CONCLUSION OF CHIEF JUSTICE CONSULTATION PROCESS

The Office of the ANC Chief Whip is satisfied that the meeting between President Jacob Zuma and DA leader Helen Zille to discuss the candidacy of Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng for the position of the Chief Justice did not go ahead.

We felt that such a meeting was unnecessary as the DA has already canvassed its views, both publicly and in its submission to the president, regarding the nomination of Justice Mogoeng.

The President has, in line with Section 174 of the Constitution, initiated a process of consultation with parties represented in parliament and the Judicial Service Commission regarding his nomination for the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. All parties, including the DA, have received communication from the President in this regard and have responded accordingly. 

We do not believe that there was anything extraordinary in the DA's stance regarding Justice Mogoeng's nomination that necessitated the President's special attention outside of the process that was initiated with other political parties. 

We once again commend the President for demonstrating due diligence to this constitutional process, which augurs well for our people's continued confidence in our constitutional democracy. With the consultation process now concluded, the President must be given space to consider all views expressed and make his decision.

Statement issued by Moloto Mothapo, Office of the ANC Chief Whip, Parliament of the Republic of SA, September 6 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter