Staff Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has named Raymond Zondo as South Africa’s new chief justice.
Zondo, who was appointed as the country’s deputy chief justice in June 2017, has been acting as chief justice after Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term ended in October last year.
“I have every confidence that Justice Zondo will acquit himself with distinction in this position,” Ramaphosa said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, Ramaphosa’s decision followed consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of parties in the National Assembly on four nominees for the top post.
The JSC had recommended Supreme Court of Appeal president Mandisa Maya for the chief justice position, but Ramaphosa has other plans for her.
“With Justice Zondo assuming the position of chief justice, the position of deputy chief justice will become vacant,” the statement said.
“President Ramaphosa has accordingly indicated his intention, once the new chief justice assumes office, to nominate Justice Mandisa Maya for the position of deputy chief justice.”