Judicial Service Commission Shortlists Candidates for Key Judicial Vacancies

In a significant step towards bolstering South Africa’s judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has released the list of shortlisted candidates for vacant judicial positions across multiple tiers of the nation’s court system. These include the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Labour Court, and several Divisions of the High Court.

The shortlisted candidates are expected to undergo public interviews between 6 and 17 October 2025, forming part of the JSC’s regular sittings. The process, seen as a cornerstone of South Africa’s transparent judicial appointment system, invites input from the public and legal bodies to assess the integrity and suitability of each candidate.

Constitutional Court Vacancies Re-advertised Amid Limited Eligibility

The JSC had initially called for applications to fill two vacant positions at the Constitutional Court, the apex body in the country’s constitutional democracy. However, of the six applicants, only five met the eligibility criteria, prompting the JSC to re-advertise both vacancies.

“If one of the shortlisted candidates does not make the final recommendation list, there will be one candidate short to fill the two vacancies,” the JSC noted.

The re-advertisement was published on 18 July 2025, with 6 August 2025 as the closing date for new applications. Interviews for these positions are also scheduled for the October 2025 sitting.

Land Court Vacancy Withdrawn Amid Legal Transition

In a notable development, the JSC announced the withdrawal of the vacancy at the Land Court. This decision is pending the finalization of the Land Court’s new judicial structure under the Land Court Act 6 of 2023. The Act aims to streamline land-related adjudications and introduce more permanent judicial oversight in this highly sensitive and historically rooted legal domain.

Shortlisted Candidates: A Regional Overview

Supreme Court of Appeal (1 Vacancy)

• Judge Gerald Hercules Bloem

• Judge Busisiwe Shareen Masipa

• Judge Pitso Ephraim Molitsoane

• Judge Thandi Victoria Norman

• Judge Bashier Vally

• Judge Leonie Windell

Labour Court (Johannesburg) (3 Vacancies)

• Suzanna Harvey

Eastern Cape Division of the High Court

• Deputy Judge President

  • Judge Buyiswa Majiki

  • Judge Mandela Makaula

  • Judge Bulelwa Myra Pakati

• Makhanda and Mthatha (3 Vacancies)

  • Gaynor Appels

  • Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza

  • Advocate Nicola Molony

  • Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya

  • Aron Sipho Zono

Free State Division of the High Court (1 Vacancy)

• Advocate Denise Greyling-Coetzer

• Matodzi Brian Nemavhidi

Gauteng Division of the High Court (8 Vacancies)

• Advocate Thembi Precious Bokako

• Advocate Lesibana Gemine Philemon Ledwaba

• Advocate Sarita Liebenberg

• Judge Daphney Mahosi

• Advocate Khashane La Mmapowana Manamela

• Nkosingiphile Goodness Ma-Myeni Mazibuko

• Advocate Keitumetse Johanna Mogale-Makinta SC

• Richard James Austin Moultrie

• Advocate Ettian Raubenheimer

• Advocate Karin Strydom

• Stephens Anthony Thobane

• Advocate Petrus Arnoldus Van Niekerk SC

• Livhuwani Betty Vuma

• Advocate Susan Melissa Wentzel

KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court (5 Vacancies)

• Malizo Samkelo Gwagwa

• Sanele David Hlatshwayo

• Advocate Ranjiv Rajkumar Nirghin

• Advocate Murray Breval Pitman

• Advocate Mpumelelo Prosper Sibisi

• Nomfundo Sipunzi

• Judge Namhla Thina Yvonne Siwendu

Limpopo Division of the High Court (Polokwane) (1 Vacancy)

• Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong

• Karin Leanne Pillay

Mpumalanga Division of the High Court (Middelburg) (2 Vacancies)

• Lerato Jane Nontando Bam

• Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong

• Advocate Daniel Desi Mogotsi

• Advocate Kganki Frans Phahlamohlaka

Public Participation: Comment Deadline 5 September

In line with its commitment to public accountability, the JSC invites comments on the shortlisted candidates’ suitability. These submissions can come from law societies, legal academics, practitioners, and members of the public.

Submission guidelines:

• All comments must be directed to MSongca@judiciary.org.za and TPhaahlamohlaka@judiciary.org.za, with a copy to JSC@judiciary.org.za.

• Each comment must be on a separate page and submitted in both PDF and Word formats.

• The deadline for submissions is 5 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Looking Ahead

The October 2025 JSC sitting will be closely watched, as the outcomes will shape the future of judicial leadership in South Africa. Amid growing demand for legal reform, judicial independence, and public trust, the Commission’s decisions will carry lasting consequences for the country’s democratic and legal institutions.