Too Few for the Bench? JSC Shortlists 2025 Judges but Reopens Constitutional Court Applications

SA’s top court hits a recruitment snag while other candidates prepare for October interviews

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has published its official shortlist for judicial vacancies across South Africa, but not everything is going according to plan. On 25 July 2025, the JSC confirmed that only five qualifying candidates applied for two Constitutional Court seats, forcing the commission to re-advertise the positions.

The call for fresh applications went out on 18 July and will close on 6 August 2025. Despite the recruitment extension, Constitutional Court interviews will still take place in October, alongside interviews for all other shortlisted candidates.

“The Constitutional Court advertised two vacancies. Six candidates applied, but only five were eligible,” stated the JSC, clarifying why the process had to be reopened.

Supreme Court shortlist revealed

The shortlist also includes nominations for the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Land Court, the Labour Court, and various High Court divisions. The Supreme Court of Appeal will consider the following six judges during the next round of interviews from 6 to 17 October 2025:

• Judge Thandi Victoria Norman

• Judge Bashier Vally

• Judge Leonie Windell

• Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem

• Judge Busisiwe Shareen Masipa

• Judge Pitso Ephraim Molitsoane

Labour Court struggles with low interest

In a repeat of the Constitutional Court’s situation, the Johannesburg Labour Court has also struggled to attract applicants. Despite having three open seats, only one candidate, Suzanna Harvey, was shortlisted for an interview.

This gap in applicants has raised questions across the legal community. Some observers have pointed to the intense pressure judges face, while others believe the current selection process might be too limiting.

Public invited to comment

As with every shortlist cycle, the JSC has invited law bodies and members of the public to send in written comments on any of the shortlisted candidates. Submissions should be directed to the JSC Secretariat, ensuring public accountability remains a key part of South Africa’s judicial appointments process.

The bigger issue: Why so few?

The shortage of applicants for the highest court in the land is noteworthy. It is rare for the JSC to reopen Constitutional Court applications after publishing a shortlist. This may reflect deeper concerns, whether about the demanding nature of the role, the scrutiny involved, or broader institutional issues.

With just a few weeks left for new candidates to apply, all eyes are on what kind of legal minds will come forward to fill these crucial roles.

October’s interviews are set to be some of the most significant in recent years. As South Africa continues to shape its judiciary for the future, the JSC’s 2025 shortlist opens up vital conversations about representation, access, and public trust in the legal system.

Also read: Bite, Chaos, and Closures: Paarl Home Affairs Office Shuts Down After Shocking Assault

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Source: The South African

Featured Image: Semafor