The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is made up of 23 representatives from different structures of the government and South African legal community. Justice Mandisa Maya , the Chief Justice, presides and in his absence, the Deputy Chief Justice..
The purpose of the JSC
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) performs an advisory role to the President and national government on any matters relating to the Judiciary or administration of justice. The committee was established in terms of section 178 of the Constitution.
The JSC also assists in interviewing all of the candidates for the judicial posts available across South Africa and following those interviews the committee makes recommendations for appointment to the bench to the President.
Lastly, the JSC sees to all complaints brought against Judges.
The 23 members include:
- Justice Mandisa Maya, the Chief Justice (or the Deputy Chief Justice in her absence)
- The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (currently Justice Molemela *)
- A representative for the Judge Presidents, who run the divisions of the High Court. This is currently JP Pule Tlaletsi.
- Ms Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, the Minister of Justice
- Adv Kameshni Pillay SC represents the Bar
- Adv Jennifer Cane SC represents the Bar.
- Mr Maboku Mangena represents the attorneys
- Mr Mochini Motloung represents the attorneys
Some members of parliament and representatives of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), including Mr Soviet Lekganyane..
There are also National Assembly representatives of minority parties; the IFP, the EFF and the DA. The law academics are also represented. The President has four appointees, currently Hlaleleni Kathleen Matolo-Dlepu and Ms Nomaswazi Shabangu-Mndaweni. Adv Sesi Baloyi, and Adv Thembeka Ngcukaitobi.
Also present at each interview is the Judge President of the division which is being interviewed for – the prospective boss of the judge – and a representative of the Premier for that province.
For further details, read our article: Who sits on the JSC panel?
JSC Meetings
As members of JSC act in other professional capacities, the JSC and its various committees meet twice a year for a week, usually in April and October.
The meetings are generally held in Sandton and the JSC Secretariat makes all logistical arrangements for all commissioners and is responsible for collating an agenda and documents relating to general matters to be dealt with by the JSC.
Complaints against judges
Complaints against Judges who contravene the Code of Judicial Conduct must first be reported to the JSC Secretariat, which is located within the Office of the Chief Justice. The Code of Judicial Conduct provides for ethical and professional standards that are required of every Judge.
Click here to find out more about the JSC.
Read our article: Who sits on the JSC panel?
[Updated: April 2026]