By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Presidency confirmed the appointment of Aubrey Phago Ledwaba as the new Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution of South Africa.
Despite serious allegations levelled against him, Ledwaba was recommended by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
During the interviews, Ledwaba refuted claims that he was among officials in the criminal justice system captured by criminal forces.
He was the only candidate interviewed for the position, and takes up his new position with effect from Friday, 15 May 2026.
The Presidency in a statement on Wednesday, said the appointments are intended “to ensure courts have the necessary capacity to administer justice”.
The appointments come as judiciary continues to face mounting pressure from growing court rolls, lengthy case backlogs and increasing public demand for efficient access to justice.
List of Key Appointments in the Judiciary:
- Madam Justice Thandi Victoria Norman as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 15 May 2026
- Mr Justice Bashier Vally as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 01 June 2026
- Madam Justice Leonie Windell as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 01 June 2026
- Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Mthatha, with effect from 01 July 2026
- Adv Sally Ann Collett as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Makhanda, with effect from 01 July 2026
- Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the Court, Makhanda, with effect from 01 August 2026
- Mr Rodges Deon Barendse as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of
- the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026
- Adv Diane Margaret Davis SC as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 July 2026
- Adv Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026
- Adv Pinda Njokweni as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026; and
- adv Phillipa Susan Van Zyl as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 June 2026
Meanwhile, Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Justice Katharine Mary Savage began their tenure as Judges of the Constitutional Court at the beginning of this month, after the Presidency announced their appointment in April.