Zoleka Qodashe3 July 2025 | 15:12

After making recommendation, JSC says it's now up to Ramaphosa to appoint DCJ

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Thursday afternoon announced its resolution to advise the president that Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo was suitable for the second highest position in the judiciary.

After making recommendation, JSC says it's now up to Ramaphosa to appoint DCJ

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town on 28 November 2024. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament

JOHANNESBURG - Judicial service commissioner, Advocate Sesi Baloyi, says the ball is now firmly in the court of President Cyril Ramaphosa in his appointment of a deputy chief justice.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Thursday afternoon announced its resolution to advise the president that Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo was suitable for the second-highest position in the judiciary.

The body over the last two days conducted interviews of three candidates for the post after President Ramaphosa nominated four contenders for the role.

The JSC has recommended Mlambo to fill the vacancy, which has been open on a permanent basis since Mandisa Maya was appointed chief justice last year.

While the Constitution stipulates that the president must consult with the JSC and leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly, he may still appoint a candidate of his choosing, as explained by Baloyi.

"We don’t tell the president who to appoint. He’s consulting not just us, there’s other stakeholders as well, political parties represented in Parliament and so we are just one of the parties being consulted. He could choose anyone that he wants of the three candidates that he nominated."