Chief Justice nominations shortlist 'surprising': CASAC
The executive secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution says he was quite surprised to see some of the names on the shortlist of nominations for the chief justice position.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa invited members of the public to also submit names of candidates, saying it was to promote transparency and encourage public participation.
A list containing eight names was released yesterday, including that of current deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo.
Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe and Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane are also on the short list.
CASAC's Lawson Naidoo believes there are questions around Hlophe and Mkhwebane's fitness for the position.
"Judge President Hlophe he know that he has been found guilty of misconduct by the judicial service commission, a matter he is currently seeking leave to appeal, but this is a very great finding against a senior judicial officer and calls into question his fitness to serve as a judge let alone as a Chief Justice.
"With regards to advocate Mkhwebane one can point to a number of court decisions which have cast serious droughts on her understanding the law - her interpretation of the law."
