Johannesburg – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has invited the public, law bodies, and any other interested institutions to comment on the suitability of the candidates nominated for the position of Deputy Chief Justice.
Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted to the JSC a list of four names to be considered for the position of Deputy Chief Justice.
President Ramaphosa nominated Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Dunstan Mlambo; President of the Supreme Court Mahube Betty Molemela; Judge President Cagney John Musi; and Judge President Lazarus Pule Tlaletsi for consideration for appointment as the next Deputy Chief Justice.
However, on 29 April 2025, the JSC said it received a letter from Judge Molemela declining the nomination and expressing her commitment to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
“The other nominees, Judges President Mlambo, Musi, and Tlaletsi, have accepted their nominations,” the JSC revealed on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.
“Furthermore, they have submitted the required questionnaire for Judges and all the necessary and standard documentation required for persons who seek to be appointed as Judges.”
In the invitation for comment, the JSC said: “Law bodies, members of the public, and all other institutions with an interest in the work of the JSC, are invited to make written submissions, if any, on the suitability or otherwise of the President’s nominees for appointment as the Deputy Chief Justice and any other information which they deem to be relevant to the entire selection process”.
The JSC said the comments should be directed to the Secretariat of the JSC at MSongca@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za, Cc: JSC@judiciary.org.za.
Comments for each nominee must be submitted on a separate page in both PDF and Word version documents.
Comments must reach the Secretariat by no later than 27 May 2025.
No comments received after the closing date will be considered.
