JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION: JSC interviews scrutinise Eastern Cape judiciary, deputy judge president post unfilled
In an unusual turn, the Judicial Service Commission did not release a recommendation, if any, for the Eastern Cape deputy judge president post late on Tuesday after concluding the day’s hearings. Results of deliberations ‘will be announced when they are ready’, the JSC said on the position, which has been vacant for more than a year in a province where the courts’ performance is described as…
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) concluded interviews on Tuesday without recommending a candidate for the vacant deputy judge president position in the Eastern Cape. The post has been unfilled for over a year in a province where court performance is described as uneven. Sexual harassment, despite training and a judiciary-wide policy, remains a sensitive topic.
Judge Buyiswa Majiki admitted there would be some reluctance to discuss the issue in the Eastern Cape. Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge is currently on special leave but remains in office following a successful interdict against his dismissal for gross misconduct, including sexual harassment. The matter dates back to 2023, when his court secretary filed a complaint.
Judge Vuyokazi Noncembu defended her colleagues, stating that they participated fully in training and a wellness retreat focused on sexual harassment, which she hoped would alleviate concerns. The deputy judge president vacancy arose when Judge David van Zyl retired in 2025, but it was not filled during the JSC's October 2025 interviews.
The issue of age was also discussed, with some judges approaching retirement age while others expressed concerns about a lack of experience.
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