Johannesburg – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is inviting law bodies and any persons to comment on the suitability of shortlisted candidates for vacant posts in several courts.
Earlier this week, on Thursday, 29 January 2026, the JSC announced the following candidates have been shortlisted to be interviewed to fill various vacancies:
1. Supreme Court of Appeal (3 vacancies)
- Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem
- Judge Nkosinathi Emmanuel Chili
- Judge Thandi Victoria Norman
- Judge Esther Johanna Sophia Steyn
- Judge Bashier Vally
- Judge Leonie Windell
2. Land Court (1 vacancy)
- Ms Diana Mabasa
- Adv Mzokhulayo Maxwell Mthembu
3. Competition Appeal Court (2 vacancies)
- Judge Evette Fiona Dippenaar
4. Western Cape Division of the High Court (5 vacancies)
- Mr Rodges (Roy) Deon Barendse
- Adv Ajay Bhoopchand SC
- Adv Diane Margaret Davis SC
- Ms Elzanne Mureen Jonker
- Adv Ashley Henri Kantor SC
- Adv Zuko Luvo Mapoma
- Adv Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi
- Ms Sharon Mthimunye
- Adv Pinda Njokweni
- Adv Stanley Christopher O’Brien SC
- Ms Phillipa Susan Van Zyl
5. Eastern Cape Division of the High Court (3 vacancies: 2 vacancies in Makhanda and 1 vacancy in Mthatha)
- Ms Gaynor Appels
- Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza
- Adv Sally Ann Collett
- Mr Mziwonke Samson Dunywa
- Prof Rosaan Krüger
- Adv Nicola Molony
- Ms Shirley Thembela Tilana-Mabece
- Mr Mbulelo Victor Nqumse
- Prof Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya
- Mr Aron Sipho Zono
6. Gauteng Division of the High Court (1 vacancy: Judge President)
- Judge Aubrey Phago Ledwaba
The JSC said shortlisted candidates will be interviewed between 13 and 17 April 2026.
Law bodies and any persons who wish to comment on the suitability or otherwise of a shortlisted candidate should address their comments to the Secretariat of the JSC at SMthombeni@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za, copied to: 2 JSC@judiciary.org.za.
Comments in respect of each candidate must be submitted on a separate page in both pdf and Word format and must reach the Secretariat by no later than 12 March 2026.
Comments received after 12 March 2026 will not be considered.
