The panel concluded their report after evaluating the public nomination of candidates. The panel is chaired by Judge Navanethem Pillay, and they convened after the President took the “unprecedented” step of inviting public nominations for the position at the court. Ramaphosa called this act an effort “to promote transparency and encourage public participation”.
New nominations considered as former Chief Justice’s term came to an end
Former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term came to an end earlier in October, thus Ramaphosa is now considering the recommendations made by the panel.
“After giving consideration to the recommendations of the panel, the President will decide which candidate(s) from the shortlist presented to him by the Panel to refer to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly for consultation in line with Section 174(3) of the Constitution,” The Presidency said on Friday.
According to The Presidency, more processes still need to take place even after President Ramaphosa has selected his preferred candidates.
“The content of the report itself will not be made public as the candidates the President will select from the shortlist still need to go through a process of interviews by the Judicial Service Commission and consultation with the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly”.
Two candidates withdrew as nominees
Following the withdrawal of nominees Dr Wallace Mgoqi and current Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the six remaining nominees are:
- Judge President John Hlophe
- Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga
- President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Mandisa Maya
- Judge President Dunstan Mlambo
- Advocate Alan Nelson, SC
- Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo
Media Statement: President Ramaphosa receives Chief Justice nomination report