JSC announces shortlisted candidates for Gauteng Judge President and major judicial posts
Judge Aubrey Phago Ledwaba has been shortlisted for the Gauteng Division of the High Court Judge President post, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced on Thursday.
Ledwaba’s shortlisting comes amid ongoing scrutiny over past controversial decisions. During interviews for a Supreme Court of Appeal post in 2021, he was questioned by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya about his role in sealing the CR17 campaign bank records at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request in 2019.
He also drew attention for a ruling that private investigator Paul O’Sullivan must be given 48 hours’ notice before any arrest warrant could be executed against him — a decision that sparked debate over judicial discretion and accountability.
Ledwaba is the sole candidate for the Gauteng vacancy, but he is not the only judicial post the JSC is looking to fill.
Shortlists were also published for the Supreme Court of Appeal, Land Court, Competition Appeal Court, and divisions of the High Court in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. Interviews for all shortlisted candidates are scheduled from April 13 until April 17, and members of the public or legal bodies can submit comments on the suitability of candidates until March 12, 2026.
Other shortlisted candidates include Judges Gerald Hercules Bloem, Nkosinathi Emmanuel Chili, Thandi Victoria Norman, Esther Johanna Sophia Steyn, Bashier Vally and Leonie Windell for the Supreme Court of Appeal; Diana Mabasa and Adv Mzokhulayo Maxwell Mthembu for the Land Court; and Judge Evette Fiona Dippenaar for the Competition Appeal Court.
For the Western Cape High Court, candidates include Rodges (Roy) Deon Barendse, Adv Ajay Bhoopchand SC, Adv Diane Margaret Davis SC, Elzanne Mureen Jonker, Adv Ashley Henri Kantor SC, Adv Zuko Luvo Mapoma, Adv Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi, Sharon Mthimunye, Adv Pinda Njokweni, Adv Stanley Christopher O’Brien SC and Phillipa Susan Van Zyl.
In the Eastern Cape High Court, candidates include Gaynor Appels, Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza, Adv Sally Ann Collett, Mziwonke Samson Dunywa, Prof Rosaan Krüger, Adv Nicola Molony, Shirley Thembela Tilana-Mabece, Mbulelo Victor Nqumse, Prof Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya and Aron Sipho Zono.
The current controversy involving Ledwaba relates to allegations aired before the Madlanga Commission, where a witness suggested that R2.5 million was allegedly set aside to influence bail for underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe. While the witness admitted it was unclear whether the funds were intended for Ledwaba or the public prosecutor, the claims have raised concerns about public confidence in the judiciary.
Ledwaba has denied receiving any money or acting improperly and intends to appear before the commission to present his account.
The JSC has invited public and institutional comments on all shortlisted candidates, with submissions required by March 12 2026.
IOL