Nadel welcomes Cyril's four new JSC members

The non-racial National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Nadel) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to replace four members of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), the body which advises the president on appointments to the high court, but has expressed concern that its own members continue to be ignored.

Nadel said the JSC structure seemed to be dominated by members of the Black Lawyers’ Association (BLA).

In a statement this week, Ramaphosa said he had written to all parties in the National Assembly announcing his replacement candidates, chair of the Legal Practice Council Hlaleleni Kathleen MatoloDlepu, advocates Thandazani Griffitsa Madonsela and Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, and attorney Doris Lebogang Tshepe.

They will replace advocates Lindi Nkosi-Thomas SC, Thandi Norman SC, Thabani Masuku SC and Sifiso Msomi, who were all designated by former President Jacob Zuma.

In a statement issued by Nadel’s national general secretary Nolitha Jali, the organisation said the newly-appointed members bring vast experience and have served the profession in various capacities.

“We have no doubt that these new members of the JSC will continue to serve in the JSC with integrity and total commitment.”

However, the organisation expressed concern that the JSC appeared to be dominated by BLA appointments.

“Nadel is extremely disappointed that, once again, since the presidency of former President Zuma, Nadel members have been overlooked by President Ramaphosa in his appointments,” Jali said.

In follow-up comments, she said that while there had never been tensions between Nadel and BLA, there were still ideological differences.

“Nadel firmly believes in nonracialism, public interest and human rights. In terms of its ideology, Nadel firmly believes in the appointment of judges with deep understanding of the socio-economic context of South Africa and constitutionalism.”

A seat on the JSC would enable Nadel to assert its judicial philosophy. She said, however, that members of the JSC perform their functions as individuals, exercising their independence and maintaining objectivity.

Nadel firmly believes in non-racialism, public interest and human rights