Judge Mlambo mentioned as next deputy chief justice

FOLLOWING the public interview process over two days last week, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) resolved to recommend Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo to be the country’s next deputy chief justice.

- ZELDA VENTER

It will accordingly advise President Cyril Ramaphosa that Judge Mlambo is a suitable candidate for this important position, but the president has the final say in the matter. The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since September 1 last year, when the now chief justice, Mandisa Maya (then deputy chief justice), was appointed in her current position.

The other two candidates who were interviewed alongside Judge Mlambo were Free State Judge President Cagney Musi and Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tla-letsi. At 65, Judge Mlambo was the oldest candidate, which means that, if appointed, he would have to retire before his stint as Judge Maya’s second in command comes to an end.

Judge Mlambo told the JSC commission during his interview that his track record as a judge speaks for itself. He said when he earlier took over the labour court, it was in a dysfunctional state, “to put it mildly”. But he managed to turn it around.