President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Judge Dunstan Mlambo as the country’s new deputy chief justice, effective this Friday.
This appointment is set against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny on law enforcement amid ongoing concerns about police corruption and criminal syndication. Judge Mlambo, who has held the position of judge president at the Gauteng High Court, succeeds Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who retired on Thursday after a commendable tenure.
Madlanga’s retirement, however, will not see him disengaging from national affairs just yet. The former deputy chief justice has been tasked by Ramaphosa to chair a vital commission of inquiry into allegations surrounding police capture by organised criminal networks, stirred by explosive claims from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
President Ramaphosa expressed his confidence in Mlambo’s ability to “strengthen the rule of law, enrich jurisprudence, and assert the rights of all citizens,” within a judicial landscape that faces immense challenges and transformative opportunities.
The decision to appoint Mlambo follows recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), underlining a commitment to merit-based appointments that reflect the nation’s constitutional values. Ramaphosa has communicated his appreciation for the JSC’s transparent and rigorous selection process, which involved consulting various political perspectives represented in the National Assembly.
In the wake of Mlambo’s nomination, critics have pointed to previous instances where he was overlooked for the Constitutional Court amid politicised hearings. Nonetheless, his elevation to the role of deputy chief justice marks a crucial moment not only for his career but for the judiciary as it grapples with public trust and systemic corruption concerns.
In his acceptance, Mlambo highlighted the reigning sentiment within the judiciary, stating that “powerful people” who interpose their influence on judges represent a significant threat to the rule of law. His awareness of these challenges is poised to guide his tenure as he steps into this critical role.