After a week of rigorous interviews, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted five candidates for two vacant positions at the Constitutional Court. President Cyril Ramaphosa will now select two nominees from this list to fill the posts on South Africa’s highest court.
The shortlisted candidates are Judges Nambitha Dambuza, Glen Goosen, Kate Savage, Ashton Schippers and Advocate Alan Dodson SC. This marks Dodson’s fifth attempt to join the Constitutional Court. Although previously recommended by the JSC, he has not been appointed in the past.
One candidate, Dr Madumetja Malepe, was excluded from the final list after facing tough questions during her interview about allegations involving church funds, personal debt and academic credibility. She told the panel that she had been cleared of wrongdoing but had not submitted the official documentation in time for her application.
In line with the Constitution, President Ramaphosa must now consult Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and political leaders in Parliament before confirming the appointments.
According to judicial watchdog group Judges Matter, Judge Dambuza of the Supreme Court of Appeal is viewed as a leading contender due to her extensive experience in administrative and commercial law. Judge Savage, Vice President of the United Nations Appeals Tribunal, is also regarded as a strong candidate, offering deep expertise in constitutional and labour law as well as international stature. Advocate Dodson, known for his work in human rights and land reform, remains another prominent figure in the selection process.
The JSC said the shortlisted candidates represent both continuity and renewal for a Constitutional Court that is working to restore its full complement of permanent judges.
Meanwhile, the commission has begun interviewing six high court judges namely Gerald Bloem, Mongere Masipa, Pitso Molitsoane, Thandi Norman, Bashier Vally and Leonie Windell to fill one vacant position in the Supreme Court of Appeal. All have previously served as acting judges in the SCA.
Interviews to fill three vacancies in the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Makhanda and Mthatha have been postponed due to issues with the shortlisting process. The positions will be re advertised, with interviews expected to take place in April next year.
The current round of judicial interviews will continue until 15 October, beginning with candidates for various high court and labour court vacancies in KwaZulu Natal. After each session, the JSC holds private deliberations before forwarding its recommendations to the president for consideration.
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