JSC interviews: Who will be the next Chief Justice?

The Judicial Service Commission is expected to begin interviews for the country’s new Chief Justice on Tuesday morning, 1 February 2022.

The post was left vacant after Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng retired in October 2021.

President Cyril Ramaphosa subsequently called on the public to nominate their candidates and more than 500 names were submitted.

Those looking to occupy the seat are the current Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Constitutional Court Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Gauteng High Court Judge President Dunstan Mlambo and Supreme Court of Appeal President Mandisa Maya.

Judge Madlanga is the first to be interviewed with Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Xola Petse presiding over proceedings.

CHIEF JUSTICE: RAMAPHOSA TO MAKE ULTIMATE DECISION

The appointment of South Africa’s Chief Justice will be decided by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will have to choose from the candidates.

This is according to Judges Matter, a local organisation.

“Although the JSC’s views and recommendations on each candidate are important, they are nevertheless not binding on the President. However, this does not mean that he can completely disregard them. If, for example, the JSC raises serious concerns about a particular candidate, the president must take these concerns seriously and explain why, despite the JSC’s misgivings, he still decided to appoint the candidate. Should he fail to do so, this decision would be deemed irrational in law and may be set aside by a court”

Other people who were nominated for the post include Public Protector Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane and Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe.