Now is your time to provide feedback on shortlisted candidates

NOMINATIONS AND SHORTLISTING ARE COMPLETE: NOW IS YOUR TIME TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES

JSC October Feedback Submissions Process

For two weeks, from 5 to 16 October 2026, the Judicial Service Commission will conduct public interviews to fill 23 judicial vacancies at ten Superior Courts across South Africa. This includes posts at the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Labour Court, and various High Court divisions.

The shortlist has been published, and the opportunity to provide comment on the suitability of candidates is now open, with a deadline of 11 September 2026.

THE COURT VACANCIES AND SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES CAN BE FOUND HERE.

A CALL FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FEEDBACK PROCESS

Judges appointed through this process will preside over matters that shape the lives of ordinary South Africans – family and custody disputes, labour matters, property claims, criminal trials, and disputes between citizens and the state.

Competence, independence, and integrity bear directly on the fairness and quality of justice delivered in every court. For this reason, it is crucial for members of the public to comment on the suitability of judicial candidates shortlisted for public interviews with the JSC.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CANDIDATE

When assessing a candidate’s suitability, it is essential that the main focus be placed on their professional conduct and behaviour. It is also important to look at the vacancy the candidate wishes to fill and consider whether they fit, e.g., do they have the vast experience needed for a specialist court like the Labour Court?

For this reason, you must submit a comment to the JSC if you have knowledge and experience with a candidate and can attest to their suitability for judicial office.

Some of the key qualities to look for when assessing a candidate’s suitability include:

• Competence and experience: Does the candidate have the legal knowledge, experience, and track record appropriate to the court they are being considered for? Do they write well-reasoned judgments?
• Integrity and ethics: Is the candidate known for honest, ethical conduct, both on and off the bench?
• Independence: Does the candidate decide matters on the law and the facts, free from political, personal, or other outside influence?
• Efficiency: Does the candidate have a reputation for conducting proceedings fairly and delivering judgments within a reasonable time?
• Conduct in court: Is the candidate known for treating litigants, lawyers, and colleagues with courtesy and respect?
• Contribution to transformation in the judiciary: Would the candidate’s appointment help build a bench that reflects the diversity called for by the Constitution?

Read more about the qualities needed in aspirant judges on our JSC Criteria and Guidelines for Judicial Appointment page.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT

Comments must relate to the candidate’s suitability for judicial office, for example, their competence, integrity, independence, or conduct.

Comments should not be based on personal opinions about a candidate, unsubstantiated rumour, or hearsay.

Comments should be based on your own direct knowledge or on matters of public record. These types of comments add value to the JSC and the appointment process.

DOWNLOAD OUR PUBLIC COMMENTARY FORM HERE.

To submit a comment:

1. Identify the specific candidate(s) you wish to comment on from the shortlist.
2. Set out your comment clearly, with reasons, on a separate page for each candidate.
3. Prepare your submission in both PDF and Word format.
4. Email your submission to the JSC Secretariat at MSongca@judiciary.org.za; SMthombeni@judiciary.org.za; MaBoke@judiciary.org.za; SiMthethwa@judiciary.org.za and copy JSC@judiciary.org.za.
5. Ensure your submission reaches the Secretariat by no later than 11 September 2026. Comments received after this date will not be considered.

To help you in submitting a comment, we have put together a commentary guideline document. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

PARTICIPATE

The strength of South Africa’s judiciary depends not only on those who sit on the JSC, but on the willingness of the public and legal community to engage meaningfully in moments like this one. If you have relevant, well-substantiated information about a shortlisted candidate’s suitability for appointment, we encourage you to submit it before the 11 September 2026 deadline.