The Eastern Cape Division of the High Court will remain without a permanently appointed Deputy Judge President after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) failed to recommend a candidate following a second round of deliberations and voting.
Four judges — Bulelwa Pakati, Vuyokazi Noncembu, Buyiswa Majiki and Fathima Dawood — were interviewed for the position, but none secured the required majority of 13 votes.
In its statement issued on 8 October, the JSC confirmed that “none of the candidates achieved the required majority of 13 votes”.
Judges Matter research and advocacy officer Mbekezeli Benjamin said leaving the position vacant until the next round of interviews could disrupt the functioning of the Eastern Cape High Court.
The vacancy arose in 2025 following the retirement of Judge David van Zyl. This is the second unsuccessful attempt to fill the position, leaving the division without a permanently appointed deputy judge president for more than a year.
The appointment process remains unresolved, with no candidate recommended for the position.
ECNewsLive | Beyond News
