Zimbabwe-born candidate for the Labour Court questioned on citizenship during interview

JOHANNESBURG - A Zimbabwe-born candidate for the Labour Court has been questioned on her citizenship during interviews by the Judicial Service Commission.

Tapiwa Gandidze is among four hopefuls who were interviewed for the Labour Court judge on Tuesday.

The commission is also looking to fill vacancies in the Electoral Court.

There is no provision in South African law that requires judges to be citizens, except appointees to the Constitutional Court.

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But during Gandidze’s interview, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya asked about her citizenship.

"You mentioned that you were born in Zimbabwe and just to make sure that we comply with the Constitution, you are a South African citizen?

Tapiwa: "I am." 

Maya: "When did you acquire that citizenship?"

Replied Tapiwa: "[In] 2016, 2017."

Commissioner Mwelo Nonkonyana then asked Gandidze about the matters that she has presided over that involve foreign nationals.

"I am not aware of any matter that I have worked on where there were foreign nationals involved, but if the papers do not refer to the fact that they are foreign nationals, I have no way of knowing."

Gandidze has repeatedly mentioned during her interview that she simply applies the law.