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JSC Opens Nominations for Gauteng Judge President After Mlambo’s Promotion
A New Era for South Africa’s Busiest Court
The Gauteng Division of the High Court, covering both Johannesburg and Pretoria, is preparing for a major leadership change. For the first time in more than a decade, the division is without a Judge President.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially opened nominations for the role, marking the start of what could be one of the most closely watched judicial appointments in recent years. The successful candidate is expected to take office by April 2026, following interviews during the JSC’s next sitting.
This leadership shift comes after Judge Dunstan Mlambo, who served as Gauteng’s Judge President since 2012, was appointed Deputy Chief Justice in August 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Until the new appointment is finalised, senior judges have been temporarily sharing administrative responsibilities within the division.
Why the Appointment Matters
The Gauteng Division is South Africa’s largest and most influential high court, overseeing some of the country’s most high-profile cases, from political disputes to landmark constitutional rulings. Whoever takes over as Judge President will carry the weight of ensuring the division maintains its reputation for efficiency, independence, and fairness under intense public scrutiny.
The JSC, which meets twice a year in April and October, also announced several other judicial vacancies across the country’s superior courts. These include three positions at the Supreme Court of Appeal, five in the Western Cape High Court, and two each in the Eastern Cape and Competition Appeal Courts.
Stricter Selection Standards
In 2023, the JSC overhauled its judicial interview guidelines to strengthen transparency and accountability. Candidates are now required to disclose any past ethical misconduct, disciplinary action, or ongoing investigations when submitting their applications.
These reforms came after public calls for a more rigorous and credible appointment process. The legal advocacy group Judges Matter has praised the JSC’s recent improvements, noting that interviews have become more focused on legal expertise and professionalism.
What Comes Next
Applications for the Gauteng Judge President post are open through the judiciary’s official website, where the updated 2025 questionnaire is available. Once nominations close, a shortlist will be compiled, followed by public interviews in April 2026.
However, the JSC has emphasised that the appointment is not guaranteed to be filled immediately. During its most recent sitting, only 16 out of 24 vacancies were successfully filled, as some candidates did not meet the panel’s new competency and ethics thresholds.
Still, the call for nominations signals progress. With Judge Mlambo now serving as Deputy Chief Justice, the Gauteng bench is set for a new chapter, one that will shape the province’s judicial direction for years to come.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
