By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The fourth day of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews saw the commission filling the six judge vacancies of the Gauteng Division of the High Court.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya was presiding over the proceedings. This is her first time chairing JSC interviews since assuming office as chief justice on September 1.
The interviews began on a rough note for the first candidate, Advocate Gregory Ally, who faced intense scrutiny for nominating himself and consenting to his own nomination.
An excruciating exchange between commissioners and Ally played out as he told the JSC that he not only nominated himself but also accepted his own nomination.
His nine outstanding judgments also didn’t do him any favours, as most of them have exceeded the three-month period determined by the judicial norms and standards.
One of the judgments involving the compensation of a child with cerebral palsy has been outstanding for over a year.
“This is one that has had me busy, and I am trying my best to deliver it and I know I have said previously that it will be delivered this time, that time, and it must get done and it will get it done.”
As if that was enough, Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko also withdrew his candidature following concerns from the commissioners over his behaviour on social media.
The candidates recommended for appointment as judges are: Prof. Wilhelmina Elmien Jacoba du Plessis, Adv Etienne Christoffel Labuschagne SC. Adv Shaida Aboo Baker Mahomed, magistrate Mudunwazi Samuel Makamu, Judge Graham Nasious Moshoana and Adv Richard Bonakele Mkhabela SC as well.
The JSC interviewed candidates for six vacancies at the Gauteng Division of the High Court. Following deliberations, the JSC has agreed to recommend: Prof W E J du Plessis and Adv E C Labuschagne SC. Adv S A B Mahomed, M S Makamu, Judge G N Moshoana and Adv R B Mkhabela SC,” read the JSC statement.
The candidates were interviewed for the six Gauteng Division of the High Court judge vacancies. They are Adv Ally, Prof. Wilhelmina Elmien Jacoba du Plessis and Adv Etienne Christoffel Labuschagne SC. Adv Shaida Aboo Baker Mahomed. Magistrate Mudunwazi Samuel Makamu and Adv Richard Bonakele Mkhabela SC. Judge Graham Nasious Moshoana, Prof Moses Retselisitsoe Phooko and magistrate Tebogo Tlhapi Thupaatlase.
The JSC is interviewing 54 shortlisted candidates to fill 26 vacancies. These are in the Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court and Labour Appeal Court. As well as various divisions of the High Court.