JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION: JSC leaves key judicial leadership posts unfilled, raising succession concerns
Key judicial leadership posts in the Eastern Cape and Labour Court were left unfilled in the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) October interviews, raising questions about stability and succession planning for the judiciary.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) failed to appoint leaders for crucial judicial posts in the Eastern Cape and Labour Court during their October interviews, sparking concerns over the judiciary's stability and succession planning. The Eastern Cape High Court has been running without a permanently appointed Judge President since Selby Mbenenge, the incumbent, went on special leave in late 2023 after a sexual harassment complaint.
In April 2026, the JSC overturned a tribunal ruling finding Mbenenge guilty of gross misconduct for sexual harassment, clearing the way for potential impeachment proceedings. One of the two Deputy Judge Presidents in the Eastern Cape, Zamani Nhlangulela, was appointed acting Judge President, but the remaining Deputy Judge President, David van Zyl, retired in the first half of 2025, creating a Deputy Judge President vacancy.
The Eastern Cape courts are already grappling with slow case finalisation and allegations of bribery to secure court dates.
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