IFP RESPONDS TO NOMINATION OF NEW CHIEF JUSTICE

I have been taken by surprise today with the announcement by the Presidency that President Jacob Zuma has nominated Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng as his candidate for the position of Chief Justice, to replace former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.

Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng is a relatively junior judge in comparison to many other more senior, more experienced judges, who have been on the Bench for many years. One would have expected a far more senior judge to have been afforded the opportunity to occupy the most powerful position on the judiciary.

However, as it is clear that President Zuma has already made up his mind and that the consultation process is a mere formality, it is a foregone conclusion that Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng will be appointed the next Chief Justice.

Statement issued by Koos van der Merwe, MP, IFP chief whip and spokesperson on justice, August 16 2011

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