The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced that it will conduct a second round of voting for the deputy judge president post at the Gqeberha high court in the Eastern Cape. This decision was made after none of the four candidates interviewed on Tuesday obtained a majority vote. The JSC chair, chief justice Mandisa Maya, has invited the commission to engage in further deliberations in relation to the candidates. The commission aims to conclude the process before the end of the current sitting.
The JSC interviewed four candidates for the post, including Senior judge Fathima Dawood with 18 years of experience, Judge Buyiswa Majiki with 13 years of experience, Judge Vuyokazi Noncembu with the least experience having been appointed in 2022, and Judge Bulelwa Pakati with 21 years of experience as a magistrate. The interviews are the second attempt by the JSC to fill the post, following unsuccessful interviews in 2025 marred by allegations of a bribe syndicate and missing court files.
The Eastern Cape high court has been without a deputy judge president for some time, and the JSC's efforts to fill the post are being closely watched. The commission's decision to hold a second round of voting suggests that the selection process will be more rigorous. The JSC has invited the commission to engage in further deliberations, indicating that the process may take longer than expected.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape judge president Selby Mbenenge is facing a legal battle to block parliament's impeachment consideration. The JSC's interviews take place against the backdrop of this controversy, which has raised concerns about the judiciary's independence. The commission's handling of the selection process will be crucial in maintaining public trust.
In a separate development, the JSC has resolved to recommend senior attorney Jennifer Marion for appointment to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban. Marion, with 31 years of experience as an attorney, was the only candidate interviewed for the post. During her interview, she was questioned about transformation patterns in the legal sector by commissioner Hlaleleni Matolo-Dlepu.
Marion described herself as a "person passionate about transformation" and noted that the bench is transforming, albeit slowly. She emphasized that transformation is a work in progress and that efforts should be made to push for it in every field. The JSC's decision to recommend Marion for appointment suggests that the commission is committed to promoting diversity and transformation in the judiciary.
The high court in Pretoria recently reviewed and set aside the promulgation of the broad-based BEE (BBBEE) legal sector code aimed at transforming the sector. Despite this setback, the JSC's efforts to promote transformation in the judiciary are ongoing. The commission's commitment to diversity and equity will be crucial in shaping the future of the South African judiciary.
Key points
- The Judicial Service Commission will hold a second round of voting to fill the deputy judge president post at the Gqeberha high court in the Eastern Cape.
- The commission interviewed four candidates for the post, including Senior judge Fathima Dawood and Judge Bulelwa Pakati.
- The JSC has recommended senior attorney Jennifer Marion for appointment to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Durban.
