By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Judge Dunstan Mlambo as deputy chief justice, and his term is set to start from 1st of August 2025.
Mlambo’s appointment is in accordance with section 174(3) of the Constitution.
Earlier this month, the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) announced that it would recommend Mlambo for the position of Deputy Chief Justice.
There were three candidates for the position of deputy chief justice during the interview process.
The candidates interviewed were Mlambo, Free State Judge President Cagney Musi, and Northern Cape Judge President Pule Tlaletsi. A fourth nominee, Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) Justice Mahube Molemela, withdrew.
The position of deputy chief justice has been vacant since 1 September last year, when the then-deputy chief justice Mandisa Maya rose to the position of Chief Justice.
Mlambo is currently 65 years old, he would have to retire mid-way through the chief justice’s term.
“The president has expressed to the chief justice his appreciation for the transparent, inclusive and robust process undertaken by the JSC,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
“The commission had enhanced the nation’s confidence that the appointment of the deputy chief justice was firmly grounded on merit, fidelity to the Constitution and a vision for the continued transformation and strengthening of the judiciary.”
Mlambo served as Gauteng Judge President since November 2012.
Previously, Mlambo was appointed as an acting judge in the Labour Court and a judge in the Labour Appeal Court in 1997.
He also served as a judge in the High Court in Johannesburg and the Supreme Court of Appeal.
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.