Bizos no longer on JSC

2009-07-20 07:53

Philip de Bruin

Cape Town - One of South Africa's most experienced legal minds, Advocate George Bizos, is no longer a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

President Jacob Zuma on Sunday announced the names of four new people who will serve on the JSC.

The four newcomers are advocates Ismael Semenya SC, Dumisa Ntsebeza SC, Vas Soni SC, and Andiswa Ndoni, who is not an advocate.

Besides Bizos, advocates Kgomotso Moroko, Seth Nthai and John Ernstzen have also been replaced.

Zuma thanked the leaving members for their service to the country and to the JSC.

Raised eyebrows

Many eyebrows were raised in legal circles regarding especially Bizos's departure. His exceptional knowledge of the law in general and human rights in particular is well known, and the general expectation was that Zuma would keep him on the JSC.

Meanwhile, the JSC concluded its meeting at the weekend, without announcing candidates who will be publicly interviewed in September for positions on the Constitutional Court. There are four vacancies to be filled.

The announcement was eagerly awaited on Sunday, since Judge John Hlophe, the controversial Cape judge president, is one of the nominees. It is common knowledge that he has his eye on the title of Chief Justice.

The JSC did not give any reasons for delaying (by a week) the announcement of the shortlist of approved candidates.

- Beeld