Analysis: End of the Road for Hlophe’s CJ Ambitions?

By: Lindelani Mbatha

Legal Expert Mpumelelo Zikalala says there are no valid reasons why Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe failed to be shortlisted for the country’s next Chief Justice.

An evaluation panel chaired by Judge Navi Pillay considered six nominations for chief justice after the withdrawal of Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and lawyer Wallace Mgoqi from the process.

Hlophe is facing impeachment after a Judicial Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of gross misconduct. In 2008, Hlophe is elegantly attempted to sway two Constitutional Court justices to rule in former president Jacob Zuma’s favour.

Hlophe is currently challenging the ruling in court.

He was nominated for the position of Chief Justice by the Black Lawyers Association.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will now decide which candidate or candidates are referred to the Judicial Service Commission for interviews, after which he will make a final decision. The Constitution requires the president to consult the JSC on the appointment of the chief justice.

Zikalala says the is no need to trim all people applied for the position.