JSC recommends Justice Mahube Molemela for SCA president

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has resolved to recommend Justice Mahube Molemela for the position of president of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

SCA interviews

This follows interviews conducted by the JSC on Monday in Sandton, Johannesburg, for the top SCA post.

Justice Molemela, an SCA judge, was the only candidate interviewed by the JSC for the position of president of the second-highest court of appeal in South Africa, below the Constitutional Court (ConCourt).

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya to Constitutional Court

The position of the president of the SCA became vacant following the appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya to the position of deputy chief justice of the ConCourt with effect from 1 September 2022. 

In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa nominated Justice Molemela for the job and asked the JSC to advise him on her suitability to hold the position.

Justice Molemela’s credentials

Justice Molemela has established an illustrious judicial career spanning over 15 years, having first been appointed as a judge of the Free State Division of the High Court in 2008.

During her 15 years on the bench, she served as a judge president of the Free State Division of the High Court for three years before her elevation to the SCA in 2018.

She has also served as a judge of the Labour and Labour Appeal Court, acting judge of the Competition Appeal Court and acting judge of the Constitutional Court for two terms in 2015.

She holds a B.Proc degree (University of Fort Hare); LLB, LLM and LLD (Honoris Causa) (all three from the University of Free State).  

The JSC will continue to conduct interviews this week for the country’s superior courts until Friday.

NOW READ: Justice Maya: Zondo’s contribution will strengthen and move judiciary forward