Lungani Zungu
With Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term ending next week, the race for his replacement is heating up. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday unveiled the names of the eight people in the final shortlist for the judiciary job.
Some of the names among the eight have raised eyebrows. For example, Judge Hlophe, the President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, and the public protector Mkhwebane are viewed as highly controversial picks.
Hlophe is facing impeachment after the judicial tribunal found him guilty of gross misconduct after he tried to influence other judges.
This is after complaints from two Constitutional Court judges that he approached them to discuss a 2008 case against former President Jacob Zuma and arms manufacturer, Thint.
Mkhwebane is also facing a parliamentary impeachment process which could cut short her term, which currently ends in 2023.
The nomination process to find the replacement of the outgoing Mogoeng started on 16 September and closed on 1 October.
The following names were nominated by South Africans:
- Judge President John Hlophe
- Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga
- Justice Mandisa Maya
- Dr Wallace Amos Mgoqi
- Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane
- Judge President Dunstan Mlambo
- Advocate Alan Nelson, SC
- Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo
In total, 25 people were nominated in 148 submissions, but only the short-listed eight met the criteria set out by President Ramaphosa.
The criteria included:
• A nomination letter, including the contact details of the nominator.
• The nominee’s acceptance of the nomination and their contact details.
• Letters of support for the nomination, including contact details of persons or entities that support the nomination.
•Any additional documentation that the person nominating the candidate for Chief Justice deems relevant.
The Nominations Panel, chaired by Judge Navanethem Pillay, scrutinised all submissions.
The eight candidates are in the final phases of selection, as the panel is expected to submit three to five names to Ramaphosa by 29 October.
Ramaphosa will then choose the candidate he deems fit to be Chief Justice of the country.
South Africans who have objections to any of the inclusions are urged to submit them to [email protected] and [email protected] by 5pm on Friday, 15 October 2021.
