South Africa's new chief justice: why the wheels came off the appointment process

Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, speaker of South Africa's National Assembly, and lawyer Dali Mpofu at the interviews for the next chief justice. Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

There has been an outpouring of critical comment about the interviews of candidates for appointment to the office of chief justice in South Africa. Many now argue that the Judicial Service Commission urgently needs reform.

Observers may be surprised by the vehemence of the outcry and the degree of antagonism generated. But taking a look back at developments over the last year, combined with an analysis of the appointment process – particularly the role of the Judicial Service Commmission – the outcome isn’t that surprising.