Cape Town - The Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) recommendation on a new Western Cape Judge President has been welcomed.
Industry leaders say Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana’s nomination as Judge President of the Western Cape, highlights her commitment to justice and leadership.
The Western Cape High Court plays a critical role in the country’s legal landscape, handling some of the most high-profile cases.
The vacancy arose following the impeachment of John Hlophe over his attempt to influence two judges of the Constitutional Court in matter involving Jacob Zuma in 2008.
Judge Mabindla-Boqwana was recommended after she and other judges such as Judge Patricia Goliath, Judge André Le Grange, Judge Babalwa Mantame, Judge Denzil Potgieter, Judge Hayley Slingers, and Judge Mafeleu Thulare demonstrated their capabilities as they were interviewed by the JSC in Sandton on Monday.
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) says it has acknowledged Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s exceptional leadership and her pioneering role in advancing the rights of marginalised groups, particularly women.
“Her extensive experience, including her early work as labour law counsel and her deep engagement with constitutional issues, positions her as a capable leader who will guide the Western Cape Division with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.
“Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s involvement in high-profile criminal cases, further illustrates her ability to handle complex and sensitive matters with fairness and precision.
“Additionally, her contributions to legal scholarship, through publications on juvenile sentencing and the rights of prisoners of war, demonstrate her broader commitment to legal development,” LSSA said.
LSSA added it is confident that, under Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s leadership, the Western Cape Division will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure access to justice for all.
GOOD Party secretary-general and MPL, Brett Herron, has welcomed the recommendation of Judge Mabindla-Boqwana for the post.
“Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s candidacy for the post was widely supported by professional legal bodies. She was particularly credited for the strength of her judgment writing; she will set a high standard for her Western Cape colleagues should her appointment be confirmed by the president, as expected.
“The fact that she is willing to accept a demotion from the Appeal Court to head a provincial division of the High Court, is a strong indication of her commitment to justice in the Western Cape,” Herron said.
Herron added that Judge Mabindla-Boqwana’s appointment from outside the division would signal a return to order in the Western Cape following an extended period of instability that has tarnished its reputation and integrity.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za