Africa-Press – South-Africa. Advocates for Transformation (AFT) believe that Justice Raymond Zondo’s appointment as Chief Justice was the right one as he is qualified, experienced, and independent.
In a statement on Sunday, AFT, whose Judicial Service Commission (JSC) candidate during the Chief Justice interviews was advocate Dali Mpofu SC, applauded Zondo’s appointment.
“AFT believes that Justice Zondo is suitably qualified, experienced and will vigorously pursue the vision of the Constitution of transformation under the law,” the statement said.
“AFT also regards Justice Zondo as fiercely independent, and thus the right leader for the judiciary at this time.”
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AFT also noted “the intention of President Cyril Ramaphosa to nominate Supreme Court of Appeal President Mandisa Maya for the role of Deputy Chief Justice”.
“Her stellar record speaks for itself, and we look forward to her interview at the JSC,” AFT said.
“We believe that the possible elevation of Justice Maya as Deputy Chief Justice will inspire generations of young women lawyers who can dream that they too can play leadership roles in our judiciary.”
Maya was the candidate endorsed by the JSC for the position of Chief Justice. However, Ramaphosa appointed Zondo instead.
Experts had previously said the JSC should not have endorsed a single candidate, but rather consult and express a view as to the suitability of candidates.
Mpofu’s term as Advocates for Transformation representative in the JSC expires
Earlier on Sunday, News24 reported that the AFT had written to the JSC informing the commission that Mpfofu’s term had come to an end.
AFT national chairperson, advocate Myron Dewrance SC, said Mpofu’s term of office as a representative via the General Council of the Bar at the JSC had expired on 10 February.
At the time, the AFT national executive committee requested Mpofu to continue serving on the JSC, pending the finalisation of the interviews for the Chief Justice position, which had since been finalised.
At its June 2017 AGM in Bloemfontein, AFT resolved that its candidate serving on the JSC would only be able to serve a term of two years at a time and a maximum of two terms subject to the decision of an AGM.
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“In 2017, Mpofu SC was elected to serve on the JSC for one term. At a later AGM in Port Elizabeth in 2019, Mpofu SC was re-elected to serve on the JSC,” Dewrance said.
Dewrance said AFT was in the process of identifying a suitable successor and that the JSC would be advised in due course.
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