By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo was the first to be grilled on the first day of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews for the Deputy Chief Justice position.
The interviews took place in Johannesburg from the 2nd to the 3rd of July 2025.
Two other candidates, the Northern Cape and Free State judge presidents, are next in line for the position
Mlambo is currently 65 years-old, meaning that if appointed, he would have to retire mid-way through the Chief Justice’s term.
Mlambo admits the timing isn’t ideal but says it could open the door for grooming the next deputy Chief Justice before the Chief Justice herself steps down.
“From a career development point of view and this is me sort of advancing my case, it would serve the CJ quite well to have a candidate who would leave before her and bring in someone else as DCJ and take over from her when she goes. I think it’s a way of looking at it,” said Mlambo.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya had posed a question, recalling that it had been asked of her when she was interviewed for the top judicial post whether South Africa was ready for a woman to serve in the role.
“I want you to tell us – me in particular – in front of South Africa, whether having been head of court for 14 years… calling the shots, having other people listen to you, if you would struggle or it’d pose difficulty for you, to suddenly find yourself working under the leadership of a woman, a woman who is younger than yourself? “asked Maya.
He reminded Maya that he had supported her appointment from early on in her rise through the judiciary.
“You will recall that when you were recommended as deputy chief justice. In fact starting as president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, we had a discussion, and I supported you. I said, It’s time. And thanks for accepting the role,” said Mlambo.
He emphasised that he clapped for her even when she was nominated for the position of deputy chief justice. And again when she was appointed to her current position. He also told her that she could rely on his support.
Online group Judges Matter, which advocates for transparency and accountability within the judiciary, looked at the chances of each of the judges to get the nod and said Mlambo, has impeccable credentials as a judicial leader. For the last 15 years, he has served as judge president of two of the busiest courts in the country – the Labour Court and then the Gauteng High Court. He is currently the most senior judge president in South Africa in terms of years of service.
According to Judges Matter, he is regarded by the legal profession as an innovative and savvy leader, and he spearheaded the rollout of the Court Online system in the Gauteng High Court in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Born in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, Mlambo holds a B.Proc law degree from the University of the North (now University of Limpopo), an LLB from Unisa, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Fort Hare.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of JRSA.