Home

Some political parties pleased with list of nominees for Chief Justice position

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Some political parties in Parliament have weighed in on the nominees for the position of Chief Justice. The Presidency has published a list of eight nominees.

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently called for public nominations for the position that becomes vacant on 11 October.

The eight are Judge President John Hlophe, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Justice Mandisa Maya, Dr. Wallace Mgoqi, current Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, Advocate Alan Nelson, and Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

Panel for Chief Justice position:

The public has until 15 October to raise objections.

“Looking through names, some are currently undergoing inquiries, the trust would be concluded soon so that there is no prejudice to nominated candidates or those considering the nominations,” says Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Chief Whip Narend Singh.

African Christian Democratic Party’s Chief Whip Steve Swart says; “There are a few surprise nominations, which will elicit objection, and there are equally strong and suitably qualified candidates. I look forward to engaging with the process going forward.”

ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina says the individuals nominated for the position of Chief Justice are solid jurists.

Majodina says the nominees are impressive.

“The eight nominated are very dignified South Africans from legal and sound backgrounds, credentials are clear. Now it is for time for the public to make their voices clear. Solid team, they deserve it.”

 

The public has made a total of 148 submissions for nominations for the next Chief Justice.  The nominee panel chose eight names of people who met the criteria from a list of 25.

The criteria include having the requisite experience as a legal practitioner, as well as letters of support for the nomination.

A nominee should be a person who is suitable to be a Chief Justice in terms of their experience both as a legal practitioner, including experience as a judge and as a leader.

The nomination should include letters of support, including at least one such letter from a professional body of legal practitioners, nongovernmental organisations working in the field of human rights, or other legal fields.

 

Author

MOST READ