The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) officially started interviewing candidates for 22 judges' posts in superior courts on Monday in Sandton. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya led the commission, accompanied by Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi. The interviews aim to fill three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), which is facing capacity and resource constraints leading to delayed judgments. The commission started the interviews at 2 pm, after a near two-hour delay.
The first judges interviewed for the SCA vacancies were Eastern Cape High Court Judge Gerald Bloem and KwaZulu-Natal High Court Judge Busisiwe Masipa. Both had been interviewed in April for the same positions but did not secure the posts. Commissioners noted that if appointed to the SCA, Bloem would serve for approximately 3.5 years before turning 70. Bloem argued that age should not be a barrier or basis for discrimination.
Bloem emphasized that the SCA urgently needed experienced judges to fill voids left by retirements and elevations to the Constitutional Court. He added that he would complete his required 15 years of judicial service by May 2030. The JSC is tasked with ensuring that the judiciary has the necessary expertise and experience to handle complex cases.
Masipa, appearing before the JSC for the fourth time, highlighted her significantly expanded appellate court experience across different divisions. She acknowledged previous criticisms regarding judgment delays, explaining that she had since improved her processes. Masipa detailed her judicial experience, including four high court judgments and 10 SCA judgments.
Masipa emphasized that her 10 years as a judge showed a broad legal expertise beyond labour law, after the commission asked why she did not want to be a labour judge. Her experience in various divisions of the court has equipped her to handle a wide range of cases. The JSC is evaluating her suitability for the SCA vacancy.
The JSC is interviewing candidates to fill 22 judges' posts in superior courts, including three vacancies at the SCA. The commission aims to ensure that the judiciary has the necessary expertise and experience to handle complex cases. The interviews will assess the candidates' qualifications, experience, and suitability for the positions.
The SCA is facing capacity and resource constraints, leading to delayed judgments. The appointment of new judges is expected to alleviate these challenges and improve the court's efficiency. The JSC's interviews will play a crucial role in selecting suitable candidates for the vacancies.
Key points
- The JSC interviews aim to fill 22 judges' posts in superior courts, including three vacancies at the SCA.
- Candidates Gerald Bloem and Busisiwe Masipa were interviewed for the SCA vacancies, highlighting their experience and qualifications.
- The SCA is facing capacity and resource constraints, leading to delayed judgments, which the appointment of new judges is expected to alleviate.
