JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded interviews of Judges to fill vacancies in the Bench
During the period 16-19 April 2012, the Judicial Service Commission conducted interviews in Cape Town for the vacant judges' positions in the Supreme Court of Appeal and various divisions of the High Court. After the conclusion of the interviews, the JSC has presented its recommendations to the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma as follows:
1. Supreme Court of Appeal
The JSC advertised two vacancies in the Supreme Court of Appeal and five candidates were shortlisted and interviewed for these two vacancies. The JSC has recommended that the President should appoint the following candidates to the Supreme Court of Appeal:
Justice Xola Mlungisi Petse; and
Justice Ronnie Pillay.
2. Eastern Cape High Court (Bhisho)
There was a single vacancy advertised by the JSC and four candidates were shortlisted and interviewed. The JSC has recommended that the President should appoint Mr Duncan Zolani Dukada as a Judge of the Eastern Cape High Court.
3. KwaZulu-Natal High Court
The JSC advertised a single vacancy of Deputy Judge President and two candidates were shortlisted and interviewed. The JSC decided not to recommend any of the two candidates. This vacancy will be re-advertised and considered by the JSC in due course.
4. Northern Cape High Court
A single vacancy was advertised by the JSC in the Northern Cape High Court. Two candidates were shortlisted and interviewed. The JSC has recommended that the President should appoint Ms Bulelwa Myra Pakati as a Judge of the Northern Cape High Court.
5. North and South Gauteng High Court
The JSC advertised a single vacancy of Judge President in the North and South Gauteng High Court. Three candidates were shortlisted and interviewed for this position. The JSC has recommended that the President should appoint Judge President Dunstan Mlambo as Judge President of the North and South Gauteng High Court. This appointment will take effect on 1 November 2012 when Judge President Ngoepe retires from active service.
The JSC further advertised six vacancies in the North and South Gauteng High Court. Five candidates were shortlisted and interviewed for the six vacancies. The JSC has recommended that the President should appoint the following candidates as Judges of the North and South Gauteng High Court:
Adv Selby Alan Masibonge Baqwa SC
Ms Elizabeth Mamoloko Kubushi; and
Adv Bashier Vally SC
The JSC decided not to recommend candidates for the three remaining vacancies which will be re-advertised and considered in due course.
The JSC remains concerned about the number of competent and appropriately qualified candidates who are not making themselves available to be considered for appointment to the bench. For instance, the JSC could only shortlist five candidates for the six vacancies in the North and South Gauteng High Court. Of the five shortlisted candidates, only three were recommended for appointment to the President. The JSC urges competent and appropriately qualified candidates to consider making themselves available so as to contribute in building a judiciary that all South Africans would be proud of.
Statement issued by Adv Ntsebeza SC and Mr CP Fourie, Judicial Service Commission, April 24 2012
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