President Thabo Mbeki has recommended that Deputy Chief Justice Pius Langa succeed Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson when he steps down, his office said on Friday.
”I am of the view that Deputy Chief Justice Pius Langa would be a suitable candidate to succeed as our chief justice,” a letter from Mbeki to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) read.
In February, Chaskalson asked that he be allowed to leave his post at the end of May.
Under section 174(3) of the Constitution, the president, as head of the national executive appoints the chief justice and the deputy chief justice, after consulting the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of the parties represented in the National Assembly.
”I though it appropriate to initiate the consultative process at this stage, to allow enough time for a smooth handover to the new chief justice,” Mbeki wrote.
Mbeki requested the advice of the JSC and noted that the JSC may also make other proposals. – Sapa