New leaders for the magistracy

New leaders for the magistracy: five appointments, two key posts remain vacant

Judges Matter welcomes the Magistrates Commission’s announcement that five permanent leadership appointments in the magistracy have been made, effective from 1 November 2026. Circular 4/2026, issued on 20 October 2026, confirms the appointment of a new Regional Court President for Mpumalanga and new Chief Magistrates for Durban, Mbombela, Gqeberha and Palm Ridge.

The appointments follow leadership interviews conducted by the Magistrates Commission from 14 to 16 September 2026, which were observed by Judges Matter. Over three days, the Commission, chaired by Judge President Ledwaba, interviewed 33 candidates for seven senior vacancies. Five of those positions have now been filled, while the two in the Western Cape remain vacant.

The new heads of court, who officially assumed their positions on 1 November 2026, were warmly welcomed into service by the Ministry. See here.

The appointments

Judges Matter welcomes these important appointments and congratulates the successful candidates:

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development appoints magistrates after consulting the Magistrates Commission. As a result, the Commission announces successful candidates only after the Minister makes a final decision. This circular therefore provides the first public confirmation of the appointments, more than a month after the interviews concluded.

This approach contrasts with the Judicial Service Commission process, where recommended candidates are publicly announced immediately after interviews and deliberations are complete.

How the candidates performed

The interviews were structured, professional and focused on the practical realities of court administration. Commissioners questioned candidates extensively on leadership, case-flow management, acting experience, succession planning and efforts to mentor the next generation of judicial officers.

The quality of the candidates, however, varied considerably. While several candidates demonstrated clear leadership ability and a sound grasp of court administration, others struggled to convince the Commission that they were ready for senior management positions.

Recurring concerns raised during the interviews included outstanding part-heard matters, delays in delivering judgments, persistent case backlogs and weaknesses in the management of court divisions. Particularly troubling were part-heard criminal cases in which accused persons remain in custody while proceedings remain unresolved. These challenges underscore the importance of appointing capable court leaders who can manage judicial resources effectively and ensure justice is delivered without unnecessary delay.

READ MORE ON THE INTERVIEWS HERE

Two important vacancies remain unfilled

Two of the seven advertised positions, Regional Court President of Cape Town and Chief Magistrate of Wynberg, remain vacant.

The Commission has not provided reasons for leaving these posts unfilled. Whatever the reason, the vacancies are concerning. Regional Court Presidents and Chief Magistrates play a critical role in addressing precisely the challenges that featured so prominently during the interviews, including delayed judgments, backlogs and part-heard matters.

For the role of Regional Court President, six candidates put themselves forward, including Acting Regional Court President Mr Mbuso Singapantsi, who has been acting in the position since his predecessor was elevated to the Western Cape High Court in October 2025.

Leaving these leadership positions vacant for an extended period risks undermining efforts to improve court performance and accountability. The Commission should therefore move swiftly to identify suitably qualified candidates and fill these posts.

Looking ahead

The newly appointed leaders assumed office on 1 November 2026. They will shape the daily administration of justice in some of South Africa’s busiest courts and will be judged not only by their leadership credentials but also by tangible improvements in court performance.

Success should be measured by shorter delays, fewer part-heard matters, reduced backlogs and better-managed court divisions. These outcomes are essential if the public is to have confidence that the justice system is functioning effectively.

At the same time, the appointment process itself can be improved. Judges Matter reiterates its call for a longer public comment period than the current 11 days, interview schedules that provide candidates with comparable interview conditions, livestreamed leadership interviews and the timely publication of the Commission’s recommendations.

These reforms would promote transparency, strengthen accountability and enhance public confidence in the appointment of those entrusted with leading South Africa’s courts.

Download the official circular with public confirmation of the appointments here.