The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has decided to recommend three judges for appointment to the Supreme Court of Appeal, one of whom is Judge Piet Koen from the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court. Judge Koen is notable for having presided over the corruption trial of former president Jacob Zuma.
The JSC will submit its recommendations to President Cyril Ramaphosa, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
The JSC interviewed six candidates for the three vacancies at the Supreme Court of Appeal. Following deliberations, the JSC has agreed to recommend:
Judge Judge E D Baartman
Judge Judge P Coppin
Judge Judge P A Koen#JSCinterviews#JudiciaryRSA#Judiciary pic.twitter.com/o3e1me41cS— RSAJudiciary (@OCJ_RSA) October 7, 2024
Despite concerns raised in some quarters regarding the JSC’s composition following the resignation of uMkhonto weSizwe parliamentary leader Dr. John Hlophe on Monday, the commission has proceeded with its scheduled interviews. Advocate Sesi Baloyi, representing the JSC, addressed the matter, saying: “As of now, the JSC remains properly constituted, as it was when the MK party’s application was heard on Friday. Dr. Hlophe is still considered a member of the commission as he was officially designated. The decision to continue stands, and nothing has changed since Friday’s refusal to grant a postponement. We will carry on with the interviews as planned for the week.”