President Jacob Zuma has extended the chief justice’s term of office by five years as from August 15, the presidency said on Thursday.
Cabinet approved the draft Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Amendment Bill, which provides for the appointment of judges and the chief justice, on Wednesday, presidency spokesperson Harold Maloka said in a statement.
“Cabinet remains confident about the president’s legislative and constitutional authority in extending the term of office of the chief justice.”
The Bill applied to the chief justice and president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, he said.
Last month Zuma announced that he was extending the term of office of Chief Justice Sandile Ncgobo by another five years.
The National Assembly passed a motion supporting a draft resolution by the chief whip of the ANC, supporting Zuma’s decision to extend Ngcobo’s term.
Ngcobo, who was appointed to the current position by Zuma in 2009, would have been a judge for 15 years in August 2011 and therefore eligible for discharge from office in terms of the law.
A chief justice may be requested by the president to continue to serve as for such period as may be determined by the president.
The Bill stated that if those in the positions did not complete seven years of active service they had to continue to stay in the position until they had or until they reached the age of 75, whichever came first.
The chief justice and the president of the Supreme Court of Appeal could request to be discharged from their duties, subject to the approval of the president or through infirmity, Maloka said. — Sapa