{"id":19837,"date":"2025-08-01T09:16:57","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19837"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:07:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:07:45","slug":"justice-mlambo-appointed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/justice-mlambo-appointed\/","title":{"rendered":"Justice Mlambo Appointed Deputy Chief Justice \u2013 What It Means for South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-justice-mlambo-s-vision\" data-level=\"2\">Justice Mlambo\u2019s Vision<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A New Chapter Begins for South Africa\u2019s Judiciary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On Thursday, July 31, 2025, South Africa\u2019s judicial landscape shifted significantly. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his appointment of Justice Dunstan Mlambo as the new Deputy Chief Justice. This appointment took effect on August 1, 2025. It fills the vacancy left when Mandisa Maya advanced to Chief Justice after Raymond Zondo\u2019s retirement. Most importantly, Mlambo\u2019s appointment followed a transparent process grounded in the Constitution and shaped by wide national consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/national-assembly-approves-appropriation-bill\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Assembly Approves Appropriation Bill \u2013 But It\u2019s Not Over Yet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-751504941\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is Justice Dunstan Mlambo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mlambo serves as a respected pillar within the South African legal system. Since November 2012, he has acted as Judge President of Gauteng Division, the busiest High Court in the country. Additionally, his earlier roles include service in the Labour Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal. His career demonstrates consistent dedication to justice and constitutional values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How President Ramaphosa Made the Decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>President Ramaphosa made his decision after following Section 174(3) of the Constitution. He consulted with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political leaders in the National Assembly. The President praised the JSC for its \u201ctransparent, inclusive, and robust process.\u201d Furthermore, he acknowledged how the process reflected national constitutional values deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-317842906\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of the Judicial Service Commission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The JSC plays a vital role in maintaining the judiciary\u2019s integrity. It publicly interviews candidates and recommends appointments to the President. Moreover, the JSC evaluates each candidate&#8217;s professional record, moral character, and commitment to legal transformation. This rigorous process assures the public that top judicial appointments occur fairly and transparently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">President Ramaphosa\u2019s Confidence in Justice Mlambo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>President Ramaphosa highlighted that the JSC\u2019s process \u201cenhanced the nation\u2019s confidence\u201d in the appointment, which rests firmly on merit and faithfulness to the Constitution. He thanked Justice Mlambo for accepting \u201ca new responsibility of critical national importance.\u201d Also, the President emphasized Mlambo\u2019s role in reinforcing the rule of law, enriching legal principles, and defending citizens\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"BREAKING: Dustin Mlambo appointed SA&#039;s new deputy Chief Justice\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cTO7Ov1k3Qg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?sca_esv=dbbcd87e5f308596&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifOm5unxAaE94b2RLnTikhudfT8f8Q:1754032175754&amp;q=Justice+Mlambo+Appointed+Deputy+Chief+Justice+%E2%80%93+What+It+Means+for+South+Africa&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZrjP_Cx0LI1Ytb_FGcOviEiTm5uW1q0uNfK7KsnoL8hUyUYUJLZ_b-p0lT09DIkR7XPDV-eoVxhGuk4IbCKAf9OzP14PmPO56A1-Y4g8QusG23sTeRm26KWWwFhHdAcei5vk6s7QXkxI2ExDSN5ejktsHTSf892iP-XVplzHPJLdJAkTTMEi-PC95IbORlFYBpLesrk4ywx7pFaYKpGqqQKImCxc&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCvIqGh-mOAxWCUUEAHTS1DXQQ0pQJegQIDhAB&amp;biw=1415&amp;bih=621&amp;dpr=1#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:7507ee19,vid:cTO7Ov1k3Qg,st:0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1627944666\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Justice Mlambo\u2019s Strengths and Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mlambo has earned admiration for his integrity and extensive legal knowledge. Legal experts praise his judgments for clarity and constitutional grounding. Colleagues note, \u201cHe consistently makes sound decisions, even amid complex situations.\u201d In addition, Mlambo focuses on ethical leadership, aiming to improve the judiciary\u2019s accessibility and impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Filling an Important Vacancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This Deputy Chief Justice role remained empty after Mandisa Maya assumed the Chief Justice position last year. To fill it, the JSC interviewed several qualified candidates during a transparent public selection process. <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/PresidencyZA\/status\/1950960453405848021\">Eventually, the commission recommended<\/a> Justice Mlambo as the best fit. This open approach increased public trust in his appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-400102257\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boosting Stability and Public Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mlambo\u2019s appointment strengthens South Africa\u2019s legal system\u2019s stability. The Presidency confirmed the decision rested solidly on merit. Moreover, involving political parties and public stakeholders helped build legitimacy and broad agreement. This inclusive approach assures South Africans that the judiciary stays independent and trustworthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How This Appointment Impacts South Africa\u2019s Judiciary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mlambo\u2019s leadership will help steer ongoing transformation efforts in the judiciary. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.enca.com\/top-stories\/ramaphosa-appoints-dunstan-mlambo-deputy-chief-justice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Experts expect his tenure to raise public<\/a> trust and deepen commitment to the rule of law. As one observer noted, \u201cHis steady guidance will anchor the judiciary during uncertain times.\u201d Furthermore, his presence will inspire future generations of legal professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3051038344\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-justice-mlambo-s-vision\">Justice Mlambo\u2019s Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mlambo intends to promote fairness, independence, and accessibility within the judiciary. He plans to pursue reforms that enhance transparency and public engagement. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanews.gov.za\/south-africa\/justice-mlambo-appointed-deputy-chief-justice-sa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Because of his vast<\/a> experience and ethical grounding, many expect him to be a force for positive change in South Africa\u2019s legal landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Dunstan Mlambo | Leadership credentials &amp; Past judgements: Elton Hart\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/z9XXdQidGv0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?sca_esv=dbbcd87e5f308596&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifOm5unxAaE94b2RLnTikhudfT8f8Q:1754032175754&amp;q=Justice+Mlambo+Appointed+Deputy+Chief+Justice+%E2%80%93+What+It+Means+for+South+Africa&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZrjP_Cx0LI1Ytb_FGcOviEiTm5uW1q0uNfK7KsnoL8hUyUYUJLZ_b-p0lT09DIkR7XPDV-eoVxhGuk4IbCKAf9OzP14PmPO56A1-Y4g8QusG23sTeRm26KWWwFhHdAcei5vk6s7QXkxI2ExDSN5ejktsHTSf892iP-XVplzHPJLdJAkTTMEi-PC95IbORlFYBpLesrk4ywx7pFaYKpGqqQKImCxc&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCvIqGh-mOAxWCUUEAHTS1DXQQ0pQJegQIDhAB&amp;biw=1415&amp;bih=621&amp;dpr=1#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:a6d17975,vid:z9XXdQidGv0,st:0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Justice Dunstan Mlambo has been appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa. Discover what his appointment means for the judiciary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":19846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Justice Dunstan Mlambo has been appointed Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa. 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