Cape Town – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) went beyond its mandate in nominating a single person rather than a couple of names suitable for the position of Chief Justice.
Ramaphosa made the remarks during a press conference on Wednesday following the debate into the State of the Nation Address (Sona).
“We literally expected a reply that would say ‘these are the names of the people that we’ve interviewed who we believe are suitable’. They went over that and they nominated a person. Now that does not distract from what the role of the president is. The president’s role still remains that the president has the authority and the power in the end – after the various consultations, the JSC as well as the parties – to appoint the Chief Justice.
“That’s where we are now and that is precisely what I’m giving consideration to. We will see how that ensues, and what the final outcome of that is,” said Ramaphosa.
On appointment of the Chief Justce – President @CyrilRamaphosa engages members of the media in Cape Town #SONA2022 #SONAReply pic.twitter.com/iQQGTXFtWe
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) February 16, 2022
The JSC recently recommended the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) President Mandisa Maya, as South Africa’s next Chief Justice.
Maya was the only female candidate among four for the position of Chief Justice.
ALSO READ: JSC recommends Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s next Chief Justice
She defeated Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo, acting Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga.
The JSC interviewed each of them individually over the course of four days.
However, the way in which the interviews were conducted came under much scrutiny from individuals and civil organisations.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@PresidencyZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
