President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Dunstan Mlambo as Deputy Chief Justice, with effect from Friday.

Mlambo has, since November 2012, served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa.

The position became vacant following acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s retirement after 12 years of service in court.

Ramaphosa has written to Chief Justice Mandisa Maya informing her of his decision and of his consideration of the views of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political parties represented in the National Assembly.

Ramaphosa also expressed to Maya his appreciation for the “transparent, inclusive and robust process” undertaken by the JSC, in relation to the interview process for the Deputy Chief Justice position.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the process exemplified the Commission’s commitment to upholding the nation’s constitutional values.

“The Commission had enhanced the nation’s confidence that the appointment of the Deputy Chief Justice was firmly grounded on merit, fidelity to the Constitution and a vision for the continued transformation and strengthening of the Judiciary,” he said.

The Advocates for Transformation (AFT) welcomed Mlambo’s appointment, highlighting that this was not only a professional appointment, but also a moment of deep national significance.

“…it is the elevation of a jurist who has not only served the Constitution - but shaped it, guarded it, and lived its values. Deputy Chief Justice Mlambo is one of us. His rise is not individual glory - it is a collective triumph for all who believe in transformation with substance, in justice with compassion, and in Ubuntu rooted in law,” it said.

The AFT pointed out that Mlambo's leadership came at a pivotal moment, when the country’s Constitutional Court faced a deep trust deficit from sectors of society.

“[The Constitutional Court] must defend its independence, restore institutional stability, and ensure jurisprudential coherence in a time of social and political contestation. [Mlambo] brings precisely, the steadiness, insight, and legitimacy required for this moment,” the AFT said.

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development chairperson Xola Nqola noted Mlambo’s experience and track record in the judiciary, adding that Mlambo demonstrated a “steadfast commitment” to the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the transformation of the legal system.

“His appointment is another positive step in the transformation of the judiciary and ensuring that it remains the protectors of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” Nqola said.