South African Universities is also part of the JSC.
There are six designated members of the National Assembly. Three of them must be from opposition parties.
Four permanent delegates from the National Council of provinces (NCOP) supported by at least six provinces are also included.
The JSC composition also includes four persons designated by the President after consultation with political parties in the National Assembly.
Video | JSC interviews to take place from Tuesday:
