Capacity: Advocate
Admission as advocate: 2000
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: African
Date of Birth: April 1973
Qualifications: BA law (1994) LLB (2000) (University of Witwaterstrand), BA. Honors (2000) (University of the Free State), Masters in Business Leadership (2010) (University of South Africa)
Key judgments:
- Prudential Authority and another v Habib Overseas Bank and others (2023/071935) [2024] ZAGPPHC 189 (26 February 2024)
- Maarman and Others v Road Accident Fund (993/2023) [2025] ZAWCHC 106 (12 March 2025)
- Nokotyana and Others v Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Others (CCT 31/09) [2009] ZACC 33; 2010 (4) BCLR 312 (CC) (19 November 2009)
- Van Der Merwe v Blaauw NNO and Others (22132/2024) [2025] ZAWCHC 207 (25 August 2025) (Leave to Appeal)
Candidate Biography | Updated September 2025:
Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong is an advocate of the High Court of Pretoria.
He is a seasoned legal practitioner and judicial officer whose professional life reflects extensive courtroom experience, intellectual rigour, and a strong commitment to constitutionalism and public service. Kholong began his legal career in the Free State Government, where he served as a legal advisor and in legal services from 1996 to 2000. He then transitioned to more managerial roles within the Department of Provincial and Local Government and Ekurhuleni Municipality before leaving to begin his work in private practice as an advocate in 2011.
In addition to his practice at the Bar, he has contributed substantially to the judiciary through his service as an acting judge in the High Court. His judicial record is both substantial and varied, as reflected in the large body of judgments authored under his name. Advocate Kholong has sat as an Acting Judge in the North Gauteng High Court, Western Cape High Court and the Thembalethu Circuit Local Division for a number of stints over the past year. He has also held numerous quasi-judicial roles; for example, he has been the chairperson of no less than four Audit and Risk Committees, including the CCMA Governance Audit and Risk Committee. Beyond that, Kholong has been a member of eight additional Audit and Risk Committees. This is only a small selection of the committees, oversight groups and commissions of inquiry he has taken part in, showing his dedication to the upholding of transparency and good governance practices in our democracy.
In Habib Overseas Bank, Advocate Kholong showed not only skilful application of complex commercial law matters, but context-sensitive analysis of the rights and duties of the parties involved. This case handled the misappropriation of funds by a bank through maladministration. While the law spoke in the language of creditors, Advocate Kholong recognised and appreciated that the majority of the persons harmed by this bank’s conduct were ordinary depositors, people who had trusted a bank to do their work properly and protect their livelihoods, and so, in ordering the immediate winding up of the bank, Kholong protected their interests as far as possible.
Further, in the Maarman case, Kholong was able to advance the cause of social justice through the recognition of the rights of vulnerable parties to get protection from the law. In this case, several plaintiffs were seeking relief from the Road Accident Fund but were met with rejection letters based on various procedural issues with their submitted documentation. Kholong, in deciding the case, took a purposive and contextual approach to the interpretation of the relevant legislation and made orders vindicating the plaintiff’s rights to have their claims considered wherever possible.
These decisions demonstrate clarity of analysis, firm control over procedure, and a sensitivity to the evolving demands of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. He has
presided over matters involving constitutional rights, administrative reviews, contractual disputes, criminal proceedings, and labour issues. His judgments are notable for their accessibility, structured reasoning, and engagement with both established law and broader principles of fairness and justice.
He is recognised by peers for his diligence, fairness, and integrity. His legal practice and judicial service have been complemented by his participation in professional bodies, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the legal profession and promoting access to justice. Adv Kholong is further distinguished by his ability to balance firmness and fairness in the courtroom. His conduct reflects patience and respect towards litigants and practitioners alike, while ensuring that proceedings remain efficient and focused. These qualities, combined with his legal acumen, underscore his suitability for permanent judicial office.
In summary, Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong has established himself as a principled and capable legal practitioner and judicial officer. His broad experience, proven judgment-writing capacity, and demonstrated commitment to the constitutional order position him as a candidate of considerable merit for appointment to the bench.
October 2025 Interview: Mpumalanga High Court
The Judicial Service Commission interviewed candidates for two vacancies in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court. Following deliberations, the Commission had resolved not to recommend Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong for the position.
Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong‘s interview was unsuccessful.
October 2025 Interview: Limpopo High Court
The Judicial Service Commission interviewed candidates for one vacancy in the Limpopo Division of the High Court. Following deliberations, the Commission had resolved not to recommend Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong for the position.
Advocate Solomon Shami Teboho Kholong‘s interview was unsuccessful.